Warning on wedges

[concernedhorseowner2]

I will start by stating I am not a farrier, infact up until the last few months I knew very little about horses feet except keep them shod and trimmed regular. I have owned horses all my life and up till now have never had a horse with lamness issues. I recently purchased a horse in December that had a full bar and wedges on her front feet. My husband and I were very concerned that she may have foundered in the past because that was the only thing we were familiar with when it came to that type of shoeing. The seller assured it was just due to low heels, something she had always had. We were not familiar with this, researched it some and found it could be due to soft surfaces. At the time we thought that a logical thing since she was a show horse and imported from Germany, probably stalled most of the time. We did radiographs and everything came out fine. When she was purchased she was jumping 4 foot fences with no problems. Within 2 months we saw the tail flipping, ears laid back, falling forward and rushing fences. Finally in April she began flat out refusing some jumps and her flat work was going downhill as well. I had a new trainer that referred me to a "Master Farrier", she said her feet were a mess. My current farrier had only done her shoes a week prior and never mentioned any concerns. When the master farrier came and took the pads off and showed me all dirt and brusing under her pads I was horrified. I couldn't believe this horse could have been that obviously uncomfortable and my old farrier said nothing. I had even told him that she was not doing as well as she had in the past. My husband told him when he came to do our other horses that he would no longer be doing my show horse because we were having issues with her feet. He told my husband he knew her feet were in bad shape especially her left front and thought it was a good idea we took the pads off. My question or I guess point to all of this is this. If you go to a dentist and he cleans your teeth, sees cavities and does not mention them to you, has he done his job? I realize as horseowners we have to educate ourselves so we can keep healthy sound horses. But we also have to rely on the professionals we hire to tell us when there is a concern or potential problem. Not just provide a service and take our money. I have done research on yor site and found it very informative. I recomend to all that love our horses to learn all that we can to protect them. As professionals, please keep in mind that most horseowners want to take the best care they can of their horses, tell them if you don't think they are doing it! The biggest lesson I have learned is to check qualifications of future farriers, it a scary that just about anyone can start a business and call themselves a farrier. I commend those that treat it as a profession and take the time to learn, especially those that are on this site exchanging ideas and experiences. "no hoof, no horse"

[Rick Burten]

In my practice, when I find an abnormality(bruises, thrush, abscess,etc) I always inform the owner both verbally and in writing. I also keep a card file and make notations there too. This avoids misunderstandings at a later date.

I agree that the professionals whose services you retain should be communicating with you(the collective), the owner(s), not only when/if something is wrong/a problem, but when things are going well, especially if they are improving from a previous condition.

Out of curiosity, how did the farrier come by the title "Master Farrier"?

When you purchased your horse, did you have a PPE, including radiographs, done?

To answer your question, if the dentist cleans your teeth and fails to inform you of existant cavities, no, s/he has not done her job.

[Rancho JD]

title: warning on wedges.

(open) bar wedge pads often do collect and compact debris between pad and foot sometimes causing pain, bruising and thrush. keen awareness and empathy to the terrain you horse lives and works on, if crud collects pick it out. most horses that wear bar wedges have low heels and have been trimmed even lower to get a bearing surface for the pad and its hard to get any tool in there short of a custom made hoof pick that doesnt pry the package loose

if thrush advances, constant pressure from the crud if not picked out increases lameness. this doesnt happen as often in a closed pad because they are normally packed by the farrier to keep out lameness causing debris.

[concernedhorseowner2]

Out of curiosity, how did the farrier come by the title "Master Farrier"?

He is from another country and has been brought over here by the United States Endurance Team to act as their farrier as well as being on the Olympic selection committee.

To answer your question about the PPE and Radiographs, yes I did. There is a whole other story there. Long story short, I was not as educated as I should have been, had a working relationship with the person acting on my behalf, and trusted. I was supposed to be there for the PPE exam, I am an hour away from the place the exam was done. I was called before the scheduled time and told the vet came early so the exam was being done without me. (happens to be the vet this person had a wroking realtionship with as well)I should have insisted against that, know that now. But like I said I trusted the person I was working with. Once burnt an accident, twice burnt a fool. I have since tried to educate myself as much as possible. There are people out there that just want to make money, not do the right thing. I now know all the questions I was asking that I was made to feel were "******" were actually not. I should have trusted my instincts and not this person.

