Withering Heights: Pedicure and Rehab

The same barefoot trimmer that had been recommended to 'Jane' and had already treated 'Rose' cam to see 'Mr F'. It was sure most informative.

'Mr F' had been barefoot for the past years and I want him to remain barefoot. However, his hooves need to be worked on, especially the frog area. This will include regular trimming as well as a rehab program consisting of exercises that aim to stimulate frog growth/development.

By exercise I am talking about the 'cloud walking' ... I wrote about this in an earlier post on here. It's basically working with 'sole mates' pads attached to his hooves. They are quite thick pads, about 3cm thick. With the pressure of the weight, they will adapt to the frog shape over time.

Ideally, the duration of these exercises ought to be around 30 minutes at a time, no longer yet. For the time being, abrasive ground is to be avoided.

Luckily, we have access to large fields at the back of 'Buttercup Farm' where I ride with 'Mr F'. Soft ground is fine as it will stimulate the growth of the frog without causing damage as hard ground would.

All this hoof talk is yet another minefield and there is so much to take in!

The central cleft on two of his frogs is rather deep which is an ideal playground for bacteria. Bacteria lead to infection and then the problems start. Therefore the frogs need to be cleaned and checked regularly.. To assist the healing of the central cleft, the barefoot trimmer lady recommended to use 'Arti mud' and also 'Hoof-stuff' by the 'Red Horse Company'.

As 'Mr F' should only do 'off-road' work, we cannot yet go out with others for a ride. A solution to this will eventually be to use hoof boots, of which there is quite a selection out there. The 'Barefoot Lady' kindly showed me how to measure the hooves.

I did show her our carpet slippers which made her smile and of course explained to her my findings with regards to increased comfort when he wears those slippers.

Measuring hooves for boots should be done when the hooves have been freshly trimmed.

I have spent much time researching all the different hoof boots on the market. So far I am tempted by the 'Old Mac G2' trail boots.

And then food, oh glorious food! Yet another minefield which I may address here later at some point, when I get my head around it a little.

After all, if one is healthy and well on the inside it should have a positive effect on the 'outside'.

What they eat can improve or worsen the condition of their hooves. Too much surgery feed for example is very bad for hooves. And it may be good to make notes of what you feed and when, if you are inconsistent because it takes approximately 8 months for dietary changes to show in the hoof.