Work shy horses bare foot update 6 months on

[stencilface]

Following my post in august

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/foru...rkshy-horses-feet-and-confo-what-do-you-think

I thought I'd do a little update and ask people how they think Normans feet are looking.

I had a lovely baby girl at the end of September, then 3 weeks later did my back in (osteo reckoned slipped disc) so my return to riding was delayed somewhat. I was leading him out on our gravel track and on the road for 10mins or so 3-4 times a week. I trotted him up in December and he was sound, yippee! I had my first hack out on Boxing Day and have been riding 2-4 times a week since up to 40mins, although today did nearly and hour. He's sound in trot on smooth Tarmac and grass, and ok in walk on stony/gravelly paths, I just let him take it easy and pick his own way. He's currently on fast fibre, speedibeet, linseed and naf pro feet (a Xmas present, still intend to buy some pro hoof)

The bull nosed hinds are definitely gone, but what do you think to the rest, are the too short? The nail holes never caused any bother growing out, and even on today's tracks they haven't chipped. The heels seem bigger too, I think!

Near fore, can see then and now as then was dry and now is wet and dank! Leg with tendonitis 2013
Then

Now

Near hind, leg with psd 2011, flare is interesting!
Then

Now

Off fore

Off hind, tenosynovitis 2012

So many pictures, sorry!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

The heels have really opened up. A big difference.

 

[stencilface]

Thanks, it was only when I did the post that I realised the change, how did people cope without cameras?

I still get asked when I'm putting his shoes back on! I'm worried about weight gain in the summer already!

Do you think they need trimming, or management in some way, they've not been touched since August.

 

[stencilface]

Anyone else? Do they look like they need any management or are they too short?

 

[Brightbay]

Anyone else? Do they look like they need any management or are they too short?

Well, I guess the best feedback is not from us but the horse - if he is sound and comfortable you are clearly doing the right thing
From the photos, though, they do look much healthier hooves and I wouldn't be at all worried about the length. The digital cushions have beefed up nicely, haven't they? And although hard to say for sure from photos, there was a funny imbalance in heel length that seems to have improved.

 

[ester]

I'm so pleased that he is doing well for you. so much better caudal shots and the deviation on the PSD hind is interesting (we have a wonky hind too ). The only thing I might say re. trimming is do you know if he is heel landing?

 

[pistolpete]

Fab looking feet, out of interest is the only way to be sure of heel first landing a slow motion camera? I am learning all the time, do you guys get used to spotting it at normal speed?

 

[stencilface]

Thanks Ester, it is funny riding him now, when he is happy on a surface he suddenly starts striding out Hmm, I think he is flat/heel landing, he was definitely toes first on the near fore in august. I need to video it then pause don't I?

Thanks Brightbay,I just didn't want to be riding him into being lame (makes sense in my head) if his feet didn't look like they were going to be ok.

 

[ester]

yup take a vid, I think it's probably just worth keeping an eye on that if he isn't being trimmed. Fwiw Frank hasn't always been as happy on the rough stuff as I would like and definitely prefers a bit of nice turf but I let him pick over stuff within reason.

(I can sport at normal speed too though am better in front).