[Gary Pfeiffer]

I can understand your concerns on the use of wedge pads but, the fault here seems to point to the horseshoer that you were using, not the wedge pads.
Your farrier must have either forgotten to pack under the pads or, did not want to take the time to do so. Hopefully he only forgot and it is not his regular routine to not pack under the pads.
Granted, bar wedges are never packed and require the farrier to inform you of the importance of cleaning out under the wedge. If he did not, then he should have.
A full wedge should always be packed and there are many products on the market for this purpose that, add little cost to the price of materials the farrier uses on that job.
Your Subject line tends to suggest that wedge pads are a bad thing and as professional farriers we prefer to promote their positive uses and condemn the poor application of the product.

[reillyshoe]

I do not always pack under a full pad, wedge or not. I would say that the biggest problem you have is a lame horse, and there are plenty of reasons for that. Have you had a vet look into it? As you can tell on the rest of this site, we are at no shortage fir different opinions for the correct method of shoeing, master farrier or average Joe. While it is always easy to point the finger at the farrier shoeing a horse when the problems arose, just remember that we all shoe lame horses.
Wasn't the horse sound in wedge pads when you purchased him?

[Jaye Perry]

I do not always pack under a full pad, wedge or not. I would say that the biggest problem you have is a lame horse, and there are plenty of reasons for that. Have you had a vet look into it? As you can tell on the rest of this site, we are at no shortage fir different opinions for the correct method of shoeing, master farrier or average Joe. While it is always easy to point the finger at the farrier shoeing a horse when the problems arose, just remember that we all shoe lame horses.Wasn't the horse sound in wedge pads when you purchased him?
Agreement with Mr. Reilly. Most "recently" imported horses have suspect conformations and feet. Removal of shoes for rads would have indicated problems in the solar portions(sole depth) of the feet and also negative palmar angles/bony column alignments.
Appliances to a horse's foot is a patch for subdueing a lameness. Seems more questions and a more thourough exam should have been asked and made before purchase.
"Assurances" from people selling horses, like cars, should be taken with a grain of salt.

[concernedhorseowner2]

I appreciate the feedback I have gotten and once again can say I have learned some more. I was never instructed to clean under the pads or the wedge and from how they were applied do not understand how I could have gotten under them. I do not have enough knowledge to say that wedge pads are bad or good. My warning is that if they are applied the horseowner needs to fully understand the purpose, the care required, and the possible issues invovled. I agree that I should have asked more questions in the prepurchase but infortunatly I did not have the knowledge to even know what more I should have done or if the answers I was getting were correct! I used the person I had trained with for over a year, hired a vet to inspect, requested past vet records, observed the horse in competition, plus rode the horse for 2 weeks prior to purchase. When a vet and trainer both say that the wedge shoes were nothing to be concerned with who was I to say otherwise? She jumped great, moved great. I know now! I am not so sure injections were not part of this equation. When we adjusted the front feet we then began to see the issues in the back hocks. I am taking her to a lameness vet, having a full work up done, and working with the farrier I have now. I hope to get at least 2 more years of competition with her and then it will be time for breeding.

Thanks

[Rick Burten]

In the original post, the OP described purchasing a horse with "full bar and wedges on her front feet". I'm not sure how the subject of bar wedge pads got into the conversation, but what is apparent to me is that this horse was in bar shoes and full wedge pads at the time of purchase. This alone should have set off warning bells in the trainer, the vet and the farrier. Then we find out that the vet that performed the PPE had what appears to be a major conflict of interest and did not recuse himself from the case.

With the information now at hand, it seems to me that this horse needs both down time to heal and some really good farrier work. Since most all of the ensuing problems probably originated with front end pain, until that issue is fully remediated, the consequential problems will continue.

I would like to see some pictures of the horse and also some specific photos of the limbs and hooves(including views of the soles, shod or not). I'd also like to see the most current radiographs.

One more question for the OP, how old is this horse?

[concernedhorseowner2]

The horse is 10 years old. The new farrier I have I feel seems to have a good handle on where we need to go. BUT, that being said, I have learned that knowledge is power and want to have a good idea myself so I can assist in the recovery of my horse.

The comment you made about the vet and the trainer I think is correct. I have ordered copies of the radiographs from both the vet I had see her and from the vet that saw her 2 years prior for a previous pre purchase exam. I have an appoint with an Imaging Center next Wednesday as well. I would be more then happy to takes some pictures this evening and greatly appreciate any feedback I can get.

