Hoof Care: A Lot Is At Stake When Walking On Fingernails
by Eleanor - March 29th, 2009.Filed under: Sage herself, barefoot.
Sage's front hooves today. The long toe is gone, and the fetlock angle is greatly improved.
Hindsight Is 20/20: An Update On Sage’s Hooves
Sage's front feet three days post-trim by last farrier; notice the long toe and the angle of the fetlock.
I was only cautiously optimistic about the switch in my trimmers, and the new look and trim for Sage’s hooves, so I have waited a while to post an update. When you have farrier-itis, it takes a while for the “inflammation” to recede and make way for some trust and renewed optimism.
I am happy to report, though, that Sage appears better than ever with each new day. She is less tight in areas that had been problematic, especially in areas like her hindquarters and neck. She also has a renewed exuberance and spring to her step.
While I am disheartened a bit that it took so long for me to figure this out, and I only took action after Sage was in a lot of pain, at least I have learned (again) and socked away some more knowledge for the future. Part of the problem with questioning the last farrier was that I liked him as a person, and I believe that he means well and wants to do his best for horses; however, his best was insufficient for my horse (and potentially others). I am hoping that he is open to the information on long toes that I sent him.
I am not a trained farrier, but there is enough information out there on this topic now that it need not be a complete mystery to the layperson. The moral to the story is that you need to be vigilant and keep a watchful eye on everything that is done to your horse (not just hoof care). When you see something that does not look right, pursue it until your concerns are addressed and you are sure that your horse is not in pain – even if that means researching it yourself or changing trimmers or “experts” yet again. Your horse’s well-being is always more important than some ruffled feathers, and who knows, you may be helping out some horses down the road by enlightening your farrier or other professional.
More Resoources:
John Silveira’s blog, Farrieritis (barefoot lovers be forewarned – he puts shoes on horses, but keep an open mind; he has great information and material to learn from)
Hoof Trimming And Leg Stress article from TheHorse.com - more good info on long toes
See my website for additional hoof care resources.