No suggestions, unfortunately... but I wanted to say that 1) He's adorable and I love when their muzzles are lighter than the rest of the face. And 2) I think it's great what you're doing, as long as he is happy and comfortable. I love when people who have the resources to do so take it upon themselves to rescue and care for animals that don't "serve a purpose" but instead are just companions. So, if he's comfortable and happy, kudos to you for taking him in. =)
Thanks! I don't necessarily have the means (poor college student!) but the barn owner where I have Cracker also took sympathy on this poor boy's case, so she's helping me out with board cost and I'm helping out with odd chores around the barn. She said she'd rather me spend my money on fixing him up, so I'm pretty much working his board off. And he's definitely worth it, I can tell you that already!
A girl at my barn has a very lovely TB gelding with a club foot. She has an excellent farrier who has experience with this and they have been working to fix it for awhile now. If you look at it now, you wouldnt ever know. She has him on a hoof supplement just to keep the hoof growing and supple so the farrier can keep working with it. I think if you get a good farrier, you can have a great outcome!
This summer tho, he had some problems with keeping the shoe on due to dry weather-mud-dry weather-mud over and over and over. He lost it a couple of time and because she didnt keep him in, he wore the foot back to the club so they are starting almost completely over. I dont know for certain, but I think that if she had kept a boot on it or made him stay in while he was missing that shoe, maybe it wouldnt have been so bad. You should probably keep bells on to limit the chance of him yanking the shoe off.
She rides him and enjoys him like a "normal" horse. They play around with dressage and jumping. Good Luck!
Yay, happy story! If he can be ridden, I'd be happy if he is calm enough to be a trail horse for my mom. It honestly wouldn't surprise me if (by next year when I start him, if he can be) the three year old would be a better trail safe horse than my 23 yr old QH. If I can somehow can do light dressage with him, that would be a dream. But like I said, if he just ends up as a pasture horse and is comfortable, then that makes me just as happy.
Well, I suppose I'll measure him and look into bell boots! Do you know the hoof supplement? I'll talk to the farriers about that as a possible add-on.
I would recommend a balance barefoot podiatrist. They work wonders for all sorts of deformities. A shoe or boot isn't going to fix him, and he'll never be right, but they can undo a lot of damage and help the horse live a more normal life.
I knew a horse who had a club foot who ended up a very good w/t/c horse. Hers wasn't as bad as this guys' though. I've never seen quite that severe of a case however, if nothing else he can be a "dog" ( happy to see you, gives kisses, etc but not rideable). I definately think you should name him Cheese...
Yeah, this boy does have it pretty bad. He already has a dog personality, lol. It was funny, the first time I saw him he was nervous around me but willing to trust me enough to touch him and clean the goo out of his eyes and four days later, he's sticking his head under my arm and falling asleep. He's really a sweet boy who just deserves a good life. I was picking his stall yesterday and had a nice chunk of manure on the fork and he puts his head down to sniff and looks at me like "Why are you tossing that?! There's good hay underneath!" and tried to lip it out. I had to push him back and tell him just because the hay is there, if it's pooped on, it's no longer good.
LoL, one of my friends said I should name him Cheese, too!
Aww how sweet! I love quirky personalities. With the right farrier & a great owner like you I'm sure no matter what whether it be riding or pasture pony he'll have a great life!
Heh my three year old gelding does the "don't throw that out, it's still good!" routine too! Gotta love quirky babies. He looks like a real sweetheart. Good luck with him!
I don't have any experience with club feet, but I do know with horses that tend to overtrack, bell boots are a great solution to keep them from stepping on their heels. We have a mare who wears a pair 24/7, and they can be a pain to keep on but if you can find a pretty durable pair, don't be afraid to spend a little more; you'll end up saving because you won't have to replace them as often.
get the pull-ons...they dont come off and you dont have to go searching through the field. When he is in, they can be flipped upside down so his feet can dry out. They have fun colors now too! Not just that ugly nude color! Joint supplement that works best is farriers formula but ya know, thats just one opinion!! :)
How hard is it getting a horse used to pull on bell boots? I'm not sure if at this point that will work with him - he's funny about picking up his good foot and resting his weight on the bad foot. He can, and obviously he does it himself, but he gets very nervous. Although, I suppose it's good practice for him to make him do it. That's the other thing - I need a farrier who will be willing to work with his anxiety and the fact that he's still a baby. There's so little I truly know about this horse, I'm not sure if he stands for the farrier well. Everyday is learning with him!
There is a horse at my barn who was born with a very similar looking foot. He had numerous surgeries, but nothing worked. He was retired at age 3 (when training started) when it became apparent that he could not work without going lame. The owners keep him as a tax write off. He has some trouble in the winter, and we are certain that one of these days he will hurt himself badly and will have to be put down.
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This summer tho, he had some problems with keeping the shoe on due to dry weather-mud-dry weather-mud over and over and over. He lost it a couple of time and because she didnt keep him in, he wore the foot back to the club so they are starting almost completely over. I dont know for certain, but I think that if she had kept a boot on it or made him stay in while he was missing that shoe, maybe it wouldnt have been so bad. You should probably keep bells on to limit the chance of him yanking the shoe off.
She rides him and enjoys him like a "normal" horse. They play around with dressage and jumping. Good Luck!
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Well, I suppose I'll measure him and look into bell boots! Do you know the hoof supplement? I'll talk to the farriers about that as a possible add-on.
Thanks!
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LoL, one of my friends said I should name him Cheese, too!
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Joint supplement that works best is farriers formula but ya know, thats just one opinion!! :)
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I'm prepared for that sort of outcome with this boy, but as long as he's happy and comfortable until then...
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