Sharing these before and after photos today of this high/low horse. Left is before, right after. Above is before, below after.

What is high/low? - High/low is where one front hoof has a steeper angle than the other front hoof. The steeper hoof is the "high" hoof and the less steep one is the "low" hoof. Either one of these hooves could be the correct one; it depends on what caused the difference in the first place.

Why is high/low a problem? - In the front hooves, the height of the hoof capsule directly impacts the height of the scapula and the arc of the stride of the leg in movement. A high-angled hoof will have a shorter stride, and the scapula will be sitting higher up than the opposing side. This will create an imbalance for saddle fit, with the rider often complaining that they lean to the side with the shorter hoof. This also presents a problem with symmetry riding one direction vs the other because the stride lengths will be different, and it can create a canter lead problem as well with the horse struggling to take the lead on the higher side. Not to mention, the horse will be uncomfortable and feel imbalanced in their body. They might even feel pinched in the shoulder under saddle on the higher side.

What causes it? - There are a lot of reasons for high/low to show up. The most common cause I see is what we call a grazing foot. This is where a foal prefers to graze with one hoof forward and one hoof back, and they are always in the same position, i.e., the front left is always forward and the front right is always back. With proper trimming, the hooves can be maintained in balance, but with improper trimming, the hooves will develop differently, with the outstretched front hoof becoming low and the other growing in at a higher angle. A coffin bone does not finish growing until a horse is 3-4 years old, so proper trimming is crucial from about 3 months old to keep the hooves in balance and to prevent asymmetry.

Another cause of high/low is a club foot. While this is not a true case of high/low, but rather the pathology of a club foot, it often presents with the same implications and must be managed as a high/low scenario. It is very common for clubbed hooves to be trimmed ineffectively and allowed to flare so that they appear more "normal," and unfortunately, this exacerbates the problem.

Previous injury, conformational faults, or muscle weakness can also cause high/low as they can cause a horse to be stronger or more flexible on one side of the body than the other. This imbalance in the body will directly impact the weight distribution going down the legs and can create more pressure on one side than the other, which can also alter the shape of the hooves.

How do we fix it? Can we? - "Fix" isn't really the correct word as it implies we can completely remedy the problem, but can we improve high/low? The answer is most of the time it can be improved to some degree with a combination of correct trimming, bodywork, and physical rehab for the horse.

In the case of the horse pictured here, he needed a more effective trim to control the flaring hoof wall, proper management of his club foot, and he needed the heels on the low foot left alone and the heels on the high foot trimmed as low as possible but without thinning the sole, and without overstretching his tendons. Heel changes need to be made gradually, not all at once, or they can be a shock to the system and cause discomfort or injury. His rehab will be a work in progress and will take time, but he is already moving better and starting to grow in connected hoof wall attachment.

Interested in learning more about proper hoof care and management? Check out our online hoof care course where you can delve deeper into these topics and gain valuable insights for your horse's well-being. 

The concept of peripherally loading the hoof is not really something most barefoot trimmers endorse. While this approach aims to shift weight-bearing forces away from the internal structures of the hoof, such as the digital cushion, frog, and coffin bone, it can inadvertently lead to a host of issues, including a weak digital cushion and prolapsed frogs. 

Peripherally loading the hoof involves applying excessive pressure to the hoof wall, often through the use of shoes or improper trimming techniques. While the intention may be to alleviate strain on the internal structures, such as the coffin bone, navicular bone, and tendons, it can result in unintended consequences. One such consequence is the prolapse of the frog, where the frog tissue becomes compressed and displaced downward due to inadequate support and stimulation.

Prolapsed frogs occur when the frog tissue, which plays a crucial role in weight distribution and shock absorption, becomes weakened and fails to maintain its proper position elevated up within the hoof capsule. This can lead to discomfort, lameness, and compromised hoof function. These horses will be very sensitive in the back of the hoof and can land toe first instead of heel first, and suffer from caudal failure if left untreated. 

Rehabilitating a hoof with prolapsed frogs requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the underlying causes and the structural integrity of the hoof. Central to this approach is the careful stimulation and rebuilding of the digital cushion and frog tissue. By focusing on these essential components, we can help restore proper hoof function and mitigate the risk of further damage. First treat the frog for thrush, as the protecting structure for the digital cushion the frog needs to be the priority. Second, carefully bring the frog into a weight bearing state either barefoot, with boots and pads or with the use of soft hoof packing and composite shoes with frog support. 

The digital cushion serves as a critical shock absorber, dissipating the impact forces generated during movement. When peripherally loading the hoof, this vital structure may become underutilized and weakened. To counteract this, it's essential to implement strategies that encourage the development and strength of the digital cushion. This can include exercises that promote natural movement and weight-bearing, as well as proper trimming techniques that support healthy hoof function. Often the horse will learn to land toe first because of pain in the back of the hoof, but even as you remove those sources of pain the muscle memory will keep the horse landing toe first unless you also rehabilitate the body with postural changes and bodywork. 

Ultimately, the rehabilitation of prolapsed frogs is not just about restoring hoof health—it's about safeguarding the overall well-being of the horse. By prioritizing the stimulation and development of the digital cushion and frog tissue, we can help dissipate impact energy, protect the horse's joints and body, improve and restore correct biomechanics and promote long-term soundness and comfort.

​Understanding the Difference between Laminitis and Founder

In the horse world, Laminitis and Founder are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean different things.

Let's break it down:

Laminitis = Inflammation of the Lamina

Laminitis happens when the sensitive lamina around the coffin bone gets inflamed. This includes the sensitive lamina on the front and sides of the coffin bone, as well as the solar corium on the bottom of the coffin bone.

Founder = Coffin Bone Rotation

Founder occurs when the coffin bone rotates or sinks within the hoof capsule. It can be a small or big rotation, but either way, it's considered foundered. Think of it like being pregnant – you either are or you aren't. Once that hoof wall connection is gone, it has to be regrown from the top down, a long process of about 8 -12 months.

