Here is an example
of severe neglect of the hooves as observed in the AMHA Pony, Shadow Dancer. I came across Shadow at a scheduled appointment.
His was a case of complete lack of knowledge, and funds, on the part of the owner. He lived tied to a propane tank in
the front yard. The kids outgrew him and didn't pay attention to him anymore. They didn't really want to pay to
have his hooves fixed or have the time to maintain them afterwards so I brought him home as a project
| Shadow the day I picked him up |
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| I had already removed a portion of the front right hoof before I thought to take pictures |
| Zoom in on the front feet |
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| I took off the right front with a hacksaw |
| Rear feet Zoom Shot |
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| Front foot - Solar Surface |
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| As you can see there is no recognizable structures or frog |
As you can see, I had my work cut out for me. Shadow could barely walk at all! The
first step was to remove most of the excess foot from the front hooves. This was accomplished with a hacksaw &
nippers ,as well as a good dose of patience. Then the heals needed to be lowered and shaped to relieve pressure
on the coffin bone. I had to rasp the bottom and front walls until the extreme dish was removed. His
lameness was relieved after the first treatment. It was rewarding to actually see him canter and buck
when he was turned out after a few days of stall rest. Treatment didn't stop then, he had to be retrimmed and shaped
again in a week, and then every couple of weeks for the next few months to "retrain" the hoof to grow properly.
The front feet were the most difficult to fix due to thier extreme growth pattern, and it took about 4 months before they
began to resemble normal hooves. The rear hooves were much easier as they maintained more of a downward angle during
thier period of neglect. I will post some --year later-- shots after his next trim, so check back!
| This is Shadow about 4 months later |
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| Zoom of front feet after |
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