Leo
Andalusian/TB X gelding
Initial Assessment
Leo's feet are thin walled and shallow soled. Front feet are
somewhat contracted, with a narrow central sulcus; left front slightly
underrun. Except for the heel contraction, Leo's feet are
typical TB feet. That's not a bad thing -- just an observation
about the shape of his coffin bones. In fact, that's the reason
he isn't more contracted, and the reason he hasn't developed the
extremely upright hoof capsule Andalusians typical grow when shod with
little regard for the inner structures.
Leo's hind feet are very underrun. The bullnosed dorsal wall
could be indicative of negative P3 rotation; look at the first inch of
growth below the coronet band. Assuming a tight white line
connection at the top of the hoof, you can get a good idea of how the
coffin bone lies.
Recommendations
First of all, Leo needs to go on serious diet! There's no way to
soft pedal it -- he is obese (although he looks very cute in his
Indian pony outfit!). The well water where he lives is
extremely high in iron, as is the hay he eats: mineral balancing is
critical not only to his feet, but to getting his weight under
control. Boots and pads will be necessary.
Trim Notes
Holy cow...see the difference in the new growth coming down from the
coronet in the photos dated 01-22-09? Weeeee!!!
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