Welcome to The Thoughtful Horseman, dedicated to Healthy Horsekeeping in San Diego, California

04-09-08

Pete has the typical "box" foot many farriers create: his heels are long in relation to his toe. The hairline shows a distinctive arch upwards at the quarters from the constant pressure of the unrelieved wall at the quarters. Pete's collateral groove height at the heel was within the minimal range of adequate when we pulled his shoes -- he has just enough sole at the back of the foot, but his collateral groove height at the frog apex is extremely shallow. His frogs are fairly wide, but the central sulcus is a deep narrow groove -- we'll work on opening that up by treating for infection with "Pete's Paste".

Pete walked off with no signs of discomfort, and the fact that he has no flaring, little heel contraction, and relatively healthy frogs could make his transition easy. But with so little sole depth under P3 (coffin bone), he may be tender on hard, rocky terrain. He has been fitted for boots which are ready and waiting if he needs them!

Pretty feet!! Still lacking sole depth at the front of the foot, but that will take time. Pete's frogs LIKE being barefoot and have responded nicely to a couple of White Lightening gel treaments. His very boxy left front found a better heel height today. Outside of some chipping through the quarters, his wall is strong and healthy. Pete ought to be rock crunching barefoot sound pretty darn quick!

Pete's left front is looking much less "boxy". Frog health continues to improve. Pete is still wearing his boots and pads for rides, although he does just fine without them for turnout time.

We finally have good concavity on all four feet. Still some separation through the quarters, though, an wall quality still stands to improve.

Right Front, 1st row before trim 04-09-08, 2nd row after trim 04-09-08, 3rd row 05-12-08, 4th row 06-09-08, 5th row 07-10-08, 6th row 08-04-08, 7th row 08-31-08

Left Front, 1st row before trim 04-09-08, 2nd row after trim 04-09-08, 3rd row 05-12-08, 4th row 06-09-08, 5th row 07-10-08, 6th row 08-04-08, 7th row 08-31-08, 8th row 10-28-08