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is this normal? feet wider than long

6K views 26 replies 10 participants last post by  Trinity3205 
#1 ·
i would really like to get some renegade hoof boots for riding on the gravel roads around here, but when i measured my guys feet 1 front and both rears measured 5.5" wide and 5" long. while his other front is wonky and is 5.75" wide and 5.5. long. looking at the sizing chart the length is usually 1/4" longer than the width. is this a normal thing or should his foot shape be worked on? i kind of have my heart set on the renegades due to the easiness to put on and the tons of research i have done, but obviously cant have them since his feet do not fall into the size specs.
 
#2 ·
its not uncommom 3 out of 4 of my GF's horses are like that, an Arabian, a QH and a pony. Post some pictures and talk to farrier about proper trim. seems to be wierd the fronts are different sizes.
But lets say 5 long 5.5 wide is a good measurement on properly trimed feet. call to be sure but you would order the 2ww cut back.
 
#3 ·
Often, this is due to unrecognised and un treated quarter flare. Show us the feet. Some are wider than long but i assume flare till proven otherwise. you dont want to be buying boots twice so a second opinion is a great idea.
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#4 ·
ill have to get some pics tomorrow then. i have no idea what to look for in a good trim. ive had bad luck with farriers and my horse saying he needs to be sedated which is a load of bs, especially when i can pull a shoe myself not knowing what im doing and an 80 y/o doing him alone in the paddock while he damn near passed out, plus farriers not showing up. ill snap a few and see what you all think
 
#5 ·
Here's a link that may help you get better at identifying a good trim: (iron free hoof dot com)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CC0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ironfreehoof.com%2Fhorse-hoof-trimming.html&ei=8xPcUbHNKYS_yQG1roHADw&usg=AFQjCNFO-rX7ZUYYk5IuFoa8nCmvd6rNIg&sig2=ZGM20Gvn3bROFF18qBHyxg&bvm=bv.48705608,d.aWc


Even if you're not interested in doing the trims yourself, the more knowledge you have the better you'll be at evaluating your farrier's work.
 
#8 ·
Not to me. That usually signifies a farrier trimming all the feet the same way. Most of them do not know how to address quarter flare as lots of quarters have a subtle arch to them and trimming the wall flat not accounting for that over time leads to flares and jams.

Waiting for pictures.
 
#9 ·
i have a horse that grows 'out' as opposed to long. he has 'pancake' feet we call them. perfectly healthy, wonderfully strong hooves. just the normal for him. so it is possible. however some pictures would be nice so the experts can see and evaluate the hoof.
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#11 ·
Pancake feet are usually due to weak laminar connection, thin soles and/or other unidentified problems. It is often correctable once the cause(s) are identified and corrected. Ime, it is often a dietary and/or trimming issue causing the pancake look.
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#17 ·
lol I don't always know but experience often tells me likely probabilities ;) Sometimes im way off tho!

You do indeed have some flaring going on there. See how the wall at the top of the foot grows down straight for maybe an inch or so and then there is an obvious deviation in the wall flaring out? Cant tell you much more with dirty feet and only those shots. If you'd like more info, do a set of pictures as shown here. Good Hoof Photos - How to take Good Hoof Photos
 
#21 ·
Yep, there's a lot of flaring at the quarters which is what is making his feet wider. How long have you had him? How long has this farrier been working on him? There's a healthy foot there. He's got a great, big frog. But there is a lot of flaring that needs to be taken off, as well as bringing his heels down. His right fore looks a bit clubby.
 
#23 ·
this farrier has done him twice now. hes new to the profession, and obviously to new. i didnt realize they were that bad, aside from the crack that i havent been able to grow out. hes good with him which was really what i was looking for since the first ones i had hit him for no reason and wouldnt do him without drugs. i think they did a better job, but i cant put my guy through that
 
#25 ·
I hear you, it can be very frustrating, not to mention upsetting (hitting). I would consider the two so far - off the list, though. All you can do it ask around and "interview". At least you know what you need...someone that is a good hand w a horse, has patience and that is knowledgeable. That shouldn't be to hard to find, right?:wink:
 
#24 ·
I would find a new farrier if he's trimmed him twice now, though I don't know what he had to work with in the first. Can you get him back out to remove all the flaring? Or have someone else come out to remove the flaring?
 
#27 ·
Do you see how the length of the wall is even with the sole at the toes..... but the sides of the hoof at the quarters have like 3/4 of an inch sticking up/out from the sole? You can clearly see a big square hunk where the whiteline crack is on that back foot. That is what is making the quarters flare and making them wider than long. It needs trimmed and the heels all look too tall also. Renegades require short well trimmed heels.
 
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