Posted by Derin foor on June 12, 2001 at 22:34:27:
In Reply to: Re: Losing shoes - very frustrated posted by Mata on June 12, 2001 at 01:14:17:
: : It would bother me as the owner or the farrier if the horse was "very, very sore, even on soft bedding" after removing the shoes....I would be looking for underlying problems before continuing this horse's training.....radiographs would show depth of sole and any rotation present
: Derin -
: the vet came out to see him the day after his shoes were pulled, and said all was OK, although he did *not* take x-rays. The horse felt better almost immediately his shoes were replaced. Should I still be worried?
: My current farrier has managed to keep the front shoes on since last time by shoeing very tight to the inside wall, with very little room for heel expansion. Will this prove harmful long-term? How do people feel about Keratex hoof hardener? It's hot and dry here, and he's bedded on shavings. I try to oil his hooves daily, and have started him on a high biotin and methionine supplement. farrier suggests leaving him unshod over the winter to allow hooves to spread out a bit too - good idea? What to watch for?
: thanks,
: Mata
Mata,
if the horse gets "instant" relief when shoes are put on, I would tend to think that he is sole sore without shoes...this could mean several things, either he has very thin soles or perhaps an abcess or bruising...mild founder is a possibility too.....this could be determined with radiographs
shoeing right to the edge of the hoof might be what is necessary for a time or two to get the horse sound and not pulling shoes and isn't going to cause long term problems....bell boots would be a good idea too......the farrier could bevel the edge of the shoe to make it less likely that it could be stepped on
Keratex is an excellent product and one that might greatly help your horse.....throw away the oil and just use Keratex Hoof Hardener......a biotin/methionine supplement is OK so long as it is in addition to a properly balanced diet
if the growth exceeds the wear, then leaving him barefoot over the winter should be OK.....use the KHH on the soles too
hope this helps ~~~~~~~~ Derin