Unknown Lameness

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Kirk123

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Ill try to cut a long story short.

So, my horse always gets sore on his front feet after being shod, usually for the first week he is the worst. Weve got a very good farrier - never had any problem with any other horses. Anyway, Toby is always 99% fine after about a week and is able to be ridden, jumped etc. Hes 15 now and has competed over the years up to 1.10m. I always give him that week off and then ride away. Anyway, a few times ive noticed a very slight niggle when riding him, so ive had the vet out. On numerous occasions the vet has struggled to even notice it (i struggle from the ground - i can just feel something strange when im on him.) he was turned out for 2 weeks while i was on holiday, when i went back to the field to get him, he was hopping lame, even in walk. so, got the vet again.

we nerve blocked his hoof, which helped, but still did not clear it up. hes now had x rays as we were worried about pedal bone fracture or laminitis - x rays came back clear. hes the most lame on the turn, doesnt want to put any weight on his feet and turns trying to keep his legs straight... weird!! anyway, weve now sent him for MRI on his feet and legs.

Has anyone seen this in their horse? or have any bright ideas? just seems so bizarre as hes always worse after being shod, but can find nothing in his feet.
 
It's just not acceptable for a horse to be sore for a week, every time after being shod. A horse shouldn't be less sound after a trim or shoeing. I wouldn't have him shod and I'm actually quite shocked that your Farrier is happy to continue shoeing him in these circumstances.

RE this latest lameness issue, I do hope that you get to the bottom of it and that he comes sound soon.
 
Boots and pads?

It is a fundamental truth that a horse that is lame without shoes is just simply lame, even if the shoes will mask the lameness (I've had this drummed into me by my farrier when my mare was having terrible hoof issues).

Poor chap he's in the right hands at the Vets.

If you are willing, photos of his hooves would be very interesting (side, back, front and underneath, with the first three taken with the camera nearly on the ground). Have you looked at the Rockley Farm blog before? It's worth a read for every horse owner IMO.
 
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