Tender front feet-help please!

[QHnamedRusty]

My horse has no heel to his feet, so shoes are a necessity. However his front feet are so tender that when it comes time for the nails, he freaks out. I think the nails hurt him, and i usually have to twitch him so he behaves, but even then he jerks his leg from the farrier. If I do not put shoes on him, he cannot walk on gravel or any type of rocks...is this normal. I just thought he was tender footed, but I am not sure, I just dont want it to be navicular. Someone please help and email me asap. I am not sure if I should spend the money and get his feet x-rayed. Also, his right foot is more tender than his left.
thanks,
Erin

[cynthia-jay]

You don't mention any lameness issues with the shoeing

other than being shy of the hammering with the nails

tenderfooted on rocks (even shod) : and gravel is normal for some horses

he may have thin walls and soles

the horse may be a bit sensative to the whack of the hammer

however the farrier may be putting this horse in an uncomfoprtable stance while shoeing as well

some horses need to be twitched to be shod to prevent injury to the Farrier

Your horse may need better manners

any of these can be a combination of what is going on

How is the horse while you pick up his front feet?

Best
as always
Jay

[Donnie Walker]

How old is your horse?

In what discipline is he used?

How many times has he been trimmed or shod?

At any time, during the above shoeing period, did he stand quietly for the farrier, or has he always exhibited these mannerisms?

[dehere98]

You could try riding him in hoof boots. I use hoof boots and they work quite well for riding on rough terrain.
I've only used the Old Macs, and have been pleased with them.
Hoof boots are not cheap, but if you would like to look into it, I can give you a website where people sell them used.

If you suspect your horse has pathology in his hooves, don't put off getting xrays- just do it and get it over with.
I know they are not cheap, but horses are expensive and it will most likely give you a definitive answer.
I waited getting xrays because of the cost and am paying for it now..

Good luck.

Jenn

[Douglas Pani]

You have alot of good advice so far. I shod a horse that just could not stand to having a shoe nailed on. I used the singafoos (sp?) glue on shoe and hed went on to compete. As far as x-rays and spending the money look at it this way, whats worth more, spending the time and money feeding and caring for a horse you cant ride, or spending the money to find out the problem then fixing it if possiable. There are ways to help a tender footed horse so dont worry yet!! Let me know if you need any more info on the glue on shoe.

P.S although some one mentioned some horses need to be twitched to be shod to protect farrier, well, if your horse is like that it does need training, or the vet there to give seditive, a twitch is ok some, but not everytime.

Doug