Experience with injuries needed

[David & Vicki Wheeler <dwheeler@icx.net>]

Short version -- my 4 yo is trying very hard to remove the inside heel bulb 
of his right front foot.  Yesterday I got a call from the barn manager that 
Spellbinder has torn his foot open again.  Yes, this is the THIRD time 
since the first of the year that he has lacerated THE SAME heel bulb.

First injury was the first week in Jan when we were in a deep 
freeze.  Since the cut was so clean, we figured he had broken through ice & 
sliced it open removing his foot (but no confirmation).  Second time was 
the first week in April.  Exact same spot.  No idea how it happened.  This 
time is by far the worse -- practically removed the entire heel 
bulb.  During all of this there has been no damage to tendons or ligaments 
& only a very small nick (2nd injury) to the coronary band.  I have become 
an expert at wrapping his foot & miraculously there has been no proud flesh.

My farrier & I walked the fence row where he was Thurs night & found no 
blood/flesh on the fence (barbless wire).  Of course that does not rule out 
him pawing the fence & injuring himself.  The only thing is what are the 
chances that all 3 injuries occurred because of pawing & the same location 
is all that is injured?  Wouldn't there have been damage to more than that 
one heel bulb?

Is there any chance this much damage could be from interfering?  He normal 
tracks true, but he is still clumsy at times.

Last -- how do I stop this????  Do I keep bell boots on him whenever he is 
turned out?  I am so disheartened that this has happened again -- I haven't 
had the guts to call my trainer to let her know that we will not be 
resuming are lessons on 6/13.  Guess I can also forget about Biltmore in 
Sept as our first ride.  (This horse could find a way to incur vet bills in 
a padded stall. :-(  )

TIA for all insights & recommendations.
Vicki Wheeler & Spellbinder
Knoxville, TN