Update on mares feet - one week on

[rockysmum]

Big thanks to everyone who advised me and to Oberon for the contact details of the trimmer and the extremely detailed PM

I honestly dont know what has happened to "The Beast" she seems to have lost a lot of her attitude along with her shoes.

But first the feet. They are looking better, she no longer looks uncomfortable, well she is a bit careful on the concrete but that was to be expected. She is being ridden in the school and has been fine. No cracking or bits missing from her feet, they are perfect. Will take some pics when my daughter is down in the daylight as I am useless.

But the most amazing change is her temperament. I actually dont mind handling her at the moment. Normally I hate doing things with her as she is so temperamental.

For example, normally if I go in the field she will charge up to me, challenge me, snorting and generally trying to intimidate me. She would never hurt me, she just likes to show who is boss. (doesn't do this to my uncle or daughter ) Today I went in the field with some friends whos little boy wanted to see the horses. He had carrots as did dad and mum. I was helping him to feed my oldie while dad and mum fed The Beast and our little cob. Looked away for a second and he squeeled with laughter, when I looked again I nearly died. The beast had come over to see what he was I had no worries she would hurt him but still. Instead of attitude she was nudging him really gently and being very affectionate. This horse doesn't do affectionate. And then tonight she came in from the field really calmly, picked her feet up without a fight and submitted to a goodnight hug, also without a fight.

I am pleased but also wondering whether I am being set up

 

[devonlass]

Sorry not sure of history,but great that her feet are improving and that you are enjoying her more now

Perhaps she was uncomfortable when shod and now feels a little better so her mood has lifted??

Or maybe you have been supplementing her for the transition and that's the answer?? Magnesium would be my first guess as a popular one for feet and also calms.

Took my cob barefoot few months ago as was appalled at his feet in shoes,and have seen a huge difference in his way of going,although sadly not in his mood,he's still a grumpy git lol

Hope the rest of your barefoot journey is trouble free and has the results you are hoping for

 

[rockysmum]

Thank you

No I haven't been supplementing magnesium, I tried it some time ago and it made no difference. I think it only works if they are deficient.

I went through all her supplements with the trimmer. He was happy with what she was already getting. But slightly amused at the vast number of different tubs. He has suggested a supplement which gets rid of all but two of them, so that will make feeding easier.

I haven't changed her feed either, as he was happy with that too. Only change he suggested was linseed which my feed merchant has had to order so she hasn't got that yet.

I hope its that she is feeling better, but that will make me feel guilty as she must have been very uncomfortable before.

 

[LucyPriory]

OP - feel guilty if you must but you shouldn't.

Many of the horses I see in shoes are uncomfortable, it is just that people don't see it until it is pointed out - then it becomes glaringly obvious. And a lot of emotional effort gets wasted in guilty feelings that would be better off if channelled into fixing the problem.

And a very high proportion of the horses I work with have 'behavioural' issues for which some of them receive very harsh retribution. I find the majority (ok all) of the time the behaviour is no longer a problem when a) any dietary issues are resolved b) their feet don't hurt any more.

My own horse was written off as 'evil' and a 'witch' after years of veterinary intervention which had got nowhere and was headed for meat.

Her main problem - poor diet, 8 corns and undiagnosed/untreated laminitis

 

[Oberon]

Cool