It's important to know that a horse can have laminitis without getting founder, and a horse can get founder without experiencing laminitis. While they often go together, it's not a strict rule. Some horses with laminitis progress to founder, but not always. Founder can also happen on it's own, over time due to too long in between trims or improper trimming - this is called mechanical founder. These horses might not show laminitis signs but may seem sore, stiff, or unsound.
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The great news is most cases of laminitis or founder can be healed. It's a challenging journey, but with a knowledgeable trimmer or farrier, along with some changes to the horse's diet and living conditions, recovery is possible!

Understanding Founder and Hoof Healing

Founder is a serious condition involving the rotation and potential sinking of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule. It can range from a slight rotation to a severe scenario where the coffin bone penetrates the sole and emerges at the bottom of the hoof. Although the goal is to avoid such extremes, the reality is that founder is a common issue observed in trimming practices.

In a foundered hoof, the wall at the coronary band initially displays a healthy angle, even if only for a short distance. As it descends, there is a sudden change in angle, and the wall flares forward. Skilled trimmers and farriers can identify founder, but the degree of rotation requires diagnosis through X-rays by a veterinarian.

Sometimes, a hoof wall may flare but not be foundered, this is characterized by a less abrupt angle change and often involves multiple deviations in angle. A flare is simply a stretching of the lamina, while founder is actual disconnection of the lamina.

While prompt veterinary attention is crucial during a laminitic event, X-rays are equally important for foundered horses. Collaborating closely with your farrier/trimmer is essential to determine the rotation severity and trim the hoof correctly for pain relief and healthy growth.

Though serious, founder is often treatable. A knowledgeable trimmer/farrier is vital, understanding the hoof condition and trimming to alleviate rotation, fostering the growth of a healthy, well-connected hoof wall from the coronary band down. Rehabilitation duration varies, spanning 8-12 months depending on severity and individual hoof growth rates.

The key to a successful rehabilitation is maintaining a short toe and reducing leverage on the fragile new growth, preventing excess length that could leverage the lamina apart. A short trimming schedule, typically every 2-4 weeks based on severity, is crucial. I routinely employ this approach in rehabilitating foundered horses, and I often use glue on shoes to provide comfort and soundness during the rehabilitation process.

Understanding Laminitis: A Comprehensive Insight into its Impact on Horses

Laminitis is a complex condition characterized by inflammation of the sensitive lamina enveloping the coffin bone. This intricate structure involves the sensitive lamina along the front and sides of the coffin bone, as well as the solar corium beneath the bone.

The sensitive lamina is a vascular layer covering the coffin bone, equipped with nerves and a blood supply. It intricately intertwines with the insensitive lamina, positioned on the inner side of the hoof wall. Unlike its counterpart, the insensitive lamina lacks a blood supply and nerves, yet its semi-rigid structure provides essential support. The interlocking connection of the sensitive and insensitive lamina acts like Velcro, crucial for maintaining the proper position of the coffin bone within the hoof.

When a horse experiences laminitis, the sensitive lamina becomes swollen and inflamed. This inflammation is profoundly painful as there is limited room for expansion between the interlocked insensitive lamina. The severity of laminitis varies; a horse with mild laminitis may exhibit sensitivity when walking on hard surfaces, while severe cases may result in a distinct rocked-back stance as the horse seeks relief from inflamed lamina pressure.

Swiftly reducing inflammation and relieving hoof wall pressure through trimming by a knowledgeable trimmer or farrier can often prevent the progression to founder. If left unaddressed in severe cases, the persistent pressure may lead to lamina separation, allowing the coffin bone to rotate and sink within the hoof capsule. It's crucial to emphasize that this progression is not an overnight occurrence but develops gradually, underscoring the urgency of prompt intervention to alleviate inflammation.

Laminitis can be triggered by many factors, with carbohydrate overload from lush grass or sudden grain intake being the most common. Other triggers include hormonal imbalances, stress, metabolic issues, systemic conditions, and even improper trimming or repeated concussions on hard surfaces. If you suspect your horse has laminitis, call your vet ASAP, if left untreated it can lead to serious complications.

Unraveling Acute Founder: Debunking the Myth

In our recent posts about Laminitis and Founder, we've explored the differences and subtleties of these equine hoof conditions. Now, let's delve into the intriguing but incorrect concept of "Acute Founder."

Acute Founder, often described as a rapid event - akin to an overnight occurrence, is commonly known (incorrectly) in equestrian circles. However, it's essential to clarify – this phenomenon does not truly exist.

In the equestrian world, it's not uncommon for horses to undergo gradual, unnoticed founder over an extended period - this is called mechanical founder. Despite regular hoof inspections, the lack of comprehensive knowledge sometimes leads horse owners, farriers, trimmers, and even veterinarians to overlook the subtle signs of founder. This knowledge gap can be disconcerting, underscoring the need for ongoing education within the professional community.

Now, how does this tie in with a scenario where a horse seemingly acutely founders after a grain binge? Let's break it down.

In my experience, I've encountered horses where, on the initial visit, I identified signs of founder in their hooves. Surprisingly, these horses were actively performing daily exercises and work, exhibiting no overt signs of soreness or discomfort. Often times the horse owner doesn't understand how anything could be wrong, and chooses to disregard this information.

However, dismissing this situation with an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality is a perilous choice. The consequences of neglecting this metaphorical "ticking time bomb" are substantial.

The horse continues its routine, seemingly unaffected, until a day of grain indulgence/hormonal imbalance or some other laminitis trigger, rendering the horse acutely laminitic and unable to walk. When the vet is called, the horse owner, citing the horse's soundness the day before, leads to a common misdiagnosis - Acute Founder. The assumption is that founder occurred overnight due to the laminitis event, when, in reality, it had been quietly progressing for an extended period of time.

