Sensitive hooves - Archie's story so far

I have decided not to use vet's or farrier's names in this post.


Before I bought Archie, (18 months ago from Griffith NSW), I had a vet check done. The "NSW Vet" said he couldn't work Archie on hard ground because he just a barefoot trim done and too much had been cut off. He was sensitive. Archie was worked on the grass instead and was fine. The "NSW Vet" said Archie's hooves were healthy. He thought Archie would be OK in a few days. I purchased this horse and he travelled up to QLD with a transport company.

Six weeks later I had my first farrier appointment. My "Farrier 1" said  the "NSW Farrier" had not only cut too much off but she had also got the angles wrong.  Archie had had high heels and it was a very rough job. "Farrier 1" also said Archie's weight has been pushed forward giving him bad posture. "Farrier 1" corrected the angle.

Archie had also been a little sore in the muscle at the front of his shoulder (could be related to the bad posture due to high heels). Sometimes when I'd been riding him he had a slight limp. So Archie had some Bowen Therapy (equine muscle release therapy). He had a massage and a couple of days to rest.


The limping continued. We noticed it occurring while trotting Archie in the sand arena. It had been five weeks since my previous farrier appointment. I asked "Farrier 1" for advice. He noticed that Archie's posture was still very upright. He had continued to carry himself with his weight forward. The front of the hoof wall (toe) and front of sole had excessive wear. "Farrier 1" pointed to the front of Archie's sole and said this is where he's sore. 


"Farrier 1's" solution was to shoe Archie's on the front hooves only. It worked. Archie stopped limping.


During Spring and Summer 2009 I made the decision to try Archie barefoot again. The sensitivity was back. I persevered for a few months worked him on the grass only and avoided hard ground and sharp rocks when ever I could.

December 2009, (front left hoof). Archie had been barefoot trimmed for a few months. The nail holes have grown out. Unfortunately, because of the wet weather and Archie now has seedy toe in a small crack.

I made the decision to put the shoes back on when Archie got seedy toe. This time I got a full set. I thought it would help grow the cracks out by re-enforcing the hoof. I was wrong. He still has seedy toe and cracks.


Time to try a new approach.