Frustrated about Wall Separation

Hi Dr. T

I have been corresponding about my horse who has been barefoot
since Sept 2006 and is in the transition period.  Prior to the set up trim the diet, exercise, and turnout was the same.  But 5 months into the trim the white line is separated and one point actually looked frilly.  He is not metabolic and the horses not receiving the trim have no separation in the same living conditions.  Would it be safe to say that the trimmer is not doing a good job or is it too early in the transition period to change?  The feet look worse from the white line point of view, but remain concave and the wall integrity  is thicker.

At what point do you look for another trimmer?  I am so confused and frustrated that I am just thinking of going to a pasture trim or a new farrier.  How do you know what the normal state of a horse's
transition should be?  How can you rule out metabolic issues or mechanical laminitis from the wear and tear of a horse going barefoot that has never been barefoot in its life?

D

 

Hi D,

 

I'd say you'd have to give it at least a year, maybe two years before you could be satisfied the walls weren't going to stop separating.

 

The "trim" is not important in the big scheme of things.  If your trimmer is having to do very much trimming at all, the horse is not moving enough/not getting enough natural exfoliation.

 

Keep a close eye out for infection.  Something tells me you very well could have some in hooves like you describe.  You might not see it unless you really get picky and check it out.

 

Dr. TT