Bill Adams wrote:
Dianne,
So tell about the horse on the back of the PF mag.
What was the problem?
Why did those shoes work?
If they will make little girls smile like that, then I'll buy a case.
Thanks in advance,
Bill
Hey, Bill Adams!
That horse is a 23 year old QH mare used for a riding program for "challenged" people.
I started experimenting with the Easy Walkers about a year an half ago. I am of the belief that no one shoe can fix all problems, so this is just another "tool in the box" so to speak.
In this instance I like these shoes for older horses with limb deviations. I have been taking notice of bone alignment in the radiographs of my clients. My observations have led me to believe that when the distal end of the cannon and the proximal end of the long pastern form the fetlock joint, they do not necessarily align horizontal in the joint plane. (The joint space while equal does have a tendancy to be lined up obliquely in horses with cannon bones that either rotate outward or hooves that rotate inward from the limb in their deviation).
This hypothesis has led me to believe that in older horses where collateral ligament structure is loosing elasticity, and joints are acquiring arthritic changes, that hoof capsule flexion is necessary for the comfort for the older, geriatric horse (sometimes not so geriatric if the deviation is extreme)
What I have seen in these horses is a reported marked improvement in attitude and gait. Again this is reported to me by my client (Or in this horse's case the Barn manager and instructors at the program). I currently have 5 of the 10 horses in this program wearing Easy Walker shoes. All horses are over the age of 20 except one who is 10, but posesses an extreme limb deviation.
The wonderful child in this program is a great example of what these horses can do for "Special" people. Yes, it makes my heart soar to know that I too can make a little girl smile.
Dianne Lemmon