Thank You

[Andalucian]

In the original post, the OP described purchasing a horse with "full bar and wedges on her front feet". I'm not sure how the subject of bar wedge pads got into the conversation, but what is apparent to me is that this horse was in bar shoes and full wedge pads at the time of purchase. This alone should have set off warning bells in the trainer, the vet and the farrier.

Good, I thought it was only me who wouldn't buy a horse with remedial shoes on, let alone try to sell one. :eek:

I think that now would be the right time to put the mare in foal, giving her hooves the time to repair, given an excellent farrier's assistance. Carrying on jumping a horse with these issues will not have a happy ending I fear.

[concernedhorseowner2]

:( I have feared that this would end up being the case. It is so hard not to get extremely angry at all that has happend, not only with the "professionals" in this matter but myslef as well. They saw a fool and took my money....should I mention there was alot of it!? :mad: At this point I will do what is right for the horse and the moeny issues will have to be handled later if at all.

[concernedhorseowner2]

Well here is the latest update.....After doing these post I decided to try to locate the original owner that imported her into the states and got her started. (not the person I purchased her from, that person only owned her 2 years and was a big show barn) I was able to track her down and she was very forthcomming with information. She said she did supportive shoeing because the horse was flat footed and low in the heels. I also asked her if there was anything wrong with her hocks, past injury etc. I told here we had noticed problems in movement and swelling there since we have started working with her feet. She told me that from the time this horse was 4 she had been injecting her hocks due to popping and swelling. Which is the problem I have now. Any thoughts there? I am taking her for a full work up.... :mad:

[Rancho JD]

a horse owner Warning readers about wedges inspires me to briefly comment on open bar wedge pads, argueably the most common form of wedging and often the most criticized, yet what a usefull prosthetic they have proven to be when applied correctly, replaced when warped and grooved, and maintained.

if wearing full pads and working in dirt wet or dry, sand, gravel, or any terrain that is disturbed when a horse lays tracks in it, i've found it best they are packed. of course many of the horses i've worked with over the decades in need of pads are bruised from carrying a rider or a static load across high desert and excess packing under the pad can increase pressure.

[Jaye Perry]

..... She told me that from the time this horse was 4 she had been injecting her hocks due to popping and swelling. Which is the problem I have now. Any thoughts there? I am taking her for a full work up.... :mad:At this point, X-raying her hocks is a waste of money, maintenace injections every 4-6 months.
Front feet 2 options, an honest objective look at x-rays and shoeing protocal. Major theraputic shoeing with little work or brood mare. Coffin joint injections are an option, if needed. Plain, simple to the point.

[Rancho JD]

concerenedhorseowner2 says: Any thoughts there? I am taking her for a full work up.... :mad

yes: measure the diagnostic results. the prognosis should directly pertain to quality of working life/retirement/expense. this horse is new to you. i do know it does not take long to get attached to a horse, but do you want to deal with this horse.

"you have owned horses all your life and never had a lameness issue"

ok well, you spent a chunk of money on a mis-rep'd horse and it's not cheap.

i see horse traders coming from all shapes, sizes, charlatans, straight up's, rascals, 1/2 honests, rounders, professionals and all walks of life. color, mostly green


Iraq: two thousand five hundred and forty three american troops, boys and girls have cashed in...July 12th 2006

[concernedhorseowner2]

Below is a link to view the horse and her feet etc. looking forward to feedback.

http://360.yahoo.com/concernedhorseowner2

[Rancho JD]

along with what said about the hocks and shoeing assuming this is anywhere near level ground the horse has conformation issues. you may try clicking photos on level ground and scrutinize them against a chart or text that explains stress caused from varying conformities. good luck


i dont get the idea with full wedges and heart bars

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g289/slingerdun/th_conformation-2.jpg (http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g289/slingerdun/conformation-2.jpg)

[concernedhorseowner2]

She was standing on a slight hill. Sorry for that. As far as your comment that you don't understand the heart bar and wedge, can you explain? Are you saying you don't understand why they were used on her? I have had the lameness exam and here is the result for the front end.

Concerns about coffin joint synovitis both front. Low heel conformatin, Early Ringbone evident LF. Negative plamer angle both front. Advised to do 1 degree wedge with either egg barr or plain shoe.

Here are ther vet comments from my pre purchase exam.

