So I have been battling with bruised feet and bruised bones in the feet (pedal and navicular) for some time. Its a difficult one as the horses are so used to wearing shoes, but are now shoeless in the paddock while they are resting. But, because of this their feet are not used to the hard ground, I have found my mare is still very sore two months on. She was actually having a slight hop around the paddock the other day and having called the vet out, he has said that she has bruised her sole again, very very sore. So, having the shoes on would have prevented this, but I get the feeling I need to give the feet longer to adapt, after all she isn't back in work until September.
So for now, I shall persevere with barefoot, but if she keeps going hopping lame from bruised soles just while on holiday in the paddock which is now dry (perhaps the wet to dry change has not helped), I may need to opt back to front shoes. The hoof boots sadly don't seem to stay on for full turnout, but they are excellent for going out for a little walk in.
I am currently trying different hoof boots, and I am waiting for the Cavallo Treks to arrive, having bought a pair of Equine Fusions already. They are great, but I think they are a tad too big and this has made a huge difference, these hoof boots really need to fit like a glove to be any good at all. The Hoof Boutique online store have been superstars in giving me some amazing advice on this point, I think I just need to keep going. EBay is fantastic for second hand boots so you can get the size right before you spend any major money on a pair of hoof boots. Hoof Boots are a whole new world !!
So for now, I shall persevere with barefoot, but if she keeps going hopping lame from bruised soles just while on holiday in the paddock which is now dry (perhaps the wet to dry change has not helped), I may need to opt back to front shoes. The hoof boots sadly don't seem to stay on for full turnout, but they are excellent for going out for a little walk in.
I am currently trying different hoof boots, and I am waiting for the Cavallo Treks to arrive, having bought a pair of Equine Fusions already. They are great, but I think they are a tad too big and this has made a huge difference, these hoof boots really need to fit like a glove to be any good at all. The Hoof Boutique online store have been superstars in giving me some amazing advice on this point, I think I just need to keep going. EBay is fantastic for second hand boots so you can get the size right before you spend any major money on a pair of hoof boots. Hoof Boots are a whole new world !!
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