Re: RC: Re: foot angles

[Lynn Kinsky <lkinsky@silcom.com>]

>I wanted to know if there is a place to check on foot angles for my bare
>footed Peruvian Paso.  I have been trying to find a ferrier who knows
>anything about the Peruvians gait, to properly trim him.  But really
>haven't felt confident that the ferrier has worked on any other Peruvians.
>Sincerely,
>Kandy

You trim them for hoof balance just just like you would any other horse.
Their gait is natural and so trimming their hooves "naturally", like they
grow, lets them move the way nature intended.   By way of reference, my
trail and show Peruvians have hoof angles in the low 50 degrees on the
fronts and a little steeper in back, with toe lengths a little over three
inches, depending on wear.  Many farriers seem to think gaited horses need
low angles and the resulting long toe/low heel has blown a lot of
suspensories and shortened careers -- I prefer a farrier who is into
keeping horses sound for demanding performance careers.  (Your vet likely
knows who the good farriers are in your area -- ask for recommendations.)


Lynn Kinsky     Santa Ynez, CA
http://www.silcom.com/~lkinsky