Case Study # 1
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DAFFY
5 years old 14.3hh Welsh Cob cross traditional coloured cob gelding. Trimmed by same farrier from foal-feb 09. Shod by same farrier at 4 yrs. Shoes removed december 08. History of intermittent lameness and tension through back, shoulders and neck. Photo below taken february 09. Trimming done by trimmers other than AEP Feb to May with some improvements noticed.
Notice the flare, growth rings and cracks indicative of imbalance and deformed hoof capsule. Notice also the diseased frog and stretched white line.
On the lateral view the horizontal growth rings appear to raise up where the lateral cartilages are, before descending to the heels again. This indicates Equine Digital Elastosis (EDE) or more simply; a loss of elasticity to the soft tissues of the foot, where the internal arch apparatus no longer functions correctly and the heelbulbs raise up (on collapse of internal arch), putting stress on the dorsal wall of the pedal bone (p3). This can happen as a result of imbalance in the foot, poor trimming/shoeing, and when metabolic issues/disease are present. It can also happen if the horse is not hydrated or in old age. In this instance, elasticity of the soft tissues of the foot were restored holistically by addressing foot balance, using homeopathic remedies and correcting environmental influences including exercise, turnout environment and diet.
The Photo below was taken on the 26th August 09 post HPT trim which was applied from May to present day and where greatest improvements were seen. Hoof/foot and horse are markedly more in balance and performance is improved.
Daffy still has less than perfect feet but they are improving with time. He currently scores around a 6/10 on the spectrum of useability and walks over stoney ground comfortably and enjoys hacking down lanes and on tarmac as well as schooling in all gaits in the manege. He is turned out every day on a mix of mud and stone and is stabled at night with recycled cardboard bedding and rubber mats underfoot. He has 24 hr access to hay and is fed cool stance and speedi beet; supplemented with brewers yeast, micronized linseed and multi vitamin/minerals. He is a sensitive horse and reacts to toxins etc in his environment. We worm count regularly which is negative (we poo pick twice daily in the summer and once daily in the winter) but worm twice yearly for tapeworm and once yearly in December with panacur 5 day. He can get sensitive underfoot post vaccination/wormer and we manage the symptoms with aloe vera juice and homeopathic remedies such as arnica, calc flur, bellis perennis and a special laminitis mix. We also use Global Herbs' Laminitis Prone Supplement and Restore at times of potential stress such as when introducing spring grazing.
How do the above set of photos differ from your horse or horses you know?
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