Re: RC: Flat soles

[ccarlton@library.ucla.edu]

Linda et al,

  My gelding as large, round, and very flat front feet.  We are slowly 
working towards 1000 career miles in endurance competition.  But this 
year it's been tough.  His heels are low and the front feet just aren't 
growning much new wall.  And his feet are very dry.   Twice he has 
suffered bad stone bruises.  (His rear feet grow normally, thank 
goodness.)  Bad prognosis for an endurance career!  However, we both 
love endurance riding and with special effort, will continue to compete.

Here's what I have done:
1. Supplement with Paragon's Biotin Plus.  My horse has been on this 
for about 6mos.  No sign of improvement yet, but I will continue 
feeding it since many folks say it takes up to a year for results.
2. I have used full pads on his front feet and completed 50s and a 100 
mile ride successfully.  If there's much rock at all, I had him wearing 
pads.
3. I'd rather not keep pads on his feet so now I'm using Easy Boots.  
So far so good, but I've not yet done a 50 mile ride with the boots on. 
I've no reason to think they won't work for us.
4. I try to keep his stall wet/muddy so that his feet will absorb some 
moisture.  My vet and my farrier both recommended this.  We live in 
arid Southern California.
5. My horse wears St.Croix shoes, that provided slightly wider 
protection to the sole of his foot.


  Unfortunately, the trails we ride at home are very rocky.  Easy Boots 
or pads are required if I'm going to consistently train long and hard. 
The lack of wall growth is not a permanent condition; and in fact only 
got really bad this year.  The flat sole is permanent.  

  With proper protection, I think your horse will be able to compete.  
You just might not earn miles as quickly and easily as others.

Good luck!

Colleen Carlton & LS Naseyn Naborr
PS Region




  
 




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