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Discussion on Shape of hoof
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Member:
Maggienm
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 15, 2005 - 10:09 am:
My horse seems to have rather concave feet. that is, on some of my horses the sole is nearly flat, just before they get trimmed it would almost touch the ground. On her the sole is high. Otherwise her feet seem very healthy, no chips, splits or even dryness cracks.
She is only three so I have just started riding her( her feet have always been like this) and I was wondering if this condition mught predisose her to lameness.
Thanks.
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Member:
Redmare
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 15, 2005 - 10:54 am:
Hi Lori-
Horses have different levels of concavity. There's nothing to worry about as long as she is sound.
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 - 4:16 am:
Hi, Lori,
I believe that the more concave the sole the better. A concave sole means that it will meet stones and such at an angle and not straight on, which greatly reduces the impact.
Beware, however, that a very deep sole may mean that the hoof is not expanding properly, ie that the heels are contracted.
Check that the frog is nice and wide, that it looks more like a triangle than like a narrow wedge.
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Member:
Maggienm
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 - 9:44 am:
She was trimmed about 4 weeks ago by a very reputable farrier who said she has excellent feet. I don't know much about contracted heels. how long would they take to develope? I will do search on that. Her feet have always been more concave just recently have been aware of the contrast between her and my other horse. Maybe he is the one I should be wondering about since his feet are much flatter.
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 - 6:18 pm:
They contract very slowly, Lori, over a year or so. But if a good farrier sees your horses regularly, I do not think you need to worry.
Flat soles are considered a sensitivity, but I've had horses with very flat soles cantering on stone and gravel with no problem whatsoever, without needing pads or special shoes.
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