Similar situations arise, such as a horse progressing well until it develops tenderness in a front hoof. When the vet is consulted, the assumption is that the founder occurred recently.
These occurrences, are not rare, and they underscore the importance of understanding the timeline of founder development. While laminitis can, in some cases, lead to founder, the crucial fact is that founder does not transpire overnight. For the lamina to lose its connection and the bone to initiate rotation away from the hoof wall, a gradual process unfolds. As the lamina separate, the cells secrete a liquid form of keratin, creating a lamellar wedge that progressively enlarges over time to fill the growing void between the coffin bone and the hoof wall. As the hoof wall continues to grow, the wedge pushes the wall forward creating the extreme flare we typically associate with foundered hooves.
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In summary, the notion of a horse acutely foundering overnight is a myth. Founder is a gradual buildup, while laminitis, if promptly addressed, does not necessarily culminate in founder. Continuing to deepen our understanding of these intricate hoof conditions is key to promoting the well-being of our equine friends.

I get asked this question often from horse owners.
 
Let's talk Quarter Flare to start.
 
There are two issues that can cause the quarter to flare, first is mechanical stress placed on the hoof itself, the second is metabolic stress.
 
In a healthy hoof, the bond or interdigitation of the sensitive lamina to the insensitive lamina is tight. This connection is the white/golden line we see on the bottom of the hoof. The golden line is formed by the terminal papillae's around the rim edge of the coffin bone as they secrete a flexible type of keratin. This keratin (golden line) acts like a silicone bond between the two structures of lamina. Flexibility is key, as the insensitive lamina grows down and past the sensitive lamina that stays attached to the coffin bone itself. Because this bond must be flexible/elastic to join these two structures, it is the weakest part of the horse's hoof.  This bond can be broken by mechanical stresses put on the hoof. 
 
Mechanical stress is created when the hoof is allowed to grow too long, decreasing the ability of the frog to perform its role of providing support in the rear/center of the hoof, which then causes the full weight of the horse to push down on the hoof wall (peripheral loading). The weight and loading of the hoof wall can cause a great deal of leverage on the golden line which is how the quarter flare starts. As the wall moves away or flares, the golden line must stretch to cover the increasing distance between the two laminae. If the stress continues due to a long trim cycle or improper trimming, the golden line can break down, leading to the separation of the wall from the sole. When this separation happens, the golden line expands to cover this distance (lamellar wedge).
 
To treat quarter flare caused by mechanical stress a shorter trimming cycle should be implemented with regular maintenance trimming being performed every 2-3 weeks, allowing the frog and heels, to bear the primary impact of the footfall and not the hoof wall.
 
Metabolic Stress is a breakdown at the cellular level of the hoof. Systemic metabolic conditions such as stress, insulin dysregulation, PPID, obesity, mineral imbalance, dietary imbalance, or infection can cause a weakness within the cells of the hoof. This breakdown can cause issues within the hooves and the ability to create and maintain the strong bond between the laminae. Signs of metabolic conditions that show up in the hoof can be slow growth, angle changes to the hoof wall, brittleness, ridges, and fine line cracks in the hoof wall.

​Remember, quarter flaring, separation, and white line disease are all secondary conditions that are caused by leverage or a weakness within the hoof. First, address the cause of the weakness, and you will likely resolve the secondary issues.

Thrush is a common hoof condition in horses that affects the frog and can have serious consequences to the health of the hoof. It is caused by a fungal and/or bacterial infection and is more common during wetter weather. Thrush can create a foul-smelling chalkiness on the frog and in the collateral grooves, and can impact the shape and size of the frog. In severe cases thrush can infect the digital cushion of the hoof, this is a sensitive, shock absorbing structure in the rear of the hoof that is responsible for dissipating the impact vibrations during movement! 
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Here's some helpful information on the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of thrush in horse hooves:

Symptoms:
1. Foul Odor: One of the most noticeable signs of thrush is a strong, unpleasant odor emanating from the frog or collateral grooves when you pick the hoof out. This odor is caused by the fungus and/or bacteria and decaying tissue.
2. Black or Gray Discharge: Thrush often leads to a black or gray, moist discharge in the central sulcus of the frog or in the deepest parts of the collateral grooves. This discharge may also be accompanied by a cottage cheese-like consistency.
3. Sensitivity and Lameness: Horses with thrush may become sensitive or lame, particularly when pressure is applied to the affected area. They may show discomfort when picking out the affected hoof and an inability to load the back of the hoof during motion - resulting in toe first landings.
4. Changes in Hoof Appearance: As thrush progresses, it can cause the frog to become soft and spongy. In severe cases, the frog may even develop deep crevices or cavities.


Treatment:
Treatment of thrush in horse hooves involves several steps:
1. Cleaning: Begin by cleaning the affected hoof thoroughly. Use a hoof pick to carefully remove dirt, debris, and any loose or decayed tissue from the frog. Using the Sole Cleanse product after this process helps to disinfect the frog and sole prior to packing with Artimud or Hoof Stuff​.
2. Topical Treatments: Various topical treatments are available, such as Artimud, which is formulated to treat minor thrush and work as a preventative, and Hoof Stuff, which is formulated for deep central sulcus cracks. Using the Artimud product provides lasting protection against damage. It contains naturally active agents that eliminate bacteria and fungi and promote the formation of healthy tissue. It can be reapplied on a daily basis. For the deeper crevices in the central sulcus, Hoof Stuff is the best choice as it will stay in place with its cotton fibers, zinc oxide and honey base. For best results top the Hoof Stuff with Artimud!
3. Proper Trimming: Regular trimming and maintenance of the hooves are essential to prevent the accumulation of debris and provide better aeration to the frog. For more info on proper trimming and how to evaluate your horse's trim consider our Online Hoof Anatomy, Theory and Barefoot trimming Course.
4. Dry Environment: Ensure that the horse's living environment is clean, dry, and well-maintained. Mud and moisture can contribute to the development of thrush.


