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Discussion on Uneven Growth of Hooves
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Saturday, Feb 18, 2006 - 10:26 pm:
Dr. O and Ferriers,
I am thinking of purchasing a 14 year old Arab mare that recently lost her owner. I saw her yesterday and she's very gentle, appears healthy, though I'll have her vetted. One question I have for you, one front hoof was much longer than the other. Why would that be? She appeared sound, has been in the desert environment, open area for awhile. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks for your time,
Shirl
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Feb 19, 2006 - 8:55 am:
Hello Shirley,
Poor trimming? A lot depends on HOW the hoof was longer. Good conformation photos of the lower legs and feet would help us with this question. To see examples of what I am thinking about see, Care for Horses » Hoof Care » Care of the Hoof: an Overview and be sure to follow the link to the abnormal hooves.
DrO
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Sunday, Feb 19, 2006 - 10:31 am:
I was thinking maybe the horse ''paws'' or digs mostly with one hoof as well...
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots...
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Sunday, Feb 19, 2006 - 2:01 pm:
Thanks Dr. O.
Of course I don't have the proper camera, and I couldn't find Abnormal Hooves, but I plan to have my ferrier and vet to a check. After what I went through with Sierra and her hooves, legs, etc. I'm not about to take a chance. I do think she's just pretty much been 'let go' since her owner passed away. Thank you for your thoughts, the Hoof Overview was indeed interesting.
Ann, I don't think that's the problem as she seems very laid back, is out in a large desert pen, but thanks for the thought.
Shirl
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Feb 20, 2006 - 8:57 am:
The link to the article on abnormal hooves, which I think can help you with this, is at the end of the first paragraph with the heading Keep them Trimmed.
DrO
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Monday, Feb 20, 2006 - 11:00 am:
Dr. O - Got it. Duh! It was so easy to find I overlooked it. Thanks much, I'm going to check those angles out next visit. Grateful for your site.
Shirley
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 - 11:34 am:
Shirley, as Dr. O. said, it depends a lot on how the foot is shorter...the shape of the hoof. Some Arabs are prone to a slightly clubbed foot which will make the foot appear shorter, but more upright. If she paces along a fence, say at feeding time, and always turns the same direction, spinning on her front foot, it will wear shorter. It will be interesting to see what your vet and farrier say.
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 - 12:17 pm:
Sara,
Thanks for your input. I am anxious to get this settled, but the woman that's been asked to sell her is a trainer, type A personality and she's off and running here and there. Supposedly she'll be back in town today, but I'm working part-time, so -- well it's the getting from point A to B that is difficult. She seems like a real laid back mare, for an Arab (she better be, I'm old) and I think she's mourning her former owner who passed away. The horse just buried her head in my chest and didn't go back to the herd when she was put back, just hung out at the fence with us. I was really surprised at the interaction. Thanks again, will keep you posted. It's not so much that one hoof is shorter as the rear ones are more normal in length, it's just the one front is much longer. Weird.
Shirl
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 - 12:46 pm:
Shirley, it sounds as though you have found a wonderful friend. I hope the purchase works out for both of you.
I had a wonderful, gentle Arabian gelding who had suffered a terrible neck injury at one time in his life before he came to me. He had odd lumps on the right side of his neck, and the vet said that the irregular-shaped, rough "knob" on the point of his shoulder was probably calcification due to drainage from the injury. The horse was never lame while I had him (except for an abscess once in a hind foot) and he was super at all gaits. Due to his injury, though, his left shoulder was much more developed (I could really see it from the top) and his left foot was longer in shape and lower heeled, whereas the right foot was more upright and always had more horn to trim off. I figured that he put more weight on the left leg, thus, flattening out that foot and over-developing that shoulder, while the right shoulder suffered some atrophy and the right foot didn't get the wear.
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 - 1:31 pm:
Now..Shirley, you could have left off "for an Arab!) My Arabs are all laid back, quiet and sweet. Even my stallions!(Well...for them, MOST of the time ) Just depends on bloodlines, handling, etc. (Sorry...I'm back off the soap box now.)
She does sound sweet. I think Arabs "pick" their owner when given the chance. Sometime they "just click" with someone. My first Arabian was a 2yr. old colt, just what every 20yr. old needs, right? I had him for 30 yrs. and he was the best friend anyone could ever have. So......some things are "meant to be." imo.
If you haven't been around Arabians before, you will find they are very interactive with people, and in that way are more like some breeds of dogs. If they trust you, they will do anything for you.
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 21, 2006 - 2:57 pm:
Thanks Sara and Hollywood. Sara, you made me chuckle. You see I had a half Arab/Qt. Mare. You may remember my post when she passed away 10/29/04. Sierra was my life and I've not been the same since and somehow as you say, Sara, I think this was meant to be. Whether her deceased owner or my deceased horse sent her my way I don't know but the interaction was sort of 'chilling' in a good way. After putting her head into my chest first thing, she dipped her head a little and with her tongue began messing with my jean. A habit Sierra had with the corral rails. Now is that 'chilling' or not? I ride her Sat., so here's hoping, then will get a Vet check done. Thanks for the wishes and smiles. I may need you two later on also. Her registered name is "Jitter Bug Dancer" of all things, but I plan to name her Sedona. She's on Equine.com -Arizona
Shirl
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Member:
Gailking
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 22, 2006 - 7:16 pm:
Hi Shirley,
She sounds like a very sweet girl. I have two arabs and the youngest is a rescue horse. His owner went bankrupt and he had been thrown in with a breeding stallion and beat up pretty bad. When we went to pick up the horses, he had no food or water (it was over 100 degrees). He just sort of looked at me as if to say "Can I come home with you." I had just gone along as an extra hand and had not intended on getting another horse. He was 1 and 1/2 years old, never worked with (I heard later from a former groom) and he let us halter him and he walked right into the horse trailer! When we got back to my trainer's he drank about 60 gallons of water overnight. The next day a friend of mine came to look at him and as we were in the corral and went to pet him, he walked up to me and pushed her away out of the way like letting her know that I was his. He is 7 now and a joy to have. He has the sunniest disposition and seems to appreciate the wonderful home he has now. I think they do pick their owners and it sounds like this mare picked you. Arabs love their people and need lots of human interaction, so I hope your ride goes well today and it works out. The foot thing sounds like she needs trimming. I have been doing my horses for a few years because all of the previous farriers did such a bad job. Their hooves are much better and I continue to learn. I hope you find a new horse to help fill up the hole in your heart left by your other horse's death. Good Luck. Gail
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 22, 2006 - 10:16 pm:
Hi Gail, Thanks for your kind, encouraging message. Several people that have heard of our first interaction, have the same opinion as you. Two grieving souls meet and fulfill the empty spot in the hearts. I'm riding her Sat. and will keep everyone posted. Again Gail, it's good to hear your story and I'm so glad you rescued your beloved horse. Thanks for thinking of me.
Shirl
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 22, 2006 - 11:55 pm:
Shirley, is she the mare listed for $2500? She has a sweet look about her.
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 23, 2006 - 11:14 am:
Hi Sara,
No she's listed for $2200. Click on AZ., price 1500.00 to 3000.00. Last time I checked she was on Page 5, under Jitter Bug Dancer, if you can imagine a name like that. Her registered name. If she comes to me, she's Sedona.
Thanks for your opinion if you find her.
Shirl
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