[blazinpistol28]

Ok, I've found out today from his previous owner, I called to ask about them, that thats the way they wanted him to be. A more upright hoof. She said that when they are like that, there is less need for shoeing. Has enyone ever heard of this?

[barefoothooves]

Surely you know someone else in your area that has horses and has a farrier/trimmer that tends to their animals. Even if they use someone that has to commute in, you could plan to have their guy come by on the same day and maybe split some of the traveling fees? If you search hard enough you will find someone. You could post a bulletin at the feed store asking for recommendations for a farrier from other horse owners, etc.

[accphotography]

Originally Posted by blazinpistol28

Ok, I've found out today from his previous owner, I called to ask about them, that thats the way they wanted him to be. A more upright hoof. She said that when they are like that, there is less need for shoeing. Has enyone ever heard of this?

Wow! I've heard of wanting more upright hooves, but never for that reason. As I'm sure you know, horses should be trimmed for their individual structure... anything else is just going to cause problems.

I agree with the others that the hole you are talking about is the collateral grooves. It might seem like the sulcus because if my eyes aren't lying to me the hoof is not balanced medial/laterally and the frog is not centered.

Good luck finding a farrier/trimmer! I'm sure your hoof worries will dissipate with a few good trims. Another thing that might be helpful to the knowledgeable people here is what you are feeding him. That does, of course, play a part in overall hoof health.

Oh and just as a side note... that's a red dun you've got there, not a grulla. A VERY, VERY cute one at that!

ACC

[JBandRio]

Originally Posted by blazinpistol28

Ok, I've found out today from his previous owner, I called to ask about them, that thats the way they wanted him to be. A more upright hoof. She said that when they are like that, there is less need for shoeing. Has enyone ever heard of this?

To put it bluntly - they are woefully ignorant and/or idiots when it comes to hoof care.

[Dusty1979]

Here's hoping that you can find someone soon to put a proper trim on your yearling. I'm sure you realize that at this age it is so very, very important that you get those feet in proper balance to avoid problems in the future.

Would it be possible for you to haul the colt to a reputable farrier that might not want to travel to you? I know all to well the lack of quality farriers. This is where you as the responsible owner need to ramp up your understanding of the equine foot and become able to decide whether or not the farrier is doing the right things for your horse's feet. And, if you desire and feel capable, take over the care of your horse's feet yourself.

All we can do from this end is wish you luck. (And, I agree that you have a beautiful "not grullo" there. ) Enjoy your new colt.

[blazinpistol28]

Yes, I know the importance of proper hoof care at a young age. I've finally tracked a farrier down thats comming next week.

I was always told that a grullo had to have a stripe down the back and tiger stripes on the legs. I done a little research and found out that the ture color is a mouse grey with black mane, tail, and black legs like a bay or buckskin. Now I know. His dam was a grullo with all the correct colorings. I guess thats why he has the striped legs and back. Just makes him that more special.

[JBandRio]

Originally Posted by blazinpistol28

I was always told that a grullo had to have a stripe down the back and tiger stripes on the legs.

Those are dun factors in general, not grulla specifically. Grulla is dun on a black horse.