Prevention:
Preventing thrush is key to maintaining hoof health:
1. Regular Hoof Maintenance: Schedule regular hoof trims every 4 weeks with your trimmer to keep the hooves in good shape and prevent the accumulation of debris.
2. Clean and Dry Environment: Ensure that the horse's stall, paddock, and pasture are clean and free of standing water or mud. Proper drainage can help keep hooves dry.
3. Proper Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet to promote overall hoof health. Adequate nutrition is essential for strong hooves.
4. Regular Exercise: Encourage your horse to move and exercise regularly, as this helps with blood circulation and hoof health.
5. Routine Checkups: Regularly inspect your horse's hooves for signs of thrush, especially in wet or muddy conditions. Early detection and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening.
6. Hoof Boots: Consider using hoof boots if your horse is prone to thrush or has sensitive hooves. These can help protect the hooves from moisture and debris.
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If you suspect your horse has thrush or if the condition persists despite your efforts, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian or farrier for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your horse's specific needs.

​I had spoken on the phone to the owner of this horse prior to arriving and I was prepared to deal with a foundered horse, but I wasn't aware of the severity.

This horse has been under veterinary care and was seen by the farrier every 4 weeks for the last few months. There are also underlying PPID and IR issues.
This horse has been very lame for the last year. 

​The only radiographs I had to work with were from 6 months previous. They show significant sinking and rotation, but I suspect the damage is even worse judging by the current state of the hooves. Current radiographs would be extremely helpful, but in this case they are not available.

While this trim seems fairly drastic, I am sure I could have done more if I had current x-rays. This was a step in the right direction to restore function and set up the new growth for coming in. The owner purchased Easyboot Clouds to keep this horse comfortable moving forward and we plan to trim every 3 weeks to start.

In the pictures above you can see the huge lamellar wedge. There is so much separation in this hoof wall. I also tried not to touch the sole at all, what I did trim on the bottom was the overlaid bars and overgrown frog. I also tried to lower the heels to realign the bottom of the coffin bone. This horse has very thick bone, and will naturally have a slightly longer heel then the average 1.25 inches because of that.

From a metabolic standpoint this horse is on low sugar hay in slow feed nets placed around her paddock to increase movement, I also suggested adding biotin to her diet to help with hoof growth, and rechecking her ACTH levels to make sure her Pergolide dosage for her PPID is effective.

​I will update this case study with more picutres next time I see her.

Since the last trim the owner reports that she is moving better, though still sore. She wears the Easyboot Clouds 24/7 right now. This trim I really worked on bringing the heels down a bit more and removing some more of the large wedge from the top. Because the heels were so overgrown the frog was also overgrown, but at the first trim it was very hard and I didn’t want to remove too much. This trim the frogs were very crumbly and I trimmed them down until all the rotten material was gone. I didn’t trim any sole, but I did trim down some overlaid bar off the sole. The bar was also quite crumbly. This is still a huge work in progress and I will see her again in another three weeks and reassess.
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So what's my plan? Generally speaking he has good flexibility in the leg so I can lower the heels about a 1/4 inch at each trim. This leaves them sitting about a 1/4 inch above the height of the sole. In a perfect world I'd like to trim him every two weeks and lower them and 1/8 of an inch at a time instead. I rarely trim the toe other then applying a bevel from the golden line outward, and I usually have a bit of frog to trim and clean up. Thankfully he grows very nice upright and manageable bar so trimming it is easy. I just ramp it down from the heel following the natural concavity of the hoof.

I usually apply a bevel to the heels anytime I have to leave them higher then I would like to. This can also be called a "rocker". ​

With a rocker applied, during motion the horse must extend his stride and flex the tendon just a little bit more in order to land heel first. You must be very careful with this that you don't ask them to extend any farther then they can comfortably handle. If you trim your heels too low or apply too much rocker you could cause them to land toe first to alleviate the discomfort, and/or risk injury. My aim to to ask for an 1/8 of an inch, and over time keep bringing that heel down until it is at a normal level. This of course is the plan, but it is sometimes a work in progress throughout the entire lifespan of the horse. 

Adding to this complicated case is the suspensory injury this horse has. He has an old fractured split bone and as the lower branch of the medial suspensory ligament  moves across it becomes torn and jagged. This has lead to an abundance of scar tissue forming, creating less flexibly and range of motion and frequent bouts of lameness as the inflammation flares up. This pertains to my job aligning the hoof as I don't want to further aggravate the injury, so I am forced to trim very conservatively until the owner and vet decide on a course of action for this reoccurring issue.
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The pics below are from Odin's initial shoe pull and trim. We applied composite shoes to his fronts to provide artificial concavity due to his flat soles. You can see the long leveraging toe, flat sole and low, crushed heels.

I opted to set the breakover far back under the composite shoe in order to reduce the leverage on the new growth just below and coronary band.

Today I pulled the composite shoes and after the trim applied Glue on Easyshoe Performance shoes.
The focus was on bringing the toes back to relieve the leverage on the hoof wall as well as to allow the heels to come in at a steeper angle in order to bring the weight bearing surface back underneath the horse.
Read through the comments on the individual pictures for a more in-depth explanation.

A bit of time has passed since Odin's last update. He recently became one of our school horses so that I can give him the routine care that I think he needs. Odin presents as quite stiff and sore and very reluctant to move forward. I think he has a few combined issues and I hopeful we can help him to improve and maybe one day use him in our Youth Program. Along with his under run heels, Odin has long stretched forward toes and thin soles. He was also diagnosed with kissing spine before he came here. 

​Today I applied EasyShoe Performance NG's with 11 finger tabs, Duplo wedges, DIM for support and Artimud to combat moisture. 

​Below are the modified composites I applied. I favor the EasyShoe Performance NG's and Easyshoe Versa Grip Lights. You can use plastic wedges as well, or even build up a wedge with glue but I prefer the simplicity of the Duplo Wedges. I love how versatile these composite shoes are with the 11 finger tabs. This pics below show the shoes before I welded more tabs on. These shoes have been used a few times and you can see they still have a lot of life left to be used again. This is one of my favorite things about the 11 finger tabs, they can be ground off and new one welded on once they get too thin or lose their shape.

