Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

I'd also be suspicious of a horse "needing" pads on an ongoing basis, especially on the hinds. I'm no expert, but "gaiting" does come naturally in all gaited breeds and like all horses, some will move more smoothly than others, or can move more quickly, etc.  A gaited horse doesn't need pads to gait and he should be able to gait on his own for you without gimmicks (and I'm talking about gaiting outside the show ring here, as in normal "let's ride down the trail" gaiting). Long toes, underrun heels, high heels, all of these can cause problems.

Does he have shoes and pads on right now? Can you, and your vet, get a good look at his feet? As Kathy mentioned, x-rays would probably be worth the money to see exactly what is going on.

 

If you are planning on keeping him barefoot, you may want to look at Pete Ramey's website.  I think it is hoofrehab.com but if you search with his name, you'll find it easily as well.

 

Even if the horse has terrible feet, it doesn't necessarily mean he can't get better over time, but it may be more time than you want to invest. He may need a transition period to grow a better hoof, lots of good trimming, and he may need to be ridden in hoof boots or using hoof armor in the interim.

 

Lysane

sherman <sherman@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Personally, I would be very cautious of any horse that needed pads on any hooves under normal circumstances because it could be to mask a problem such as very thin soles which can eventually cause the horse to be unrideable. My neighbors have a very well bred, well trained, reining QH, that is just barely able to go out for a walking trail ride due to thin soles, needs pads always and is still sore even on soft dirt, sand, etc. If the TWH ?needs? pads, he may not be sound enough to go barefoot. Be sure to get a vet check & I think they do radiographs to check the thickness of the sole. JMO.

 

Kathy

 

 

 

 

Ok, I have a question.  I am looking at a TWH to purchase and I was informed by the lady selling him (not the Owner) that the owner when she was using him kept him shod with pads in the rear feet only.  Supposedly this was to prevent stone bruises?!?  A lot of horses I know are only shod in the front and if they are padded only in the front.  He will be going barefoot if I buy him, but I'm wondering if there are reasons for this that I am not aware of.  I have never owned a TWH, I do have a TW/QH cross who is not gaited.  I'm wondering if this has something to with a gaited horse.  I would appreciate any and all opinions.  My hopes are for this boy to get me started on LD this year. 

Thanks,

Jen M.

 

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