Posted by Patty Stiller on February 02, 2004 at 11:40:09:
In Reply to: Re: Also Learning posted by M. W. Myers, D.V.M. on January 29, 2004 at 19:42:30:
: : I was trained many years ago by a good farrier. Unfortunately he is no longer with us. I was horseless for the past 12 years and now am seriously back into horses. I live in a very small town and a good farrier isn't easy to find or easy to get to come to my place. I found the job of trimming hooves was easy enough to do myself and saving me the mega money it does over a period of time.
: : I have read and read all the new information about trimming hooves, but wish to learn more and feel that I've done the job correctly. If I follow the heel height guidelines and hoof angles, am I pretty safe? I understand that I must also keep the hoof bars trimmed and make certain the frog at the rear must make contact with the ground. If these are all in order then I'm doing it all right? (I did not have this kind of information when I was trained) DO I really need to trim the frog itself and how do I do that without hitting any tender spots or going too far?
: : Is it ok that the point of the frog isn't large? I mean it almost is kind of not there to a small degree.
: : And I have a horse that I acquired that was seriously neglected. She foaled before she was two, never had her hooves trimmed and has a visably crooked hoof. The inside wall on her rear hoof is somewhat concave. I am trying to very slowly trim her hoof and work it back into shape. Is this the proper method? I feel that she is permanently damaged tho. I'm trying to find someone to come out and look at her, but it is difficult to find a reputable person to make the trip. She runs very stiff legged, holds her head/neck stiff and a bit odd, and her rear legs sway a bit when she makes contact with the ground. She seems to be in no pain, and since gaining some weight and getting pampered she runs and plays and seems to feel great! When feeling down her spine tho, she can't stand still at all--I was under the assumption this can most likely be caused by her hooves being incorrect for so long.
: : She is only 5 and I hate to think she is good only for a brood mare, but it is ok with me, as long as she isn't in pain. I'd like to get her back into correct shape for her own good if possible.
: : Any light you could shed would greatly be appreciated.
: : I'm sorry this was so long.
: Go to the hopeforsoundness.com site and then get back to us. I think most of your questions will be answered there.
You can also purchase a very complete hoof trimming video, available from them at the same site. The video covers lots more science and 'how to' detail than the free turorial, and will answer many of the future questions you may have as yuo develop the technique. Patty