When function doesn't follow form

[Casey76]

I'm currently tearing my hair out...

At first glance, Blitz has lovely looking feet, even if they are a little run forward in the fronts. He has thick walls, rock hard soles, ugly frogs which are trying their best to shed all at once! But he just isn't comfortable and creeps along on anything but grass or the sand school. Even smooth concrete.

At the moment I have him in boots and pads for turnout.

If I could play the long game I would be happy to let him do as he pleases, however he is for sale.

I am seriously considering getting him shod in front, which I would see as a defeat. He has a good diet, he is a good weight, his feet look good, but...

 

[Leo Walker]

Shoe him. Its almost a given that the new owners will anyway so you are just saving yourself loads of hassle.

 

[ihatework]

A horse with sore feet gets muscularly sore elsewhere.
If it's not working it's not working! I'm sure your horse will thank you for making him comfortable in his work.

 

[Fidgety]

A horse with sore feet gets muscularly sore elsewhere.
If it's not working it's not working! I'm sure your horse will thank you for making him comfortable in his work.

This. If shoeing would make him comfortable, his welfare surely must take priority over a personal defeat? Would he even pass a vetting if he is so sore?

Also, as already said, odds are the first thing his new owner would do when they got him home would be to call the farrier to have him shod.