welfare peeps and farriers help please

Binkybex

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Firstly I want to make it clear this is not a dig at the owner of this pony I am honestly worried about it. In all other respects the pony is well cared for and loved. If you know this pony or its owner perhaps you can help either myself in understanding why its feet are in this state or perhaps the owner to fully understand what steps they should be taking.

There is a pony near me that has the worst feet I have ever seen in the flesh. Turns out pony is laminitic and has only seen a farrier once in about ten years (info obtained through the gossip channels so not to be relied apon I know). Pony is obviously in pain and unable to walk very far, also is very overweight even at this time of year.

feet are very overgrown and seem to have had the pointy ends chopped off. There is also a lump on the sole of the foot that I would imagine is the pedal bone pushing down.

Should I call the WHW? What would be done? I dont want the owner to get in to trouble I do honestly think they just need some proffesional advice as they obviously care for the pony.

Farriers! Is there any hope for said pony or has it gone too far? here is a quick photo i took over the gate so it is not of the best quality sorry.

feet002.jpg
 
I'm no expert but feet don't look great :-(

If pony is in pain walking then I'd say call WHW asap. They are experienced in dealing with owners who might care but aren't doing the best for an animal.
 
The feet are long but I have seen worse, the lump on the sole of the foot is very disturbing though, can you not have a quiet word with the owners?
 
I think because the pony is standing in mud you cant see how bad they are. when stood on hard ground the front of the foot does not touch the ground. they look like aladin slippers.

apparently people have tried to speak to owner but to no avail.
 
I really think you need to call someone - if the lump is the pedal bone pressing down that will be just agonising for the poor little thing:(. Maybe some advice from a slightly more authoritative source (such as WHW field officer) will make the owners see that they need to do something about this situation.

Whether or not something can be done to save the life of the pony will depend on many factors, but it can't be left in that state, it must be at least uncomfortable if not in outright pain:( WHW will not give out the details of callers, so you can call them and not have to worry about the owners finding out it was you (if that is something that might concern you).
 
My pony is called Aladdin because his feet actually curled up and back around on themselves like slippers when the police found him. He is fine now, totally sound and is going to be backed this year. So there is hope for this horse yet. Sounds like the owners are a bit ignorant about foot care and as you seem to think they genuinely care for the pony I think the WHW would be the best bet. If you have a quiet word with the owners they may just think you're poking your nose in, but think they may take on some advice from an organisation such as WHW
 
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