This Arabian mare came to us in the early summer of 2022 in hopes that we could improve her comfort and hoof health. She has been foundered long term and was suffering from acute and frequent bouts of laminitis when she arrived. She was very overweight and showed the classic signs of being insulin resistant. We immediately changed her diet to low sugar hay only, and we trimmed and applied the Easyshoe Versa Grip Lights with 11 Finger Tabs. I applied these with DIM and Artimud. This is my usual favorite composite shoe package. I will be using these until her new hoof wall grows in and the sole can start developing some concavity. The shoes support the frog and digital cushion while providing protection and "artificial concavity" to the sole. The DIM provides a cushion to absorb impact and also works to keep debris from getting in-between shoe and the hoof. A thick layer of Artimud between the DIM and the hoof keep the hoof clean and fungus free. Throughout her rehab here she has been intermittently sore, but overall shows signs of improvement. We also had her tested for PPID and the results were borderline high, and inconclusive but we chose to treat with Prescend and the results have been great. Her laminitis has subsided and she is growing in connected hoof wall, which was otherwise not possible. She has also lost an incredible amount of weight and actually almost appears too skinny, though I would rather her be a tad bit underweight until her hooves grow in more connected and can better support her. September 11 2022 Video UpdateSeptember 11 2022 trim/shoeing photos |
AuthorKristi Luehr is a barefoot trimmer/farrier, author, and founder of the Okanagan School of Natural Hoof Care. She is certified by the Canadian Farrier School as well as the Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care, and also has certification in equine massage and dentistry. Her focus is to educate owners about hoof anatomy, function and proper barefoot trimming that supports and grows healthy and functional hooves specific to each horse's individual needs. She is the author of three online courses specific to hoof care and is always striving to create more educational content for students to learn from. Archives
September 2024
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