Radiographs were taken of the distal portion of both forelimbs. No radiographic eveidence of pathology was present-normal forelimbs. Buyer specifically requested evaluation of the third phalynx with regard to rotation consistent with laminitis. It was noted that there was no distal rotation of P3 on the radiographs. The third phalynx on both forelimbs actually appeared elevated due to the years of preventive shoeing and the fact the radiographs were taken with the shoes removed.

Vet comments from the recent lameness exam-

effusin on all four fetlocks front coffin joints and tibiotarral joints of hocks. After radiographs the hocks mild lower hock joint spavin. RH Moderate bony reaction and small focal spurring evident lateral proximal splint bone RH. Sclerosis eveident distal tibia RH. Advised joint injections for Hocks and coffin bones to keep in work.

I am meeting with the trainer and vet that did the pre purchase exam this evening. Comments would be appreciad.

[calshoer]

Some hock and fetlock issues are directly related to hoof form. Although the vetertinarian is treating the joints medically and I certainly do not disagree with treating them to temporarily alleviate inflamation and pain. .
However joint issues especially in fetlocks and coffin joints are often a result of strain to internal hoof imbalances and compensating stance and movement. Hock issues can be a result of hind hoof imbalances that the horse has been compensating for with improper stance and movement.
If the foot issues are corrected, the joints will benefit much more and for the long term than with just the immediate medical treatment .
A common example of foto imbalance that directly causes joint issues is a negative plane hind coffin bone due to an inhrent lack of supportive cartilage in the feet.That causes a misaligned coffin joint, which then causes coffin joint pain and damage,and hock pain in the hinds as the horse compenates. Long toes are another common cause of coffin joint and hock pain.
Things like this can be helped with the****utic shoeing and trimming.
Close up pictures of the feet wil be helpful but the ymust be taken in a manner to evaluarte all the little aspects of the hoof. They need to be taken on a flat hard surfce like concrete.. The camera must be flat ON the ground, pointing level directly at the hooves to prevent distortion in the picture.Pics taken at an angle are of no use.
Sole views should be taken with the camers pointing perpendicular to the sole and are also very useful. So if you can take more pictures, it would help. Patty

[concernedhorseowner2]

My questions with my previous post are these;

1. Based on both sets of radiogrpahs, ringbone is evident. The vet for the pre purchase stated;

Radiographs were taken of the distal portion of both forelimbs. No radiographic eveidence of pathology was present-normal forelimbs. Buyer specifically requested evaluation of the third phalynx with regard to rotation consistent with laminitis. It was noted that there was no distal rotation of P3 on the radiographs. The third phalynx on both forelimbs actually appeared elevated due to the years of preventive shoeing and the fact the radiographs were taken with the shoes removed.

Since I am not trained in medical jargan nor to read radiographs, can you tell me if anything he says in there would give me an indication of ringbone or any warning as to future soundness? From what I have researched I think I know the answer but would like other opinions.

2. She was shod with a heart bar and wedge shoes when I purchased her. RanchoJD in his post stated .....i dont get the idea with full wedges and heart bars....Is he questioning this because it is not a normal shoeing practice for low heels? Would that be better suited for the treatment of ringbone?

3. Would a horse, minus all the other issues that I have mentioned...if just presented with low heels, shod with a heart bar and wedge be considered a sound horse? I have been going back and forth with the person that sold her to me regarding these issues, trying to figure out just how long she has had problems etc. He states she was sound the 2 years she was in his barn and even based on my vet findings, he will take her back and get her sound and sell her for me. Like somehow this is something I have done to her. He even states at one time they had the wedge and heart bars off of her but had to put them back on. If she is sound why would those types of shoes be put back on her?

[Phil Armitage]

Well here is the latest update.....After doing these post I decided to try to locate the original owner that imported her into the states and got her started. (not the person I purchased her from, that person only owned her 2 years and was a big show barn) I was able to track her down and she was very forthcomming with information. She said she did supportive shoeing because the horse was flat footed and low in the heels. I also asked her if there was anything wrong with her hocks, past injury etc. I told here we had noticed problems in movement and swelling there since we have started working with her feet. She told me that from the time this horse was 4 she had been injecting her hocks due to popping and swelling. Which is the problem I have now. Any thoughts there? I am taking her for a full work up.... :mad:

Wow after I read that your horse started haveing trouble after two months, the first thought I had was the hock injections wore off, then I read this. I think Jaye has changed my life. :eek:

Going to get popcorn and continue reading.

