Sadly, by the time a lame horse reaches an EP, the owner will usually have tried all manner of things in an attempt to get the horse sound and the horse is often running out of options. Equine Podiatry is not a quick fix. Although some horses do come sound very quickly, much of the time, the hooves have to be carefully stimulated back to health with a daily hoofcare programme which strengthens the hooves through gentle exercise on the right surfaces to deal with the particular problem the horse has. Often the horse will have to come out of work for a while until the hooves have built up enough strength to carry horse and rider again. Boots and supportive hoof pads may be needed and infection treatment may be necessary. At each visit, the hooves will be carefully re-evaluated and written instructions will be left with the owner detailing what needs to be done each day. Visits are usually 3-4 weeks apart to start with while the hooves establish a new pattern of growth. These visits will then be stretched out as the hooves improve and begin to take care of themselves more. |
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If the horse has been referred to me because of lameness, I like to work alongside the vet, keeping them informed of progress and sometimes requesting investigative procedures such as X-rays, nerve blocks, etc, to establish the exact site of the problem and agreeing a treatment plan. At all times, the welfare and comfort of the horse is the top priority. I do not use invasive trimming techniques and concentrate more on building and strengthening structure rather than taking it away. Equine Podiatry is extremely successful in the treatment of all manner of hoof conditions including Navicular Disease and Navicular Syndrome, hoof damage caused by laminitis, flat feet, collapsed/underrun heels, contracted hooves, boxy hooves, trauma damage, severe hoof wall and frog infections and Pedal Osteitis.
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