PHOTOGRAPHIC EXAMPLES OF APPLIED EQUINE PODIATRY IN PROGRESS

SETH - SHIRE CROSS

Testimonial

Most people say that it is a hard decision to take the shoes off your horse, for me it was easy. Seth had been diagnosed with DJD, the vet was not positive about his future and the only real advice was to reduce the concussion to his joints. His shoes were already off as he had been operated on and he was now on box rest. So I decided that the shoes would stay off.

For the first 5 years that he was without shoes he was trimmed regularly by a traditional farrier. As time went on I became increasingly concerned about the cracks that were forming and the shape of his hooves. Although sound I continued to worry about any damage I might be doing to him long term. He had suffered for a long time with thrush and fungal infections but it was not until Lindsay became involved that I realised the full importance of those problems.

Seth and I now benefit from the theories of Applied Equine Podiatry. Not just the trim but the total hoof care that we now understand. Clearing the infection has been a long struggle and needs patience, but combined with the trim he receives the results speak for themselves. The cracks are disappearing and the shape of his hooves are getting better all the time. He walks out more and he is coping far better on stony ground. I now have real piece of mind that his feet are being cared for properly.

Gill with Seth

The problems Seth and Gill experienced are very common. Severe and chronic fungal and thrush infections undermine the whole internal and external hoof function. Seth hooves were very infected and had been for many years. The infection was deceptively deep having worked into the central sulcus of the frog and into the bulbs of the heels and Seth was also suffering from White Line Infection/disease. Seth's hooves were all shaped like three leaf clovers, with bulges at the quarters (sides of the hooves) with splits, indents and cracks throughout. Despite Gill's attempts to get rid of these infections using all sorts of different 'remedies' out on the market, until Clean Trax was used, now permanently included in his routine of care, the cycle of infection cannot be broken. Like many horses Seth is kept at a livery yard and Gill works full time. Despite limitations on Gill's ability to change the environment and with restrictions on her time, Gill's commitment to change what she was able to do has paid off. These limitations slowed progress but the end result has proved that even small and consistent changes can make a difference.

As the frogs improve so does hoof function and less misplaced distortion occurs throughout the hoof capsule and structures begin to work in equilibrium as trimming places the hoof into balance with internal structures aiding rehabilitation. This has ensured that the energy created on impact can be dealt with correctly and as a consequence helps to protect Seth's joints and improve his performance.

MAY 2006- BEFORE APPLIED EQUINE PODIATRY WAS INTRODUCED

AUGUST 2006 - THE START OF REHAB AND CONDITIONING - ALL HOOVES ON A CLEAN TRAX PROGRAMME AND TRIMMED

OCTOBER 2006

NOVEMBER 2006

DECEMBER 2006

DECEMBER 2006 - hoof clear of infection and continues to be HPT trimmed and improving each month.

BEFORE

Seth's right rear hoof progression

AFTER