Ask the Farrier - Shoes Needed on a Flat Footed Horse?

Elaine from Raleigh, NC asks this question: "I recently purchased a 4 year old Thoroughbred/Percheron cross gelding who passed his pre-purchase with no problems, however, the vet commented that he has flat feet and I should put shoes on him before I work him so that his soles don't get sore. He has been in light ring-work before I purchased him. I plan to train him for eventing, and we will jumping little stuff in a few months. Is there a certain type of shoe for flat footed horses? Should he have pads? Thanks."

Thanks for your question Elaine! Look for the answer from certified farrier Arvin Reynolds to be posted here Wednesday morning, Feb 27th. Congratulations on your new purchase!

Ask the Farrier Friday - Should You Soak a Hoof Abcess?

The question this week is from Danielle of Erskine, Oregon.....

"My horse had a hoof abcess around Christmas time and my vet and farrier didn't agree on whether or not to soak the hoof - the vet said "yes" to draw it out, and the farrier said "no" it would just soften the hoof and not really help. What is your opinion on the subject?"

Thanks for the question, Danielle - check back tomorrow to see the answer from certified farrier Arvin Reynolds.

photo courtesy of www.quartercrack.com

Ask the Farrier Friday - Do My Horse's Hooves Need Clips?

Jocelyn emailed this question regarding her 12 year old Quarter Horse, Moo:
"Why do some horses need clips and others don't? What exactly are they for and are there any negatives to them? My horse Moo has been in clips on all four feet since I've owned him (3 years)."

Thanks for the question, Jocelyn. Check back tomorrow, Saturday, to see the answer from certified farrier Arvin Reynolds.

Great Question for Ask the Farrier...High Heel, Low Heel Syndrome

Thanks for your questions for Ask the Farrier Day here at The GoodHorsePerson. The question we chose was from Krista of Mattoon, IL.

"My farrier said my horse has something called High Heel/Low Heel Syndrome and that's why his hoof angles don't look very even from the side. Can you tell me more about it? Can it affect my horse's movement? Is there a treatment?"

Great question, Krista. Unfortunately Arvin is out of town attending the 5th Annual International Hoof Care Summit in Ohio. Click the link below to find out more about this event.
https://www.lesspub.com/cgi-bin/site.pl?1405&ctChannel_channelID=5

The answer to your question will be posted here early Sunday!