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Re: [RC] shoeing/trimming philosphies - heidiIn my opinion, it is important to balance the boney column when trimming/shoeing. To do that the pastern axis needs to be on the same plane as the dorsal hoof wall. The other thing I pay attention to is keeping the frogs touching the ground. Doing this puts the heel at the correct height (unless the frog is atrophied and not healthy). The last thing I do is to ensure there is no flaring of the hoof wall. Flaring causes leveraging which can destroy a tight laminar connection between the hoof wall and the coffin bone. And, of course medial lateral balance is crucial as well. There is good evidence that an acute hoof wall (which creates a broken back pastern axis) will lead to navicular syndrome. Certainly, if the boney column is out of alignment it will stress the ligaments that hold the bones together as well as the deep digital flexor tendon. Karen is right about keeping the axis of the phalanges in line, and keeping the entire foot balanced. A good farrier doesn't just subscribe to a "method"--he/she is able to LOOK at the foot and understand how to best achieve balance for THAT foot on THAT horse. The two horses I'm riding right now have very different feet. One is well-balanced with his fronts at about 57 degrees, and the other is balanced with his fronts at about 49 degrees. Both have good heels, nice round healthy hoof walls, and good soles and frogs. But the two horses are built totally differently, and are each "shod to themselves." The horse hubby is currently riding is in between--but is also shod to himself. Shoeing the horse as an extension of what HIS normal feet ought to be is the key. Heidi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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