Flat soles

[Linda Romander <romander@foothill.net>]

Can anyone enlighten me on the prognosis for an endurance horse with
flat soles?  I'm looking at a prospect with this condition and want to
know:

1) Is this a permanent condition or can it be improved with hoof care
and shoeing?
2)  If the flat soles cannot be changed, can a horse successfully
compete over rocky ground with either pads or special shoeing for
protection?
3)  Do flat soles lead to bone, joint, or ligament problems?

Thanks very much for your help!  I believe this was discussed some
months ago on RideCamp but I have been unable to search the archives.

Linda



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