This past Sunday we had the farrier come out to trim the horses’ feet. We keep all of our horses barefoot when it’s possible, but sometimes horses need corrective shoes. It is very comforting to know that we have a farrier who can trim both a four-point barefoot trim as well as one who has the knowledge for more difficult and specialized shoes.
Before the farrier visit, we had the vet come out and take some X-rays of Noelle’s feet. Although we were fairly certain that she had foundered in the past, the X-rays helped us determine the rotation of the coffin bone as well as what type of shoe and trim would be the most beneficial.
The farrier put a special pad to support her hoof, and took off a lot of her ‘toe’ to help with the breakover- because her left tendon has so much scar tissue and it is so difficult for her to bend that ankle, this will help her walk comfortably. She will never be completely sound, but we can at least keep her comfortable and pain-free for her remaining years.
Without shoes, Noelle would be in so much pain she would likely not survive. With these shoes and special pads, she has a number of years ahead of her.
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- Noelle getting her feet trimmed and new shoes put on- she was very calm and stood well during the entire time.
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- Taking Noelle’s old shoes off
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- Measuring new shoes for her feet. Each shoe must be custom-fit to a horse’s hoof- the farrier shapes each shoe by using a special forge on his truck.