[Phil Armitage]

Why not put your time and money into the hocks as Jaye said. Makes sense to me. Horses sore in the hind work too hard on the front. Your horse already problems up front the added stress because of hind end issues are not going to help his front feet.

Did the Master Farrier notice anything with the hind end?
being a Master and high end farrier from Europe I think he should have.

[reillyshoe]

Sound means there is no lameness, so yes, a horse can be sound in any shoe or trim. Since we all approach problems differently, I would accept the explaination of heart bars and wedges as a method of dealing with low heels. As far as the ringbone, it should be east to evaluate. Ask the vet who conducted the prepurchase exam to send the radiographs to your current vet. Compare the two sets of radiographs and look for prior changes or progression of any bony changes.
Lameness stinks. Spending a lot of money on a horse only to have problems stinks. Things do happen, however, and it is possible there was no preexisting condition at the time of the sale. One possible way to safeguard yourself in the future is to ask for a blood sample to be frozen, so that you can look for drugs in the system after the fact. Just a thought.

[concernedhorseowner2]

Wow after I read that your horse started haveing trouble after two months, the first thought I had was the hock injections wore off, then I read this. I think Jaye has changed my life.

Going to get popcorn and continue reading.

I am rather offended at your sarcasm and implication that my problems are entertaining to you. That is the problem I have come across in this whole situation. The people that call themselves professionals enjoy making people like me feel ****** when we ask the questions. Yet when things go bad the finger gets pointed at me for not asking enough questions! But maybe you just had a bad day and had the need to make someone feel ******. How was the popcorn?

As far as your question regarding why not just treat the hocks since that is probably the problem with the front.....You must have missed the part about the ring bone on the coffin joint. At this point I have to treat both ends since one is always affected by the other.

[concernedhorseowner2]

Sound means there is no lameness, so yes, a horse can be sound in any shoe or trim. Since we all approach problems differently, I would accept the explaination of heart bars and wedges as a method of dealing with low heels. As far as the ringbone, it should be east to evaluate. Ask the vet who conducted the prepurchase exam to send the radiographs to your current vet. Compare the two sets of radiographs and look for prior changes or progression of any bony changes.
Lameness stinks. Spending a lot of money on a horse only to have problems stinks. Things do happen, however, and it is possible there was no preexisting condition at the time of the sale. One possible way to safeguard yourself in the future is to ask for a blood sample to be frozen, so that you can look for drugs in the system after the fact. Just a thought.

I have had both radiographs compared and the ringbone was evident on the first set. My current vet that did the lameness exam diagnosed it both visual, then reviewed the radiographs from my PPE exam, and then did her own to confirm. There was a preexisting condition at the time of sale. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck.

You are so correct about the blood test. At the time I purchased this horse I had no idea people did Hock injections to hind lameness, I am ashamed to say I had never heard of them. It never crossed my mind to draw blood to make sure I was not being screwed. I paid a hefty commission to someone I thought was an honest person to protect my interest. In fact when I ask that person why drawing blood at the exam was not suggested to protect me from this, she implys that that is not common practice.... how silly of me to ask that! I have learned MANY lessons in this whole deal.

[Phil Armitage]

Wow after I read that your horse started haveing trouble after two months, the first thought I had was the hock injections wore off, then I read this. I think Jaye has changed my life.

Going to get popcorn and continue reading.

I am rather offended at your sarcasm and implication that my problems are entertaining to you. That is the problem I have come across in this whole situation. The people that call themselves professionals enjoy making people like me feel ****** when we ask the questions. Yet when things go bad the finger gets pointed at me for not asking enough questions! But maybe you just had a bad day and had the need to make someone feel ******. How was the popcorn?

As far as your question regarding why not just treat the hocks since that is probably the problem with the front.....You must have missed the part about the ring bone on the coffin joint. At this point I have to treat both ends since one is always affected by the other.

Your way off on your assumption, I am not being sarcastic and offensive and I am not ammused. I just said what I thought and was suprised to find out this was the case. I also think the Master Farrier should have caught it. The popcorn comment was because that is how interested I am on the subject. I am also interested in knowing what your going to do about the hocks and if you do something about pain reliefe if it helps the front end issues. Keep us posted please. Thanks.