This hoof belonged to Ruby, one of our rescue ponies. She was chronically foundered and suffered from untreated PPID before we got her. We tried for three years to help her but ultimately when the bad days started to outnumber the good ones we had to end her suffering.

When Ruby first arrived she was emaciated and had very long overgrown, foundered hooves. But she was the kind of pony who always looked at you with appreciation in her eyes. We had her examined by our Vet right away and he floated her teeth, ran bloodwork and got her started on medication for the PPID. During the next three years she was off an on again sound, and had frequent bouts of laminitis. 

Montana is a paint mare that presented with a disconnected hoof wall, and both rotation and sinking of the coffin bone. She has an extremely flared hoof capsule and a very flat sole with zero concavity. Her owner repots that she is tender when ridden barefoot and "requires shoes or boots" when ridden to keep her sound.

​I opted for a conservative trim, steeply beveling the toe to reduce leverage, but leaving excess heel and quarters in order to provide some "false concavity".

On the bottom view you can see the bruising on the sole directly under the coffin bone from the lack of concavity and too much solar pressure. She has boots and pads to keep her comfortable for now and we will likely move to composite shoes for riding season in order to give her some long term comfort and “false concavity” to relieve that solar pressure.
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You can see the huge abscess she blew along the heel bulbs and frog as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if that starts to separate as it grows out.

Her owner reports that she has been moving really well and only required boots for a few days after the last trim and when riding. 

This trim was similar to the previous one in that I steeply beveled the toe to reduce leverage, though this time I did not leave excess heel and quarter height. The heels were starting to fold over and quarter was breaking away. 

You can see the connected hoof wall growth coming down farther from the coronary band as well. Overall I am very pleased with her progress thus far.

I am happy with the progress so far, the hoof wall connection is coming in and Montana has been moving well. The key here is keeping the leverage back so that it doesn't undermine the connection up higher. 

This trim was a couple of weeks early but because I was in her area with my students during the 6 day course I thought we would touch up her trim and use her as a case study to teach the students. Montana is still very comfortable and the connection is coming down the hoof wall. Her owner is still using boots for riding and is very pleased with her progress.

I got a call from Montana's owner that about 3 weeks post trim she came up lame that morning. We suspected abscessing and the owner soaked daily for about a week. Nothing presented but Montana came in and out of soundness during that time. When I arrived I could not see any sign of an abscess, and noticed that she was very tender in all 4 feet and having trouble walking on the gravel driveway. We concluded that possibly due to the recent rainfall (it had been a previously very dry period) and the wet ground perhaps the moisture had softened Montana's thin soles and we opted to apply Easyshoe Versa composite shoes to her fronts. The owner reported about three days later that Montana was very sound and she was able to ride her. 

My goal will still be to grow in healthy wall connection and allow the sole to thicken. We will likely keep using the composite shoes for the summer riding season with the hope that in the fall she will be able to transition back to barefoot and then hopefully next spring not require the use of composite shoes.

I purchased Flash in August of 2020 to be one of our school horses used during our trimming courses and because he had been diagnosed with Navicular Syndrome by the previous owner's Vet and I wanted to both help improve his condition and study him.

I am somewhat skeptical of the diagnosis as it was made without radiographs to confirm, and was only based on the Vet's opinion of how he was moving at the time. If you look at his initial photos and hoof conformation I struggle to understand how a diagnosis could have been made solely by assessing his movement with his hooves in that condition.

Either way I am moving forward under the assumption he may have Navicular Syndrome and treating him as I would treat any horse; with proper frequent trims, a good diet and turnout 24/7 on my track with my herd. 

Though it's not the best video to showcase his movement, you can see that he us kicking forward sand with his front hooves. This is due to toe first landings.

He is still pretty stiff through the body, and if landing flat, avoiding using his heels.

This is by far the best I have seen him moving. Still landing flat and with hesitation, but overall significantly improved from before. 

After this trim Flash was sounder then he has been since he arrived. I have also noticed a huge change in his behavior over the last month. He has finally settled into the herd and has started to approach me and ask for attention. Something he was never interested in before. After this trim I even rode him lightly in the arena for a few minutes, this was his first ride since we brought him home, and probably his first ride in over a year. 

I would still like to see him grow in more hoof wall connection as well as stronger digital cushions. As he grows in more wall connection I also expect that his concavity will increase and his soles will thicken, resulting in less bruising. 

Flash has been doing well, he has gone from unsound to sound on the track where he lives and sound in the sand arena. Because of his progress we have started riding him and I have found he is tender on rocks and hard surfaces. I wanted to try a composite application to see if we can build more sole thickness and continue to ride him. I glued on Easyshoe Performance Shoes, with a soft sole packing underneath and topped the application off with a thin layer of 3M casting. 

​The following video was from immediately after the composite application

The following video was from later in the evening on the same day of composite application

Watching Flash improve has been very emotional. He has gone from a very shut down horse to an in your pocket and really friendly guy. He is a favorite among the youth that I work with and has been sound enough to use in the program since the August 2021. He spend most of the summer in Easyshoe Versa Grip Lights glued on with the 11 finger tab system. This product packed with dental impression material both protected and stimulated the back of his hooves and caused his frog to grow in wider and thicker, as a result of the improving health of the digital cushion. 

Even though I was watching his soundness and comfort improve I was feeling a bit discouraged with the progress of his hooves until I put these pictures from the beginning of his journey along side the current hoof pictures. I can see that the overall angle of the hooves has changed dramatically and the heel is much farther back underneath the hoof. Also the entire back of the hoof has changed. The frog is wider, but the heel bulbs are also wider and more "full", with a much stronger digital cushion under there. 

While there is still improvement to be made I am much happier with Flash's progress having looked at how far he's come. 

Dixie is an 11 year QH mare, who has suffered with this toe crack for several years. Her current owner purchased her in the spring of 2000 and had been working with a vet and corrective farrier for 8 months without significant progress. She decided to try a different approach and brought her here to OKSNHC for rehab in January 2021.

