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Discussion on Newly barefoot behind
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New Member:
edsmom
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 18, 2019 - 11:54 am:
My 24 y.o. TB gelding's vet recommended going barefoot behind for a number of reasons: ease of hoof care (his comfort); level of work; and his feet looked well enough in cupping.
However he didn't mention what my farrier commented on: the tendons and lower leg may feel uncomfortable for while as he gets used to having no heel support with the shoe. Given that Ed has had a number of (old) healed suspensory injuries, is there anything I can do to make the transition easier? Footing? TIA
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Member:
lsweeney
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 18, 2019 - 12:46 pm:
I'm no expert, but I did my own horse for many years who had a founder history. My recommendation would be to take those heels down VERY slowly. One of the reasons why I started doing my own horse was that it enabled me to do very subtle adjustments on her feet frequently, instead of having the shoer out 6 - 8 weeks. The foundered feet grow rapidly as the hoof tries to repair itself, and they really need to be done every few weeks. So more frequent trimmings with more subtle adjustments would be my recommendation. I'll be interested in what Dr. O has to say.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Apr 19, 2019 - 6:40 am:
Hello Pat,
What about the past shoeing was supporting the heels? If he had on a flat shoe of a normal width and no bars I don't see how going barefoot is going to remove heel support.
DrO
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New Member:
edsmom
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Posted on Friday, Apr 26, 2019 - 1:21 am:
I guess I'm thinking that the shoe when done previously, extended slightly past the heel...and so going barefoot makes the foot surface smaller? I don't know...its a perception thing. Thanks Laurie, for the tip. The foot seems in good shape now, hasn't chipped or become ugly (yet) as my farrier said it would! It's been almost 2 weeks. I am using Keratex hoof hardener on it. I like the look of the cupping and foot though!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 27, 2019 - 6:53 am:
I see Pat, I think the quicker engagement of the bars and frog with the ground would more than counter what you might lose with the slight extension of the heels.
DrO
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