A shod to barefoot transition

Equine Podiatrist: Helen Stowell

Horse: Connemara Gelding

Connemara gelding

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.

Dec 2017 - The heels are upright and narrow and the heel bulb area is constricted, upright hoof walls.

Dec 2017 - The foot and toe are elongated, with a narrow frog. The frog also has a deep central sulcus infection.

Feb 2024 – The heels have widened and the soft tissues of the heel are fully developed. The back of the foot is now set up for expansion and contraction.

Feb 2024 – Wider heels, heartier frog and a more correct toe length. The central sulcus will likely always remain deep because of how contracted it was at the outset.

Happy to report that he’s now much happier on is feet and in his body, and is enjoying his work; dressage, hacking, liberty clinics and adventures with his lovely and dedicated owner.

Credit: Amy Thompson Photography

Credit: Amy Thompson Photography