Since overlength heels are causing the heels to contract, I am not surprised the farrier is resisting this request. At this angle too, they are becoming underrun. The angle is incorrect because the heel is underrun - and this is not something you can fix by letting the heel grow longer - indeed, that only adds to the problem. To stop the hoof from collapsing, the heel needs to be brought back down (and the toe also kept short - aim to trim to correct angle and getting hoof as short as possible). Also take care not to overcorrect the heel: It needs to come down in proportion to the toe - maintaining an acceptable hoof angle.
I think the vet doesn't "get it" here. This is where the good natural trimmers are really ahead on hoof rehabilitation. Remember that qualified farriers spend more time studying hooves than veterinarians do - even equine specialist veterinarians.
Have a chat to loosie about it, she'll explain all this stuff patiently and at length, and send you lots of links.
I've explained what my father (corrective trimmer) and our master farrier down here in Albany do in these cases - and I've seen that it works myself, having spent 30 years now looking at horses coming in for that kind of work.
Vets - and farriers - treat these conditions. Some do it correctly and some do not. They can all see that the hoof is deviating from ideal, but can't always see why it happened, or how to fix it. Building up the heel on that horse is going to worsen it, whether done by leaving it too long or using wedges. I have also seen that happen...
I am going to print this off Sue. I actually understood thise! LOL
There was a point, where my farrier was cutting the heel to make it grow currectly. A couple times, I kindly reminded him we were going to do this. He had given me the reason why...and it made sense...even tho the vet, (who admittingly isn't a hoof girl) said he could angle the hoof more according to his bone structure (x-rays).
The last few trims I just feel like he trims w/o thought....
I did see him tonight and said I was concerned. He said sometimes he sees the 'tenderness' on newly trimmed horses when it's so cold.....the hard frozen ground makes it tough for tender feet.....BUT what I have read on line is that feet shouldn't EVER be tender...correct?
I definitely want a second opinion...maybe a third. No hoof, no horse.
Ellen, I tried last year to keep Jay barefoot, but out on some of our trails away from home, they were just too rocky and he got really sore, so I shoed him again.
I also just think he honestly ....doesn't KNOW what is causing the discomfort and isn't saying.
I really don't think it's navicular, as he stands underneath himself. He didn't when I first brought him home tho.....so we have made progress. He has been up until this point....plus, his tenderness is sporatic, not constant. My red dun had navicular, and she was always hurting.
Also, I do notice when we ride downhill, he is very 'careful'. I am never sure if it is beause he is 'careful' or b/c his feet hurt.
I wish they could talk!
So Sue...since you've seen things like this....you think it's fixable? I know it may take time....but hoping it is.