The album below shows the before photos and first trim results. There are captions on some photos to explain important points.
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My plan this trim was to further reduce the long toe and just see how the new growth is coming in. It has only been a couple of weeks since the last trim so not a ton of new growth, but overall I am happy with the progress. Today I opted to cast only and when these wear off in 1-2 weeks I will soak again to treat that crack for fungus and bacteria and likely apply casting and composite shoes again, though she seemed just as comfortable in the casting alone without the composites. 
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This was the first trim that I was able to lower the heels and quarters to a normal level as I planned to apply composite shoes to create the "artificial concavity" that I have been achieving by leaving them high. Her sole is still very flat, though there is concavity starting to form. The crack on the FR is also starting to grow down from the coronary band closed. This is extremely exciting as this mare has had this crack for 5 years! Overall, there is about an 3/4 of an inch of tighter new growth at the coronary band since I began to trim her on  January 23 2021. I applied composite shoes, packed with Artimud, and plan to leave them on until early April. She was off at the trot before the trim and slightly worse after after. I believe this is due both the shorter trim to accommodate the composites, and to corium inflammation due to the flat sole.  In a few days I will take more video to see if  the inflammation has subsided with the composites applied.

Overall Dixie has been doing well, but I felt like there was too much pressure on the crack, causing it to continue up into the new growth, just superficially, I trimmed her toe back and for the first time was able to remove the excess heel and quarter that I had been leaving to give her artificial concavity. I applied a glue on Easyshoe Performance, and wrapped in 1/2 a roll of 3M casting to further secure the glue. I also packed the Easyshoe with a soft sole packing. She is moving very sound in this set up. You can see on the glue application that I set the shoe right back to where I wanted her breakover to be. This is extremely important in reducing the leverage on the toe crack. If the shoe is set too far forward as seen in the picture above, the leverage on the crack would be increased causing it to continue to split. 

It's  a bittersweet moment for us here at OKSNHC as Dixie gets ready to go home! Just over 6 months have passed, and Dixie has grown in almost an entirely new hoof! The crack is almost grown out, likely just one more trim will see that through. Dixie's home is about 2.5 hours from me, so one of my students will now be taking over her care along side her owner.

The small vertical crack you can see just above the trimmed area is superficial and will also grow out within the next couple of trims. Over the next 6 months, with proper trimming I expect Dixie to be able to grow in an even better connected hoof wall. You can see the marker lines I drew in the after trim pic showing the various levels of wall angle deviation. These angles are based on hoof leverage and reducing this leverage was my entire goal during this rehab resulting in being bale to grow out the crack.

For over 5 years Dixie suffered with that crack, being worked on by some very experienced and knowledgeable farriers. Clearly from the before picture you can see that they tried everything they knew. Shoes to hold the crack together, glue to help keep it together... I have always and will always maintain, it's not a shod vs barefoot debate, its the trim under the shoe or without the shoe that counts.

Throughout the rehab Dixie had highs and lows. There were some moments she required a composite shoe or hoof cast to be comfortable, and now 6 months later she is sound barefoot. Her transition is not entirely complete, she will require hoof boots for trail riding on rocky ground until she can build more callous and get used to the terrain, but in the paddock, pasture and arena she is 100% sound barefoot. 

​Inevitably this time of year I get panicked calls or texts from owners asking about bruising in the white line. When horses are walking in snow and their hooves are relatively clean the bright reddish purple bruising can look quite alarming.

While this bruising can be a sign of something more serious, it is usually just caused by walking on frozen uneven ground.

Most of our domestic horses live in soft dirt paddocks or pastures and during our winters here in Western Canada, the ground will go through periods of thawing and freezing, creating soft mud one day and hard frozen lumpy ground the next. The horses adapt well and can move about awkwardly on the frozen uneven ground, but often they will take a misstep here or there and that can result in bruising of the white line as shown in the picture. This type of bruising is generally is isolated to just one hoof and doesn't generally cause soreness or lead to anything worse, but it can be alarming if you don't know the cause.

What if it's more serious? If you are seeing this bruising when the ground is not frozen and hard, or it is present in both front hooves or all four hooves equally, it could be a sign of repeated toe first landings or even laminitis (caused by metabolic conditions). 

The hoof functions as a shock absorber to the rest of the body, and to work this way the horse must land heel first where all of the shock absorbing structures are located. When there is a breakdown of hoof integrity in the rear of the hoof, horses will compensate by landing toe first. As there are no shock absorbing structures in the front half of the hoof, the impact can create this bruising among other more serious complications. You can use your cell phone to take video of your horse moving at a walk and a trot and play it back in slow motion to determine how they are landing. Occasional toe first landings are normal, such as when a horse is unmotivated or travelling uphill, but repeated toe first landings on soft surfaces such as a sand arena or pasture are a red flag and should be discussed with your vet and farrier.

Laminitis can also cause this bruising and horses with metabolic conditions are at a greater risk of suffering complications during wintertime. Here in Western Canada, it is common among horse owners to try and "fatten their horses up" leading up to wintertime with the belief that they will stay warmer during our cold winter months if they have a little extra "padding". While this is true, often we ride significantly less in the winter leading to a more sedentary day to day life for the horse. This increased weight and feed regimen can lead to an obese horse in a very short timeframe and can lead to laminitis. While I am certainly not advocating for under feeding your horse during winter, I recommend you watch their weight closely and manage it as you would throughout the rest of the year. Metabolic horses are a challenge to care for and keeping an eye on the integrity of the white line can be beneficial in preventing and becoming aware of hoof issues that can lead to laminitis. Bruising can be an indication of laminitic events, even if not enough to trigger full blown laminitis. A stretched white line is an indication of a loss of hoof wall connection and should be discussed with your vet and farrier. 

