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RE: [RC] feeling depressed about underrun heels.... - Karen Standefer

One other component to making the back of the foot stronger (besides trimming the heels down to straight horn tubules and getting the breakover in the right place) is supporting the back of the foot.   This is why barefoot works well over many shoeing methods.  I have found that Epona Shoes work even better than barefoot (unless you have really perfect footing like the *firm* sand on a beach).  It gives the correct breakover and supports the back of the foot better than any shoe I’ve used to date.  So, if barefoot is not an option, Epona Shoes are a good alternative.  www.eponashoe.com  For a weak hoof, their hoof packing is invaluable.

 

Several of us have found that our horse’s hooves have become more healthy using the Epona Shoes than they were even barefoot for several years.

 

Karen

 

 

 

From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of sherman
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 6:41 PM
To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [RC] feeling depressed about underrun heels....

 

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

 


Replies
[RC] feeling depressed about underrun heels...., sherman