Barefoot Gallery No. 2 Essy's new found hind feet

Some things can't be rushed and shouldn't be!

Aged  21, shod all his life,  it was scary to consider removing Essy's shoes.  Kat and I spent time considering, assessing and discussing before we went ahead.   Luckily I had confidence from seeing first hand the transformation in Grace's feet.  However, would a horse in it's 20's cope as well as a 6 year old did?

Decision was eventually made, hinds came off on August 9th 2012.

No regrets!  Not one day's lameness, no abscessing.  A perfect transition, thanks to Hoof Wraps, and sole mate pads and a fab Podiatrist! 

I'll let the photos get the message across....(hinds only below, fronts to follow)

The Starting Point!  Not healthy feet!

Dubbed toe, not much periople, foot clearly off balance

Bull nose/dubbed toe. Under-run heels. Poor horn quality.

No inner outer wall connectivity, wall separation, seedy toe, no heel purchase

Lots of White line disease, out of balance foot, no heel purchase, bent bars etc

Under run heels.  Poor horn health.

Progress by February was already significant (even after going through a winter period of varying conditions wet, dry, snow, wet, dry, stable confinement (due to snow) etc.), which is never ideal for feet whether in transition to barefoot or not!

Feb: More balance, more upright hoof.

Much better horn quality allround. Heels already less under-run

Inner /outer wall connection!  White line disease almost gone. Heel Purchase appearing

Better frog to foot ration.  Frog mass improving.  Toe much healthier.

By November 2013, 15 months into the process:

 

Healthy looking foot.  Better shape and proportions. Quarters even growing and frog density much improved.  Toe great!

Healthier frog. Strong looking toe. Straighter bars.

Good quality hoof horn.  No more dubbed toe.

Photos don't reveal changes in the quality of the digital cushion behind the heels or the presence (or not) of the frog spine.  However they do show clearly any health improvement around some of the visible structures (bars, frog, toe, quarters, etc.) which are essential for the proper functioning of the foot and development of the internal arch apparatus.

I hope these photos (and more to follow) suggest it's never too late to start to make a difference for our horse's comfort and well being.   Do your homework, get some knowledge and then go and find an expert trained in understanding the internal structure of the foot, then it's never too late to start as your horse's comfort won't be compromised through lack of knowledge.

So, will a horse in it's 20's cope as well as a 6 year old?  Absolutely!  Age showed no negative impact in the speed with which Essy grew strong healthy hooves.

My learning has been 'not to let age be a put off factor'! It's all in the mind; usually OURS!