Hoof Care

When the farrier came, I was on my best behaviour.

Sam and Debbie stood with me, talking to me to reassure me, while the farrier trimmed my hooves and checked them over.

He said I had several problems, but these could be put right with a little care and attention, and gave Sam lots of advice.

HOOF CARE TOP TIPS

There were indications that I may be laminitic because of the prominent white line in my hoof, and he recommended that I see him again in 5 weeks for another trim, and so that he could monitor my progress.

One of my hooves had a split frog, and he recommended that Sam packed the split with sterile cotton wool drenched in Tea Tree and Eucalyptus oils, which would heal it and keep infection out.

He also noticed that my soles were bruised and suspected that these were concussion injuries caused by trotting on hard surfaces - roads - for long periods of time. He said that field rest would help the bruising.

Debbie bought me some liniment to help with my muscular aches and pains as well as my sore tendons. 

I was being spoilt!

No Hoof, No Horse

Before I could do anything else, I had to see the Farrier.
My hooves were long, and in poor condition.

After watching me being ridden briefly on the trial at the school, and watching me walk, the riding school owner put me on box rest.

Everyone was worried that I may have Laminitis

Laminitis (Founder) is a very serious condition, this video by World Horse Welfare, shows the early signs of Laminitis. (opens in new link)

Recognising the early signs of Laminitis

Luckily, the Farrier was due to come to the riding school just three days after my arrival, and he agreed to take a look at me.

Then came the next dilemma...

I had no shoes on. I was a 'barefoot' pony.

Nobody knew if I'd been farrier-trained - if I would be well-behaved and allow the farrier to pick up my feet without kicking him - but everyone knew I HAD to see the farrier.