Thrush is something that at one time or another all horse owners will likely have to deal with. It is not a product of neglectful horse care, nor is it a product of unsanitary living environment etc. Thrush is a combination of bacteria and fungus that can eat away at the frog tissue in the hoof. These bacteria and fungus are more prominent in wet conditions and thrive in moist ground, but can also be a problem in dry conditions. In the image above you will see the healthy frog on the right, the thrush infected frog on the left. You will notice that the central sulcus, the area at the rear of the frog in the middle, in the healthy hoof is just a small indent, but in the affected hoof it is a deep crack. This is the first area that thrush usually starts to affect. What happens is the the thrush eats away at the healthy tissue and creates a "home" for itself within the sulcus of the frog. The deeper the crack, the better the hiding spot for the thrush to thrive and eat more healthy tissue. It is a vicious cycle and can be extremely hard to beat once it gets to this advanced stage.

Minor surface thrush is much easier to deal with. Some ratty tags on the frog, or a small infection of the central sulcus can usually be treated with diligent hoof picking and 2-3 times a week topical treatments with Artimud and/or HoofStuff. More severe thrush can take weeks or even months to clear up and can require soaking, booting and even diet/nutrition changes. 

So why is thrush an issue? At the start with a minor case, thrush doesn't really alter the horse in any way. If we catch it early enough and treat it then it is a non issue. If thrush persists and manages to eat into the frog tissue deeper it can cause the horse to feel some sensitivity when loading the back of their hoof and can cause them to land flat or toe first as opposed to heel first as they are intended to land. Horses land heel first in order to use the frog and its underlying structure, the digital cushion, to absorb impact and dissipate energy vibrations. When the horse alters its movement and doesn't land heel first that impact energy travels up the leg into the joints, shoulders/hip and back and causes excess strain on the body. This can create a cascade effect that can significantly affect the performance of the horse and in serious cases can even lead to lameness.

When the thrush eats through the frog and into the sensitive digital cushion it is extremely painful for the horse. The hoof and its outside structures are designed to protect, and are insensitive structures, meaning they do not have nerves and blood supply directly within them. The nerve receptors and blood supply are located within the sensitive structures: the digital cushion, solar corium and lamina. So this means that a minor surface infection of the frog really won't cause much pain, however once the thrush eats into the digital cushion it is in fact an open wound of the horse, and is painful when impacting the ground. The horse then alters their movement to avoid loading the frog as much as possible. This is an issue because of the previously mentioned strain on the body, but also because healthy frog tissue is generated because of positive impact forces, and without the horse loading the frog it won't receive these forces. This creates a long term problem as the frog and digital cushion will atrophy over time due to lack of stimulation and will alter the shape of the hoof capsule. You then have a significant reduction of impact energy dissipation and a horse that is absorbing that impact in their joints, therefore more prone to develop arthritis and other joint related conditions.

The pictures below show you the severity of a thrush infection once it gets into the digital cushion. These cadavers have the outside structures removed and the one on the left has an infection so deep that a hoof pick can be inserted into the crack approx 1/2 an inch. This is a deep open wound for the horse and extremely painful. The cadaver on the right shows a healthy digital cushion with a normal central sulcus without infection.

So what can we do about it? For minor infections treating topically is easy. Your local tack store will have several products available that are designed to kill the harmful bacteria and fungus that cause thrush. ​My personal word of of caution would be to read the ingredients label on those products. What you want is something that will kill the harmful bacteria and fungus, but not the healthy tissue. A lot of commercially made thrush products have ingredients like formaldehyde, formalin, turpentine etc. These substances are toxic to healthy tissues and will indeed kill the thrush but also the regenerating frog tissue. My favorite thrush products are made by Red Horse and are Artimud and HoofStuff.

Think about a deep thrush infection like an open wound on your own skin. Use products that will keep it clean but also encourage healthy growth. Products such as antibacterial wound scrubs used in human medicine, as well as barrier creams and ointments. My personal method for treating for this type of infection is as follows:

• Thoroughly clean the hoof - I use Sole Cleanse to get into and around the crevices in the frog (be careful with a deep infection, it will hurt your horse to scrub inside there, instead use a syringe to flush the area with your cleaning solution). You can also soak in products such as White Lightning or Cleantrax. 

   

• Dry the hoof and apply HoofStuff in the central sulcus of the frog very gently with your hoof pick. Then apply Artimud to the entire frog and collateral grooves. Remember less is more, you do not need to overfill the grooves.

 

• Prepare your hoof boot of choice. Boots will help to keep the frog clean and dry and make sure your horse can't stand with their feet in their urine or manure which will further exasperate the infection. I use my Cavallo Trek boots, with a 1/2 inch thick felt pad inside, topped with GoldBond Medicated Foot Powder. Put the clean and dry hoof, coated in the zinc oxide cream into the boot. Note: to make felt boot pads I buy a 1/2 inch thick felt saddle pad for approx $40 and cut several boot pads out of this pad. It is far more economical then buying individual boot pads and they are machine washable and can be used a few times before they wear out. 

 

• Repeat this process every second day. Continue this regimen until the infection has closed and the frog is sufficiently regenerated. For some horses long term boots can rub or irritate their heel bulbs or pasterns. Make sure you have the right fit of boot and style that can accommodate a felt pad, and I also use the Cavallo Pastern Wraps when needed.

The photo above shows Ruby when she arrived in late March, the video below was shot July 15, 2018.

Published in Saddle Up Magazine September 2015

Most horse owners cringe at hearing the words Navicular Syndrome. In the past it has often meant expensive corrective shoeing and just trying to keep your horse sound for one more season, inevitably resulting in putting them down. Unfortunately Navicular Syndrome is one of the hardest subjects for a farrier/trimmer to research. It seems that every old text contradicts the next, and every person you talk to has a different understanding of the condition. The good news is that tons of new research is being done, and hopefully the equine world will soon have a better understanding that the best way to treat Navicular Syndrome is to prevent it in the first place, and that it is easy to do so.
 
One of the doctors at the forefront of Navicular research is Dr. Robert Bowker of Michigan State University. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Bowker at the 2015 Equine Education Summit hosted by Horse Council BC this past spring. Dr. Bowker states that he has identified a heel first landing as the most important element of hoof function and more importantly hoof development. He has determined that as the hoof impacts the ground heel first, the hoof expands both laterally and from the back to the front, and the concave sole descends lower to the ground, thus dramatically increasing the volume of the hoof capsule. This sudden increase in volume creates a vacuum, which pulls blood into the hoof capsule. This pull of blood not only nourishes the living tissues in the hoof, but acts as a very important hydraulic shock absorber.
 

