Shoeing, etc.
Luke Steele (luke.steele@fujitsu.com.au)
Tue, 3 Dec 96 14:34:40 EST
Regarding the posts on shoeing and problem feet, etc, I summarise the
experience I have had with Nikita's feet.
Nikita's feet are flat and the walls thin. The heels are weak and hoof
growth is slow. I had a big problem with her feet developing corns when she
was kept in a wet paddock (I never stable her).
In the first three years I had her she developed corns each winter, which
was disappointing as our endurance season is in full swing during the
wetter, winter months. The farriers I used were all competent, thoughtful
and tried a number of methods to help her, including various pads, bar shoes
and paring the seat of corn to relieve pressure. Shoeing frequency was 3-4
weeks, and all farriers took into consideration the spreading of the heels.
Each winter she got sore, the heels started to collapse and I had to turn
her out, usually for 3 months until the paddock dried up some. I fed Nikita
a biotin and calcium supplement continuously.
Part of the eventual solution was to move Nikita to a dry paddock. She is
now in a rocky, dry paddock, in a rain shadow area. We moved at Easter and
her feet have improved steadily. I have retained my farrier, despite me
having to travel 45 minutes to meet him where we previously agisted (he
travels 1 hr to service clients in that area).
A helpful product I have used with Nikita for the past 2000 miles(!) are
Shocktamer Rim Pads. These provide support and cushioning but do not seal up
the sole. The frog can operate normally and you can get your hoof pick under
the edge to clear them out. Another helpful product is the Equilox hoof
repair kit. With the great distances ridden, Nikita's bad heel has
deteriorated. With the Equilox supporting the heel it has been able to grow
(almost) normally by providing some support from the inside.
I have Nikita reshod or reset every 2 to 3 weeks when in competition, as her
feet spread over the shoes that quickly.
Now Nikita has finished her campaign for about 18 months to go and have a
baby. I hope this will give her the opportunity to grow some new feet.
The reason I wanted to put this story on the list is for those people who
have horses with feet like Nikita not to lose heart. I think the most
significant factor is the dry paddock. The products mentioned above I am
sure are available in USA, they have certainly helped.
Nikita has 2769 miles on the clock now, and after her baby I am sure she
will do as much again.
Regards,
Luke Steele
luke.steele@fujitsu.com.au