First trim question

[Minouri]

I just experienced the world's fastest shoe removal and trim.

We were going to leave shoes on Cosmo for one or two trims. Them let him go barefoot in the fall.

This woman came out, pulled the shoes and said she didn't think he needed shoes. She gave him the hoof test...I dont know really...but it involved a metal pincher thingie and his frog I think. I was on the other end watching for any expression change on his face.

This is what Cosmo's feet look like now. Did she do a good job? Why do I feel like having Abbie out to fix them?

Right fronthttp://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/DSC02969.jpg

Left front
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/DSC02970-2.jpg

front side view
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/DSC02972.jpg

side view
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/DSC02973.jpg

Back left
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/DSC02975.jpg

In the upper right corner of this hoof is the stone bruise. Not sure you can see it. It was red when she first did it. She said he probaby got it from getting a rock between the shoe and his hoof.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/DSC02967-1.jpg

Do I worry about the crack and nail holes or is that normal?

Thanks. I always enjoy hearing from you all on these topics.

[Minouri]

Before photos
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/DSC02778-3.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/DSC02784-3.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/DSC02785.jpg

[Abejita]

Why do I feel like having Abbie out to fix them?

Because to me it looks like a lot more toe could have been taken off...but you would have to look at the bottom too to see where the white line was to be sure..and I am not an expert like many on the board..

[Terry Wallace]

He is a little long in the toe...but then he was long in the toe while shod and sometimes you cannot take off all you would like to. May have to wait a few weeks. Judging by where the front nail holes are now, quite a bit is
already taken off.

Looks like his shoes were left on a bit too long. See those rings around his front hooves about half way down? Something happened maybe six or eight months ago... it could be he stood in water for a few hours or had a flooded pen, or it could be that you will see some separation when those rings grow down and out. Hooves grow about 3/8 inch a month..so it will take a while to see if that area will be fine or if there is some separation that *might* cause him to need to be shod for a while.

Rings like those can also form from being too long in the hoof....(lacking farrier care) for an extended time. I would not worry about it too much right now..it will take a while before that grows down to where you can see it from the sole side. At any rate...they will eventually grow completely out...your job is to keep him trimmed regularly so he grows out nice & even.

[Cindy]

I agree with Abejita. Might need to be backed off a bit more in the toe on the front and those flares on the hind need to go or he will chip off there. But overall not a bad job. Just could be a bit more thorough. As far as using the hoof testers to see if he can go without shoes, that is bunk. The hoof tester will only find a painful spot. The only way to know if he can go without shoes is to ride him without shoes and see if he is sore or not.

[TrueStepPaso]

Agreed....it's not that bad, it just needs more. Especially at the heel/quarter area on the hinds. She left alot of flare there....

He's gonna be low in the hoof capsule right now, so it will take time to get his hooves where they need to be...but what's most important is too keep him as comfortable as you can, because I know that you'll all be riding him alot over the next few months. I'll take a look at him when I come out next.

BTW, I meant to call you & Carol today because I can't do the 3rd...I knew that day sounded familiar when you said it....how about the 2nd?? I don't know if you and Carol want to discuss which days work best for both of you...???

[Minouri]

I can do the 2nd. I'll call Carol and see if she can too :)