Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Under run heels

Actually, most Arabians are not Born with mismatching angles, they just seem 
prone to develop them as babies.  I think it has something to do with the way 
they are fed as nursing babies and weanlings.  I know one farm that almost 
all of their born-and-raised on the farm horses have a clubby foot, even 
though they are of different bloodlines.  I watched one filly go from perfect 
feet as a baby, to lameness and clubby foot as a weanling.  It seems to be 
related to the richness of diet, improper Ca/Ph balance, and difference in 
the rate of growth between bone and tendons/ligaments.  Some farms have many 
club footed babies from mares with no discernible differences in hoof angles. 
 In my opinion, and the opinion of my farrier, the best thing to do is 
trim/shoe each foot to it's own angle.  A biotin supplement can help with the 
overall quality of the hoof, but you have to use it consistently for at least 
a year to see much of a difference.  As long as the only difference is in 
hoop shape/angle, don't worry too much, just have a good farrier fit to each 
hoof.  If only this one hoof itself has a different quality of wall or sole, 
talk to your vet.  May be the result of an earlier injury to the coronary 
band or something.  I definitely would not go with a heel caulk.  It sounds 
like your farrier is giving you good service.  jeri

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