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This is
Willow soon after beginning her journey into Natural
Hoofcare. Notice the tightness throughout her
body, especially in her flank area. Her stomach
appears to be sucked up. No part of her body seems
to be fitting together comfortably. She reminds
me of a person suffering with back pain
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Willow's
toe flare (after several trims). With every step
her entire body had to compensate and adapt in
order for her to roll her hoof over this long
toe.
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Willows toes have been brought
back to a more normal angle. We are still seeing
flare, but her healthy angle is now grown about
halfway down her hoofwall.
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Willow, after. Notice her stomach doesn't seem
as sucked up and her hip appears fuller. Her
back seems less hollowed-out than before.
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Meet Willow
Willow, 21-year-old mare, has suffered with laminitis, founder
and toe flare for at least the last few years.
Founder
Founder is the result of severe damage to the laminae. (Laminae
is the tissue that connects the coffin bone to the inner hoofwall
and to the inner sole.) When the laminae becomes inflamed
and/or damaged, it can become quite fragile.
Laminitis
Laminitis can be caused by a sudden change in diet, extended
stall confinement, poor quality farrier work or even taking
a horse out on hard ride after it has been off duty for an
extended period of time.
Toe Flare
Willow had a serious case of toe flare. This photo was taken
after several natural hoof trims. It's no wonder that Willow
appears so uncomfortable in her first photo, with having to
work so hard for each step.
After several months of natural hoof
care Willow's breakover (the point where the toe of her hoof
rolls over during a stride) was brought back and her healthy
angle is growing down.
Toe Flare & White Line Disease
Flaring causes a stretching of the laminae between the hoofwall
and sole. That stretching can lead to separation between the
sole and hoofwall at ground level. If the separation is allowed
to go unchecked, debris and bacteria will invade the hoof
capsule, which can lead to an infection the laminae (white
line disease).
Effects of Inadequate Hoof Care
Hoofwall flare, in my opinion, is the most common issue horses
face when they do not receive adequate hoof care; it the most
damaging problem for the horse.
Hoofwall flare causes painful movement
all the way up the horse's skeletal structure.
Hoofwall flare is an issue that I find
farriers have the most difficulty correcting and as a result,
hoofwall flare has led to the demise of many otherwise sound
horses.
Willow may have suffered dietary setbacks
during her transition from her old hooves to her new ones
but she is on track now and showing real improvement! She
looks more relaxed and seems to be feeling better.
Stay tuned for more on Willow's progress.
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