Underrun heels? Pics

[saddlesore]

3 yo cob ( just turning 3 now ) and getting backed ATM. I feel that his front feet are starting to look underrun and I don't know why or what to so about it! Currently he lives out 24/7 and gets a small handful if fast fibre, good doer and forage plus summer hoof. He recently had a bought of diahorrea so is also on protexin.

Front right

 

[saddlesore]

Front left which I don't think is as bad.

I should add that horse is sound and lands heel first.

 

[MrsNorris]

They look great to me, and look at those frogs! I wouldn't be worrying if I were you

 

[saddlesore]

Do you think? I'm such a worrier ha ha. Totally foot obsessed

 

[mightymammoth]

I agree they look good to me. Is he sore? As long he's sound don't worry. Frogs are very impressive!

 

[saddlesore]

No he's sound as a pound

 

[Brightbay]

One of the things I tend to look for is where the last ground bearing part of the heel is in relation to the widest part of the frog.

If it's well forward (towards the toe), that would be a concern. If it's quite close, that would be a nice strong hoof.

Your solar shots show a nice fat wide frog, with the last ground bearing part of the heel ending just at the widest point. Low heels, but strong and not underrun, IMO.

 

[saddlesore]

Thanks Brightbay. What problems can low heels cause? Can they turn into underrun heels?

 

[amandap]

They don't look underrun to me either but you also need to look at foot and leg/whole horse together for perspective.

ps. Low or short heels are not a problem at all if the sole is thick and the hoof healthy, robust and functional. Healthy hooves do have short, robust heels.

 

[saddlesore]

I've sent them to my farrier to see if he wants to come out before his trim is due ( I'd just rounded off the edges here )

 

[Ronalda]

Just check those frogs!

Don't look underrun to me but both heels would come down more and thus be brought back more if required.

The front left (which you don't think is as bad) has got the longer heel.