Posted by Patty Stiller on April 21, 2000 at 22:46:53:
In Reply to: Foal hooves posted by Kris Hazelbaker on April 21, 2000 at 08:37:00:
: I have a new (4 days old) foal. The toes on his back feet seem long to me. When he stands, his whole foot is tipped back to the point that the toe is often off the ground. His pastern angles are fine, it's just the foot. Anyone have thoughts or experience with trimming little babies like this? Or should I just let it wear off? He's turned out in a small paddock with his mom, and the ground is fairly hard right now.
: Thanks much!
These little guys' hooves usually come up pretty quickly, IF they are given the opportunity to get out and about. If there is a larger area (with safe fencing) to put mom and baby out in, get them out as much as possible . YThe dep flexor tendons are probably just a bit weak and need to be strengthened through use.
As for the feet, have your farrier keep the little walls rasped off at the heels ,so the frog can be on the ground , and the toe should be rasoped if necesary to keep it from getting "pointy". Don't fall into the trap of allowing the heels to go untrimmed in an attempt to get the foot angle up...because that will set the foot ut for a lifetime of underrun heels.
A correct foot has the internal bone angle supported up through the frog , not the wall alone. Patty