From: Beth Leggieri <trailyaya@xxxxxxxxx> Subject:
[RC] A stronger nudge to the ridecamp community: club foot and
endurance
I posted a message earlier today asking for feedback from
riders who compete on club-footed horses regarding their management,
conditioning, etc.
Apparently there is large need
for this kind of information as I've received many private replies from folks
with my same question, wanting to know what I've learned.
So -- those endurance riders who have conditioned and ridden
club-footed horses can sure help out those who have thoughtful questions about
their prospects who have mild club foot. Please tell us about your
experience--what you found that worked and what you learned. And many thanks to
you in advance.
Beth, Texas
If I'm remembering correctly RC Muffin had a club foot. He was a
tremendous horse and I believe is in the AERC Hall of Fame. I was at the ROC one
year when he came in first. All the way through the ride the vets had noticed
his "funny" gait caused by his club foot. The final vet at the post ride check
chose to say it was lameness, and he was pulled. It was absolutely heart
breaking.
I had a club footed mare that I purchased as a yearling. I spent tons
of money on shoeing and x-rays to lengthen the tendon. She was sound and the
only trouble I had was that foot would not hold an easy boot.
