Posted by Les Spark on June 02, 2000 at 04:17:45:
In Reply to: Re: Question for Patty Stiller/ hoof expansion posted by Patty Stiller on May 11, 2000 at 22:20:55:
Patty,
I very much appreciated your detailed reply and it could be that you are right in that there is very sight bulging of the hoof wall behind the quarters. I am however still concerned about the issue of fixing the rear of the hoof and so preventing its expansion on weight bearing, so your comments on the latest research is interesting. The mare actually has quite wide bulbs and does not give the appearence of a contracted hoof, so the bulge is difficult to understand. If you can obtain references I would be most greatful.
The mare has been bare foot now for 4 weeks and we have been applying natural balance trimming, a little bit every 3 to 4 days. She is sound and can trot quite happily on tarmac but stoney ground still makes her a little footy but this is deminishing by the day. The solar surface of the feet are now beginning to look like the pictures of the "wild horse" hoves - are we right in thinking that this is a good development? Another interesting point we have noted is that the hoves are much warmer to touch now that the shoes are removed.
Once again, thanks for your input and we will keep you posted.
Les