Posted by Stacey Long on October 24, 2003 at 11:49:49:
Hi,
I recently aquired an older horse @ 27 for my son (just at a walk).
I had a vet look at him because he hadnt had anything done to his feet in 5 years - just standing in a pasture...
The vet said he has "old horse" symptoms - some arthritis, possible ringbone, past founder at some time...
The farrier put eggbars on him in the front and he is just trimmed in the back.
He has had quite a few abcesses drained out of both feet, but seemed to be doing ok until the other day - he was turned out in the arena - very very soft footing - while I cleaned his stall and he spent about 10 minutes trotting around... since then he is very sore in the heels - resists having his feet picked out in the front - the back are ok - and will set back on his hocks when you touch his heels.
There is not any heat in the walls or lower legs that I can feel. When I turn him out, he trots in the arena, but is very sore moving over hard ground.
His feet are still a bit long in the toe -the farrier is bringing them back little bit each time.
I was told that the last time he had his shoes done, they had to use a lip chain and he was rearing... he usually just stands there very quietly to get his feet done - even during the abcess digging out..
I am wondering if there is anything I can do - such as have his toes rolled or squared to ease breaking over; and something for the sore heels- I am using a mixture of iodine and kopertox upon recommendation.
I recently moved him closer to home so for the winter and have him in a box stall with paddock - instead of a pasture. I will have to find a new farrier for the time being - the other one is 80 miles away.
Any suggestions for the new guy? I want the horse to be as comfortable as possible with the different things going on..
I can close off the paddock in the winter so he doesnt go outside if need be.
My son is only 2 years old - so his weight should not be too much the vet said...
The horse is in very good condition other than his feet being sore.
Thank you for you time, and sorry this is so lengthy.