Now Gary

Don't get your shorts bunched up!!!! I been accused of it a time or two myself, especially since my colts and cows pay my bills in the winter. Truth be known I'm more cowboy than Farrier, but that is not setting the bar very High.

You know what I mean, there is a long stretch between a farrier, and a cowboy how tacks on his own and helps out his buddies for a little pocket money.

I shouldn't say much since that is how I got my start but going to clinics and studying all I can, has helped me see the extent of my ignorance. I'm just glad I found this forum, and John Muldune is only 2.5 hours away.

But since shoeing pays a sight better than watching someone else's cows, go figure how I came down on this side.

Trouble is cowboyin and rodeoin is how I got started with most of my clients. Only the last couple of years have I started getting vet referrals.

But "rightfully so" they are a little hesitant about me because I have never attended school, and don't have my certifications yet.

But I'm working on it!!

Not a problem! Just a simple fact that most good Cowboys still know more than someone that decides one day they want to become a "horseshoer"! I know a few guys that couldn't sit a horse, and darn sure couldn't tell ya if the horse was lame or not! They will sure nail on some shoes on the cheap tho!
I do agree there is too much retained sole on those feet...don't want to get off thread too far!

Just some thoughts here. I found that several hind feet like you posted are accompanied by straight hocks. Also I found that you do not want to ease breakover by using wedges and square toes on such feet. You'll get them sore. I'm not sure about the why but fixed a number of horses by shoeing them with a toe clip. The foot may appear to be in need of extra breakover given its shape, but don't. Stick to a "perimeter fit". Often the medial wall is comprised as well. In such cases I fuller the medial branch to provide a little extra float there without risking pulling or interfering. Also it might help guide the foot a little straighter because of the extra traction?

Ronald Aalders

Thanks Ron

I don't get to do this one. but I bet I run into it again in the future.