Sensitive feet Repairing a crack
Q
My Thoroughbred always seems to go lame after a farrier visit. It only lasts a day or so, but it’s annoying. Is this a common thing? Gail Taylor, Norwich
A
The equine foot is a highly dynamic structure. Acting like a leaf spring, it helps with shock absorption during movement to reduce concussion. Breed adaptations that help to generate speed within Thoroughbred horses, through the relative lightness and angle of the distal limb, also present particular challenges to the strength of their feet. These challenges require careful and attentive management and farrier support. So, if I was your farrier, I would want to have the opportunity to discuss this with you. It may seem a simple thing but coming together to have a discussion will be the foundation of an effective solution.
Working together
As regards an answer to your problem, there are many things that a farrier can do. Where a shod solution offers the best possible way forward, shoes can be designed and made that meet the specific needs of that horse. When building the perfect shoe for your horse, your farrier will consider the best material to use, what section of the hoof is being shod, nail position and pitch. If a nailed-on shoe is not considered helpful, then there are modern materials that offer bonded solutions using materials that closely assimilate the equine hoof. Imprint Equine Foot Care produce a range of bonded biodegradable horseshoes that support a full range of equestrian activities and address the challenges described here.