Posted by Patty Stiller on November 28, 2003 at 16:21:26:
In Reply to: Hoof trimmed to small? posted by L.E.L on November 25, 2003 at 15:15:22:
: I own a 13 year old Morgan/Percheron gelding. When I first bought him I decided to use the farrier that my trainer used. This farrier trimmed his feet very short. (or at least they seemed very short to me) It seemed to affect his balance when I rode him. After a while I switched barns and farriers. At first everything seemed fine. Ive been using this new farrier for over a year with no problem. My horse just got trimmed and shod the other day and I feel that he has once again been trimmed to short. My biggest problem with this is that he seems to be standing extremley straight. His pastern angle has starightened out and he looks uncomfortable. His right leg is worse that the left leg. It almost seems as if the angle is almost gone, as if he had a club foot. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!
: Thanks
: L.E.L
If a hoprse you know well looks uncomfortable , he probably is uncomfortable.
A sound, comfortable horse will move freely and fluidly, stand with his legs vertical, (not forward or under him)but (resting a hind leg occasionally is normal. At the walk, when observed from the side and front, on flat hard ground the hooves should land *very slightly* heel first or at least NOT toe first. Deviation from these three parameters mean something is probably amiss in either the shoeing or some other body area that is affecting movement.
Since this farrier has been doing the horse a year now, I sugest you call him/her and express your concerns over the change and ask why it looks different.
If you can not get a good explanation from the farrier then I suggest get a 'hands on' second opinion from another professional.
An equine veterinarian who specializes in lameness is probably the best for the second opinion because there will be no biased opinion that could be based on competition.
Patty