Re: Live Web Chat with Farrier Glyn Trundle

Dear Heather

Generally, odd feet is due to one of two things. One, it is congenital, i.e. passed on from the parents, or two, it is acquired due to an injury, poor trimming/foot management as a youngster, or favouring one leg, for example if compensating due to injury, or grazing with a prefered leg forward etc. etc.

As a nine year old, I would not suggest trying to make the feet into a pair. I would shoe each foot to its individual requirements, as long as she is sound, comfortable and happy.

Re: Live Web Chat with Farrier Glyn Trundle

Dear Vik1

Unfortunately...you don't! Obviously with training, and experience horse owners can hopefully see right from wrong. the farriers registration council does have a continual professional development system in place, to encourage farriers to stay up to date with new techniques and standards. However, unfortunately it is not compulsory. Shoe wear, growth patterns and conformation can indicate to a farrier the horses needs. However, assessing them properly is very worthwhile. If you don't have faith in your farrier, ask your vet who they could suggest and also ask round fellow horse owners to see who they use and recommend. Never be afraid to ask your farrier his opinion on your horses conformation and movement. Often, despite farriers reputations, a good farrier should be open to a consciencious horse owner's interest in their horses well being.

Thanks. Glyn

Re: Live Web Chat with Farrier Glyn Trundle

Dear Sam

Horses feet are directly related to their conformation. In basic terms, if a foot is upright but is attached to an upright pastern and in turn, the horse has an upright shoulder, these structures will all work in unison and one angle cannot be changed without affecting the other joints and angles involved. The same goes for sloping feet/pasterns/shoulders etc.  You don't mention how old your horse is, but if he is of any age, angles should not be dramatically changed as it affects the bone structures and soft tissues involved, possibly leading to soreness and injury. If you don't feel you are making satisfactory progress with your current trimming programme, speak to your farrier again or change to somebody who will work with you and listen to your concerns. Thanks

Re: Live Web Chat with Farrier Glyn Trundle

Hi

Yes tomorrow is fine. Please email the pics to glyntrundle@yahoo.co.uk. Also, if you include where abouts you live I will have a look on the list and see if I know any of the farriers in your area, and try to pull a few strings for you. Farriers prices vary greatly depending on numerous factors. Don't be fooled by thinking the most expensive is always best.

Look forward to hearing from you and hopefully can advise you further. Thanks, Glyn

Re: Live Web Chat with Farrier Glyn Trundle

Monikirk

There are lots of things your farrier can do to help. Firstly, he needs to assess your horses movement and foot balance. It sometimes can be as simple as just reducing flare on the inside of the foot. Lateral extensions (shoeing wide on the outside) often works really well by giving your horse a wider stance behind. Machine made shoes can easily be adapted into a lateral extension hind so your farrier should be able to do it easily 'on the job' if he deems it necessary. Sometimes young horses brush through physical weakness. Long, slow strenghening work is very beneficial to also help the problem.

Thanks. Glyn