Performance Trimming
I feel the best way to cover this topic is by answering some of our most frequently asked questions.
"What is the difference between the hoof trim my farrier carries out, and the trim that an Equine Podiatrist performs?"
Usually the trim a farrier offers his clients is a basic pasture trim. We also offer this service which is normally applied to foals and non working youngsters or older retired horses. For horses or ponies being ridden or used for carriage driving, the working trim is recommended.
What is Equine Podiatry?
Drew started work shoeing and trimming horses and ponies back in the 1970's with farrier Ken Playle, Don Wilkinson and Nick Lindfield have also been a definite inspiration to him. Drew bases his work on lessons learnt and the principles of Dr. K C La Pierre RJF. whose principles are: "The essence of Applied Equine Podiatry is the conscientious study of the equine foot, always striving to expose it to proper environmental stimuli, making every effort to promote proper structure and function as we attempt to achieve high performance." (The chosen road by K C La Pierre, RJF,MEP)
Equine Podiatry has evolved to allow horses to remain shoeless. A podiatrist has to have a deep understanding of the structure and function of the equine foot as well as all the many conditions and diseases that effect it. Because of the in-depth study required to practice as a podiatrist they often work together with veterinary surgeons to find a solution to serious foot problems.
What can I expect from the visit?
In the first instance a written profile of the horse is recorded. You will then need to walk and trot your horse in hand so that the horse's soundness can be evaluated. After this, each foot will be examined in detail, photographs and notes will be taken in order to build up a picture of the horse's overall health and note any concerns that may need correcting. Once the feet have been thoroughly examined a working trim is applied, this entails trimming to exact measurements related to the dimensions of the inner and outer structure of the foot, which in turn provides the correct balance for the muscles and skeletal frame of the horses to work at optimum comfort and stress free levels. Following this a tailored conditioning and management program will be agreed upon with the owner, based on the health of the feet and the facilities available. It will very important for the owner to follow the program to achieve the best possible outcome.
The horse's feet are given a score at each visit this is known as a 'Spectrum of Usability Evaluation' (Dr K C La Pierre RJF). This will indicate how much work the feet can withstand in their current state of health, and it also allows us to monitor progress. On each subsequent visit your horse will receive the following: a Working Trim, progress photographs, balance check, new scoring and program review.
How often does the Podiatrist visit?
A four weekly visit is necessary during rehabilitation when the foot must be kept well trimmed whilst a new pattern of growth is established. Once health has been restored the length between visits can increase to six weeks. In general by this time the hoof has grown out of shape and will need re-balancing. Their are detrimental consequences for a horse with an un-balanced foot. Dr. K C La Pierre refers to these disorders as Deformed Hoof Syndrome (DHS). He states "many of today's disorders can be viewed as symptoms of DHS. Navicular syndrome, ringbone, side bone, pedal osteitis, contraction, sheared heel, cracks, bruising, poor horn quality, thrush, white line disease and abscesses are all symptoms of DHS" (Dr. K C La Pierre The Chosen Road)
How soon can I ride after having my horses shoes removed.?
This will depend on the condition of the horse's feet and the score they are given during the first visit. Some horses are worked immediately, some may only be ridden in boots or in a sand arena or on grass. However, this will all be discussed with you in detail after the feet have been assessed.
(Please note it is important to state that you require a full podiatry treatment when booking so that extra time can be allocated .)