Improving the breakover on a horse with very long toes through regular trims on a short cycle and using boots & pads

The case study is about trimming to address a caudo-medial overload and shunted medial heel problem. The case is a pretty extreme scenario and shows how targetted trim strategy can improve the loading of the hooves.

The case study is about trimming to address a caudo-medial overload and shunted medial heel problem. The case is a pretty extreme scenario and shows how targetted trim strategy can improve the loading of the hooves.

The case study is about trimming to address a caudo-medial overload and shunted medial heel problem. The case is a pretty extreme scenario and shows how targetted trim strategy can improve the loading of the hooves.

The shoes were removed from this gelding in December 2017, at that point – this lovely chap had hock issues causing lumbar / sacro-illiac problems, so at this point he was really struggling with his ridden work. Not all of his problems were due to his feet, but their discomfort certainly wasn’t helping.

This handsome boy has had historical issues with central sulcus infections in his heels. He came back from a spell on loan with a serious recurrence of the problem. His central sulcus had deep slits and the digital cushion and frog part of his heels was collapsing down through the centre of the foot.

This hoof developed a major quarter crack that went from ground to coronet band and appeared to penetrate much of the way through the wall. The mare had been lame for some time and had abscessed at least once on this foot.

The owner was particularly concerned by hoof wall defects – “seedy toe” in the toes of the left hind and right fore feet that weren’t improving.

After a few months of on/off lameness in May 2024 the decision was made to send River for a full lameness workup in an Equine Veterinary hospital. Following radiographs and a CT scan it was discovered that she had osteitis (inflammation and infection) in the medial side of her right fore pedal bone and a loose fragment of bone.

She began to improve from the moment her shoes came off. Her daily conditioning programme took less than half an hour daily and just became a normal part of our daily routine. My EP clearly explained everything so I knew not only how to do things, but why I was doing it and it has been very rewarding watching her change from a horse who was hurting to a horse who’s now enjoying life again.

Rehabilitation was carried out on a budget, although metabolic testing and radiographs would have been useful, this lovely pony has recovered despite the absence of these – showing just how significant appropriate management can be in improving quality of life.

A shining example of a rare barefoot racehorse and proud to say a barefoot ‘winning’ racehorse.

Navicular and sinker recovery, the horse was able to return to work once the issue with the hoof weakness, landings and gut discomfort was identified and addressed.

Loki had a two year history of variable level intermittent lameness in front. By removing the negative influences on hoof health, and by adding or facilitating positive influences, Sally was able to make a significant difference to Loki’s hoof health over a relatively short timeframe.

Recovery following surgical removal of a keratoma.

Changes to hoof shape and horses comfort following keratoma removal and regular care from an equine podiatrist.

Improvement of capsule shift and quarter flare over a six month period.

Discussion on the impact of time and method of weaning foals on their hooves.

Chronically laminitic Welsh section A broodmare received care by an EP and showed vast improvement over 6 months of regular trims and changes to management.

Canker recovery for a thoroughbred with canker in all four feet.