club foot and unbalanced horse

treyler · New member Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 3

Hi -- I need help for my sweet 7 y/o QH gelding, I've owned for 6 months, sweet and gentle/quiet, had vet-checked but no x-rays, dumb enough to trust vet who did pre-purchase -- my vet too far from re-sale to do exam himself. Now know my buddy has severe club foot rt front ( how I didnt see it I'll never know) and is very unbalanced, very hard to ride even at the trot, his gaits are fast/slow and hard to stay with the post ( I ride English) He's very heavy on the front and his rt front is a club with slight dishing, and straight shouldered. I want to continue to ride English, though my guess Western would be better for his conformation. He is shod in front, and I think my farrier is doing a good job trying to balance his feet -- last guy took off too much, and we're trying to let grow out with Biotin supplement too. I am so worried about my buddy, now worried about being likely to get navicular, and having such a hard time riding. Sny tips/advice? Thanks!

horsecrazy_tas · New member Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 6

Hi,
You are probably not going to read this but anyway here goes I have a horse the same problem and I have been reading up on bare foot trimming which might I say I have been doing for years but anyway I read an article about horse with problem feet and this is so I am informed one of the worst cases. So my advice is to you get a good farrier not a vet as his heel needs to come down and it will take time and professional help.

treyler · New member Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 3

Thank you so much for the advice -- I actually hoped to go barefoot, but his soles are too thin. Things are getting better though, his foot has grown out and he's getting worked more, but lightly. Thanks again, KH

horsecrazy_tas · New member Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 6

Hi that is great to hear. Good luck with your horse hope everything goes well, I am still hoping mydaughters' boy will come right, no hope as yet but he is not lame on it. He has had it from birth just my ignorance that has let it go this far.

treyler · New member Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 3

Thanks -- He is doing much better, and he's just so sweet, I'll do anything for him. I really like my farrier, and he's slowly letting his foot grow out, the prior farrier really butchered him, and has him on a very strong biotin supplement to help with the hoof growth and strength. It's a little expensive, $70 USD for a 3 month supply, but I'm definitely starting to see some improvement. Good luck with your horse too!