Gelding Rehab - AMAZING!!!
Hey Everybody! Hope you are enjoying this great weather and maybe getting in a ride or two!
I’m catching up on paperwork, pictures, and other great stuff I think you will enjoy. First up is some progress photos from a recent rehabilitation case I’m working on.
This horse had regular visits from the farrier (though I wouldn’t say it was regular farrier care as evidenced by the severely extended toe). I see a lot of horses and their people who trust someone to do the best for their horse, they trust their expertise, they ask questions and have faith in the answers and still they are let down. I am excited an honored to be a part of this process. To watch this transformation is thrilling and rewarding...this is why I do this work.
This horse has very strong hoof walls, many other horses would have broken off much of this hoof over the summer.
I am so excited for this progress!
These are amazing strides to be able to make in just 2 trims. Many horses take much longer to change this much. Because this hoof wall is so strong there was a massive amount of length (with little breaking) and the sole and internal structures weren’t as distorted as the length of toe might suggest.
Also, this is a pasture horse that is not being ridden. This allows for greater changes each time since he is getting plenty of rest and no additional stresses on the feet.
Look at the yellow line…it denotes the general mid-line of the Coronet Band. This gives us a reference point for the toe position and angle of the leg.
Picture 1: BEFORE. Notice the angle of the leg. This horse was very stretched out trying to relieve pressure in his legs and feet.
Picture 2: This is after my 1st visit with him. I was able to take over ½ of inch of length off around the entire foot, along with bringing the breakover back over 1 inch. I was already amazed at this point how intact his feet were. I had huge concerns that the internal structures were far more compromised from the top view of the hoof. The angles of the foot are improved and the length of toe drastically reduced.
Picture 3: After 2nd trim. WOW!!! This is amazing. This almost looks like a normal hoof. LOOK AT THE LEG. See how the leg is over top of the foot? He still has a long way to beautiful, balanced feet, but I’m happy for this horse, the increased comfort and mobility is unimaginable.
His trims are labor intensive and exhausting but so worth it when you see a picture like this.
Note: This horse was given a Bute-free pain medication to increase his comfort and mobility for several days following the trims. This allows him to relax and walk (movement heals hooves). This is a lot of angle change for him and can cause moderate to severe discomfort depending on the horse. Each trim is unique and tailored to each horse and each circumstance. Extensive discussions are held with each client to determine the best course of action for each horse.
