[RC] feeling depressed about underrun heels.... - sherman
Was your horse barefoot during the rehab period? Just
curious as all the info I’ve read on under-run heels nearly always involved
long toe, and the fix for it was to keep the toe short, which can’t really
be done on a shod hoof. So it’s not really “fixing” the
problem, but managing the condition. I have a horse with the problem, and his
afflicted hoof does much better when I keep him bare, but it is more of a
hassle to boot when we ride. Since he no longer does endurance rides, we keep
him barefoot and the toe is kept under control, which has strengthened the heel
as well. In addition, his quarters were beginning to weaken and crumble (that
was the catalyst for going barefoot) and they are now strong.
There is lots of advice from professional trimmers (as well
as the non-professional) at the yahoo group, barefoothorsecare. There are also
links to several good websites on hoof care.
Kathy
We're on week 8 of a 12 week rehab program for my 6
yr. old gelding's underrun heels. ?After his first ride out on the trail
(flat, open, easy 7 miles), he came up so lame he didn't know which foot to
limp on. ?Our vet (Dr. Bryant who came highly recommended by a bunch of you ridecampers)
prescribed wedges and pads, but my farrier, who comes highly recommended by
Dr. Bryant, says wedges and pads are a bad idea. ?What's the rider/trainer to
do when caught between two competent professionals? ?
I've been reading like crazy and can't find a
definitive answer. ?Any ideas out there?
