tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171276409343367393.post1807102447239283756..comments2023-09-29T04:26:29.984-07:00Comments on Blue Blazes the Trail: “Everybody in life makes choices.” (Part III)Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03564676836023211208noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171276409343367393.post-33816605463443134582012-12-28T07:44:08.516-08:002012-12-28T07:44:08.516-08:00Have you considered picking up the rasp yourself t...Have you considered picking up the rasp yourself to keep things from going so wonky between trims? Especially if you are going to boot... it's easier to keep a good fit. It doesn't have to be a "fire your farrier" situation - in fact, you'll want other eyes on the hoof, especially at first. Since most barefoot trimmers advocate a 4 week trim cycle, you are just doing the in-betweens. I started out with a little timid toe rolling (the "mustang" roll). Now I even dare to use the hoof knife on the bars! Doing a little bit at a time, once a week is not only easier (takes me less than ten minutes, it is less stress on the horse than having dramatic changes in their feet, and although saying this is tempting fate, armed only with a rasp, you are much more likely to underdo it than overdo it, a safer choice at first. It also made picking up feet much more interesting than just picking them - I hadn't calculated on the entertainment value. PS: Thrush can also be a contributing factor in those contracted heels here in our "special" climate. Monica Brethertonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09388066506009236290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171276409343367393.post-46910251886920714592012-12-09T03:12:39.440-08:002012-12-09T03:12:39.440-08:00I'd try to find a real barefoot/ natural horse...I'd try to find a real barefoot/ natural horse practitioner. Someone who can really rework those angles and get Blue running sound. That hoof has been mismanaged by your farrier if it went from looking like it did, to looking like it does. Easycare has a list of natural hoof trimmers on their website, you may be able to find and/or network to find someone there. It will likely take a very diligent trim schedule to get him turned around. Maybe every 4 weeks. Keep him off the chip gravel until the hoof is right. If he has no heel support or breakover that may be way ouchy. ~ E.G.All Who Wanderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15811193190492037859noreply@blogger.com