Tender Feet

Hello

I was wondering if after having my horses feet trimmed is it possible his feet were tender?  He was very hesitant to walk toward where the farrier did his feet and then, no matter what we tried, we just couldnʼt get him to lunge.  He just stood there and refused to budge.

Kindest regards

M

Hello M,

 

Certainly your horse could have been trimmed too much.  It sounds like this was the case from your description.  I have a "trim manual" you can find on the EasyCare website that might be of help to your farrier. 

 

Take care,

 

Dr. TT

Comments

[Wendy Wagner]

Dr T's trim manual is an excellent reference, but I do not think that just showing it to you’re Ferrier is enough.
First off you need to study up yourself so you have some idea what is good for your horse, because there are a lot of professionals that only THINK they know what is best, and they might not be willing to do it differently. Watch for excess trimming of the sole, and long heals, as this is the most simple way to identify what we would call a bad trim. If the trim is the problem you could ask to have your horse trimmed to natural specifications, but you will have to monitor things yourself, so again you have to have an idea of what is best for your horse.
You could look for another trimmer. If that prospect appeals to you, (most of us have had that trial) then you might want to see his work beforehand. Most trimmers will be willing to give references.
If you can not get a good trim then taking matters into your own hands is NOT a bad idea. Ask to help an over busy trimmer in exchange for coaching, or find some middle age woman (or whoever) like me who has learned the old way and changed over and would be happy to teach you. I only do my own, but I am happy to show anyone willing to listen, and I have a couple pretty good practice horses. In the long run it would better to do a not exactly right job than have it done badly I think.
Just keep in mind that while it is likely the trim is the problem, it could easily be something else. The best way to figure it out is to know how the trim should be. The trim manual it is a wonderful place to start.

[Ute Miethe]

You indicated that the horse was already reluctant to move towards the farrier before the trim. This is possily an indication that more is going on and your horse may already be metabolically affected, which is then exascerbated by the trimming, even if the trimming is technically correct.If your horses's hooves have any of the following warning signs, he is metabolically affected:

- Ripples and red lines in the hoof wall
- Ratty looking frogs
- White Line stretching
- Dropped sole
- Forward toe/heel syndrome (exceessive toe flaring)
- Pink or red areas in the white line
- Soft horn