It has been documented over the years that some horses with navicular bone changes are perfectly sound, while others without bone damage can show severe lameness in the rear of the hoof. This is confusing though as it has long been taught in the veterinary and farrier communities that the bone damage happened first and the pain associated with Navicular Syndrome was caused by the deep digital flexor tendon sliding over the rough surface of the damaged navicular bone.
 
Dr. James R. Rooney of the American College of Veterinarian Pathologists specializes in post mortem studies of horses. In thousands of dead horses he has examined, Dr. Rooney found that the fibrocartilages surrounding the flexor tendon and navicular bone were always damaged if bone deterioration was present. He has not found one single case where the bone was damaged and the fibrocartilage was not. He has however found cases where the bone was not yet deteriorated and yet the fibrocartilage had started to break down. He has learned that the order in which damage occurs is: first the fibrocartilages surrounding the navicular bone, second the fibrocartilages surrounding the deep digital flexor tendon, third the flexor tendon itself, and finally the navicular bone itself is damaged by the rough surface of the damaged flexor tendon. Simulating a toe first landing with cadaver horse legs in test machines, Dr. Rooney was able to simulate this exact process of deterioration, proving the order in which tissues were damaged leading to Navicular Syndrome.
 
The main structure in the front half of the hoof is the coffin bone. The sole and hoof wall are attached to it via the lamina. The digital cushion and the lateral cartilages form the rear half of the hoof. It is the rear half of the hoof that is responsible for dissipating the impact energy of movement. The front of the hoof has no impact absorbing structures, they are all fairly rigid. The digital cushion at birth is made up of primarily fat and is filled with nerves. As the foal moves the pressure and release of the frog causes fibrocartilage to grow from the front of the digital cushion and spread toward the back. By the time the horse has grown to an adult the digital cushion should have transformed into a mass of fibrocartilage. This fibrocartilage is responsible for protecting and cushioning the nerves as well as dissipating the energy of a heel first landing. The lateral cartilages at birth are tiny, less than 1/16th of an inch thick, and don’t extend to the underside of the frog and digital cushion yet. As the foal grows, with movement, flexion, and the expansion and contraction of the hoof mechanism the lateral cartilages grow. They should eventually extend to create a floor underneath the frog and digital cushion and should have developed to about an inch thick.
 
So why are most horse’s uncomfortable landing heel first? Because in domestication we tend to keep our foals on soft ground. Deeply bedding the stalls that restricts their movement, and keeping them on soft terrain when they are turned out. The soft ground inhibits the flexion, expansion and contract and negates the hoof mechanism as it was designed to work. This results in very commonly, adult horses with lateral cartilages as thin as 1/8th of an inch thick instead of the inch they should be, and with digital cushions that are underdeveloped, thin and weak.

Dr. Bowker has also found that bone loss associated with Navicular Syndrome can also be attributed to a lack of natural pressure in the navicular region of the hoof. He specifically blames peripheral loading i.e. shoeing the hoof to remove sole pressure or allowing the hoof wall to grow too long so that the sole, frog, and bars of the hoof cannot share in the weight baring pressures of movement as they were designed.
 
When we learn the science behind Navicular Syndrome, and when this information becomes mainstream, only then can we start to prevent these changes from happening. While we cannot heal the bone deterioration once it has happened, we can bring strength back to the digital cushion and lateral cartilages. We must first bring them back into work, by removing the peripheral loading devices, keeping a low heel and allowing the digital cushion to strengthen again. The digital cushion is filled with myoxoid tissue which is similar to stem cell tissue and Dr. Deborah Taylor of Auburn University has published that the digital cushion can regenerate if given the opportunity. And as discussed previously, horses with bone deterioration to the navicular bone can be made comfortable if the rest of the hoof is allowed to strengthen to support it.
 
If your horse is suffering from Navicular Syndrome or you want to learn more I would direct you to study the research of Dr. Robert Bowker, Dr. James R. Rooney and Dr. Deborah Taylor. They are leading the research right now, and are coming up with amazing information that is helping horses that would have previously been put down.

Published in Saddle Up Magazine August 2015


In last month’s article I discussed the difference between Laminitis and Founder. I explained that laminitis by definition is inflammation of the lamina in the hoof. The lamina affected are the sensitive lamina (surrounding the front and sides of the coffin bone) as well as the solar corium (the underside of the coffin bone). I also discussed that low grade laminitis left untreated, or during acute laminitis, the coffin bone can rotate within the hoof capsule becoming foundered. Founder is simply the rotation of the coffin bone. There is no almost or partly foundered. Either the bone is rotated or it is not. However, the severity of the rotation can vary. This is dependent of the overall health of the hoof prior to the laminitis, the length and severity of the laminitic episode as well as the current trimming/shoeing protocol. In this issue I want to show you what a foundered hoof looks like both inside and out.

In order to demonstrate a foundered hoof, I will first show you a healthy one. The hoof wall is well connected all the way from the coronary band to the ground, it is not flared, pulled forward, or separated.

Published in Saddle Up Magazine July 2015

            The terms Laminitis and Founder are often used interchangeably by vets, farriers, trimmers and horse owners alike, however in my opinion they have two very different meanings. Laminitis is the inflammation of the sensitive lamina surrounding the coffin bone. This includes the sensitive lamina, found along the front and sides of the coffin bone, as well as the solar corium which is found on the bottom of the coffin bone. The sensitive lamina is the vasculature covering the coffin bone and it has nerves and a blood supply. The insensitive lamina is located on the inside of the hoof wall and has no blood supply or nerves and is semi-rigid in structure. The sensitive and insensitive lamina interlock like Velcro. This connection of the lamina supports the coffin bone’s position within the hoof.