Case Studies
Case Study: The results of a balanced trim...
Note changes in posture and facial expression. These two photos were taken on the same day, immediately before and after trimming. A balanced trim allowed this horse to comfortably stand "square". Before the trim, the horse would not hold the "square" position and would revert to the stance shown in the first photo.
More before & after/case studies...
I regularly photograph and video horses in order to document their progress. Photos and videos are also a wonderful educational tool.
Here is an example of treating a foundered gypsy vanner horse with correct trimming, before major remodeling of the hoof capsule begins. As a result, the recovery time is much faster!
The following is documentation of a morgan mare who had been through several farriers with only poor results. There was a lot of necrotic material and degradation in her hooves that needed to grow out, so her rehab took almost a year. However, today she is SOUND and HAPPY! Note: the start dates in the video below should be 2008, not 2009.
Founder rehab: These are radiographs from Sunshine, the horse shown in the video above. The x-ray on the left is from November, 2008 and the x-ray on the right is from April 2009 (5 months later). Note the improvement in angles of the bones and joints, as well as the difference in sole thickness. Lowering the heel and backing up the toe reposition the inner structures so that healthy growth is possible. LOTS of movement (hand-walking) plays an important role in hoof growth as well as the horse's comfort.
"Navicular" rehab: The next two sets of photos are before the first trim and after the second trim (LF hoof). In just two trims, the relaxation of the hoof capsule and soft tissue is apparent. This horse had severely contracted heels and thrush in addition to the imbalances apparent in this view.
Long toe/low heel correction: before first trim and after trim at 5 months. Note the relaxation of the hoof capsule and soft tissues around it. The conformation of this particular horse is base narrow and toed-out, causing the breakover to occur on the medial toe. A 5-week trimming schedule and touch-ups by the owner between trims have helped achieve much healthier form and growth of the hoof capsules. This horse was also shod with Hoof-It composite horseshoes for a period of 3 trimming cycles, which helped build sole thickness and provided support and comfort in the meantime.
Long toe/low heel correction: first trim. Although no x-rays are available, I would expect to see a slightly negative-plane coffin bone in this hoof. Keeping the toes and heels back, as well as a regular trimming schedule, would encourage strengthening of the atrophied structures in the heel (frog, digital cushion, and lateral cartilages) as well as straighter, more supportive heel and bar growth.
Medial-lateral imbalance: correcting imbalance in the right hind due to an injury that caused the horse to weight the hoof incorrectly (which created the unbalanced growth). This is only what can be achieved in one trim. The horse was much more comfortable following the adjustment.
Founder with rotation (before first trim and after 6 months)
Founder (sinker) before first trim and after 4 months. The weightbearing structures of the hoof are becoming more centered, allowing healthier growth to occur.
Additional case studies can be viewed on my blog.
Please contact me with any questions and I'll be happy to help you in any way I can. Email consultations are also available.