Re: Endurance Prospect(s) "Conformation/Paddling & Medical Considerations"

[Maggie Mieske <mmieske@netonecom.net>]

I am finding it difficult to picture these horses walking on the bulbs of their
heels.  That defi nitely does not seem natural to me!  I agree that there is a
difference between low heels and long toes... really can screw up angles and
inhibit breakover if left uncorrected.  The toes and lengths you describe sound
like good angles which would encourage breakover...maybe I am just confused but
if the heels are 3 " in length, I can't visualize how the bulbs are touching the
ground.  My husband is a farrier and I have seen bulbs touching the ground and
it wasn't a pretty sight... of course, these were the cases where heel had been
chopped right off or worn right off and toes left pretty long for whatever
reason.  In many cases, people just have a hard time finding a farrier willing
to come for one horse or who will keep their horse(s) on a schedule (which we
do).  In any case, maybe the terminology we are using isn't in sync but I had to
ask you about this...
Maggie

Robert Morris wrote:

> To all:
>
> Concerning "low heels" Is the case we are considering low heels with
> corresponding short toes or are we considering the "low heel/long toe
> syndrome"?
>
> Low heels in themselves do not constitute a problem. Coupled with long toes
> and you have a very serious problem.
>
> As an example, all of our horses have very low heels. The bulbs are touching
> the ground (as they naturally should). Our toes run 3 to 3.75 inches  long,
> toe length and heel length match.  If we had our normal heel and 4 to 4.75
> inch toes we would have serious troubles.
>
> You cannot judge one or the other by themselves.
> Bob Morris
> Morris Endurance Enterprises
> Boise, ID
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Maggie Mieske <mmieske@netonecom.net>
> To: Abair, Ruth <RAbair@texas.dcrt.dla.mil>
> Cc: 'RideCamp' <Ridecamp@endurance.net>
> Date: Friday, January 08, 1999 8:52 AM
> Subject: Re: Endurance Prospect(s) "Conformation/Paddling & Medical
> Considerations"
>
> >Dear Ruth,
> >I think it would be wise not to overlook the importance of a "farrier"
> check as
> >well... he can answer your questions about low heels, paddling, etc and if
> he
> >is your farrier and will be the one who will be working on his feet, that
> could
> >be a very important factor in your decision.  My gelding has low heels and
> low
> >angles (though they are improving) and I use him in endurance without any
> >problems.  We do keep shoes on him to protect what foot he does have...he
> tends
> >to break them if left barefoot too long.  One of those necessary evils.
> But he
> >has done well this past year, never come up lame and his heel and angles
> are
> >improving.  It is an ongoing process and doesn't happen overnight.  Good
> luck!
> >Maggie
> >
> >"Abair, Ruth" wrote:
> >
> >> Dear Ridecampers,
> >>
> >> I have been earnestly looking for a youngster - endurance prospect - for
> >> some time now. I have passed up "several" colts, geldings and
> fillies/mares
> >> due to conformation and/or medical problems. My decisions were based upon
> a
> >> combination of consultations with my vet, the somewhat limited knowledge
> I
> >> have, and just good old "gut" feelings.
> >>
> >> I just recently found a young gelding - name's Baskin, he's 3 coming 4 -
> >> that I believe will "fill the bill" and eventually replace my
> steed/Classy.
> >> However; recent posts about "paddling" now has me in a quandry. What is
> >> "paddling?" Baskin's feet are very nice and round but he is low heeled in
> >> the front. It doesn't appear to interfere with his movement - travels
> >> straight/true - and doesn't appear to put too much of a slant on his
> >> pasterns, but we haven't gotten past the vet check yet. We're still
> >> negotiating price.
> >>
> >> I have never had a horse with low heels but have known and ridden with
> >> several people over the years that had horses with low heels. However,
> >> they/the horses were not used for endurance. Is this a potential problem,
> >> and again, what is paddling?
> >>
> >> I would appreciate your advice and counsel.
> >>
> >> Ruth Abair and Classy in NE Texas
> >>
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