[PoochtheMighty]

Well, here's a progress report ( I thought the other post was getting a bit too crowded and messy.)

Another farrier took a look at Apache's hooves today for me. He was a genuinely nice guy and he really scrutinized Apache's hooves and told me a lot of information that I wasn't aware of free of charge.

Soooo...I will spread the news.

He had me lift Apache's hooves and hold them from the cannon bone so I could get a clear bird's eye view of the soles of Apache's hooves. It dawned on me that his hooves were very uneven- his inside was higher than the outside on both front hooves, although it was not so bad on his front left (the one that looks club compared to the angle on the right). He said Apache was walking in such a way to compensate for this that he was putting alot of pressure on the outside of the hooves, resulting in all the holes and crumbling I mentioned. Hmm. Definitely a problem that I (or my farrier) didn't catch.

He said that the toe length is good, but the angles were off, etc, and that he DID need a bigger shoe, especially on his front right. He mentioned squaring off the hind hooves and he confirmed my beleif that I shouldn't pull Apache's shoes at this point; his front hooves are just too weak to handle it. Maybe in a year or so, after all of the problems have been eradicated TOTALLY, I'll be good to go.

He said that the tendons were fine, although he was concerned about the lack of support in the heels, and he said he'd be fine for riding and turn out and et cetera, but the problem needed to be corrected next time I see the farrier. And it will be.

Strangely enough, I mentioned the bell boot dilemma and told him I had been turning Poochy out with the boots, and he nodded and said it was a good idea. I told him about the heat and swelling, though, and he of course said not to put the boots on. But he was all for turn out with bell boots.

I haven't gotten those photos out yet! I just figured I should let everyone know...thanks for all your information and suggestions.

<small>[ January 01, 2004, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: PoochtheMighty ]</small>

[cutting_queen]

i hope he is getting better!!

[PoochtheMighty]

Thanks. He'll be all right. He's a practically a pony, and all ponies are destined to rule the world...so I think he'll cope.

[Blistering Winds]

Sounds like you have a very informed farrier. I like the ones that will SHOW you what is wrong and what is going on.

Have fun and good Luck!!