|
|
Discussion on Middle hoof cracks
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Ponsford
|
Posted on Saturday, Sep 3, 2005 - 4:49 pm:
I have a 6 year old TB-Purcheron cross gelding. Both front feet have a middle vertical crack that appears to be getting worse (he has had the cracks for a long time). In addition, I have just recently noticed a bulge in the outside of the portion of both legs just above the hoof. The shoeing doesn't appear level to me, but I don't know enough to be sure. I have been using a new farrier for about 3 shoeing cycles and am wondering if he is shoeing my gelding incorrectly. The gelding lives in pasture 24/7 and it has been warm and rainy for the last month or more. He is ridden about 3 times a week, at dressage, and is a bit overweight but muscular (a 16.3 tank). He shows no lameness, and his confirmation is such that he paddles somewhat.
My question are: can improper shoeing cause the cracks to get worse? Is the bulging on the outside of the leg an indicator of feet being out of balance? What's the best way to have his feet evaluated with out offending my current farrier (reliable farriers being hard to find). thanx!
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Sunday, Sep 4, 2005 - 9:22 am:
Hello Charlotte,
Absolutely to the first and second. The toes too long can cause the first and improper anterior-posterior balance cause the second.
Your first step is to learn about balance your self. We have a whole series of articles to help you with this and you should start with Care for Horses » Hoof Care » Care of the Hoof: an Overview. Most of the helpful ancillary articles are linked to inside this article.
DrO
|
|
|
