Re: Coon Footed?

["Maggie Mieske" <mmieske@netonecom.net>]

A long pastern in and of itself is not a bad thing unless it's a weak
pastern....the pastern is the shock absorber.  This is Doug Butler's
definition of "coon footed" from Principles of Horseshoeing.  a. 
Symptom-pastern angle lower than hoof angle 
b.  Cause-usually result of "run down" (sprain or tearing of suspensory
ligament), congenitally weak pasterns, or associated with chronic founder
(Nelson would also like to add that many post legged horses will have this
"coon footed" ness).
c.  Treatment- lower heels as much as possible, estend heels of shoe.

Proper hoof care and exercise could help this filly out but it may take
awhile... it took 2 1/2 years for the damage to be done, it could take just
as long to get her back to where she should be.  At least a year as it
takes that long for the hoof to grow out.  Hope this helps.


Maggie Mieske
Mieske's Silver Lining
10601 S. Richards Rd.
McBain, Michigan 49657
http://www.netonecom.net/~mmieske
mmieske@netonecom.net