Ring bone....... look up what causes ring bone, stress and cuncussion. Do you think the front end over working because of a problem in the hind end might have something to do with over stressing the lower joints in the front feet. Is is high or low ring bone? It makes a difference in the out come. Of course this is the chicken and the egg scenario which came first the front feet problems or hind end problems, but since you did some homework and found out she has been treated for hock problems maybe the problem started with the hind end. Also as Patty stated many hind end issues can be caused by the unbalanced hind feet. Did the Master Farrier see anything in the hind feet that needs attention?

Your welcome. Oh, you did not say thank you.

[concernedhorseowner2]

I am sorry for my assumption and thank you for your interest. This whole thing has been frustrating and overwhelming. The master farrier is not the original farrier I had when I purchased the horse. He came after the fact and yes he saw balance issues with both front and back and has been working to correct them. I went to him as a referral and he was the one that really got my inquiries going.The ringbone is on the coffin joint so from what I read, the outcome will not be good. I believe that would be low articular ringbone? At this point easing the discomfort of the horse is my main priority, not sure if that means I will be able to continue riding her though. :( It appears the ringbone has not progressed from December to now. I am trying to find out from past owners when the ringbone may have started but as you can imagine that has been rather difficult.

[Gary Hill]

Blunt force trauma can cause ringbone also. Gary

[concernedhorseowner2]

I have more information that goes back 3 years on the farrier work for the abouve mantioned horse. I was able to track down the farrier that did her feet at the barn that I purchased her from. I had a short conversatin with him as his cell phone dropped the signal (hate those darn things). But this is what I found out. She was brought to him wearing only a wedged alum egg bar. He said her heels were crushed. She was fine on her flat work but would become sore when jumped. He said her heels were jammed up under the coronary band. He built up her heels with Equilox and put the heart bar and wedge pads on her. As her heels grew he filed off the equilox. She was wearing a heart bar when I got her...and that is where the conversatin dropped. Can someone explain to me as well as offer opinions on the equilox?

[Phil Armitage]

I have more information that goes back 3 years on the farrier work for the abouve mantioned horse. I was able to track down the farrier that did her feet at the barn that I purchased her from. I had a short conversatin with him as his cell phone dropped the signal (hate those darn things). But this is what I found out. She was brought to him wearing only a wedged alum egg bar. He said her heels were crushed. She was fine on her flat work but would become sore when jumped. He said her heels were jammed up under the coronary band. He built up her heels with Equilox and put the heart bar and wedge pads on her. As her heels grew he filed off the equilox. She was wearing a heart bar when I got her...and that is where the conversatin dropped. Can someone explain to me as well as offer opinions on the equilox?

Sounds like he was getting her hoof pastern angle corrected by useing frog support and wedgeing the foot up. It is a good idea to provide frog support when wedgeing the foot. With crushed heels the heart bar is on the frog and there is space from the heels to the shoe. The Equilox is a two part epoxy hoof repair. The equilox is used to fill the void between the heels and shoe. As the heels grow the hoof repair epoxy (Equilox can be filed away).

Food for thought, sometimes we get focused on the front feet problems and forget the hind feet, especially when they do not look right. Some of the things we talk about on this forum is the importance of paying attention to the hind end and/or hind feet. Recently I have had some great discussions with Jaye Perry about front end issues caused by hind end issues. I think Jayes advice on starting the hock injections again is worth a try. The ring bone issue may be a chronic issue, however you may get your horse more comfortable if your horse can use his hind end properly. Another great piece of advice was Patty's about how hind feet out of balance can lead to hind end issues in the hocks, stifle and back. I have personaly seen a lot of improvement in competition horses I do by makeing sure the feet are trimmed and shod well.

[concernedhorseowner2]

The hind feet were trimmed to be shaped more like, as my farrier put it, a parrots beak. My farrier has since rounded them off and made them look more like they should. I agree that if one end (hind or front) is off, the other end has to compensate for that and therefore causes strain. I will be doing the hock injections but have been advised to wait until the corn issue has been resolved. I was able to speak further with the gentleman and he said that after he got her heels to grow out, he switched to just an egg bar. He found her more comfortable with that and less prone to the corns and bruising. He was injured and unable to work for a few months so someone else was doing her feet prior to my purchase. They are the ones that put the heart bar back on her with the wedges, which I think explains why she ended up with the the corn issue again. I will say that after all I have learned form this I have a whole new respect for farrier work and the complexities involved.