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Shoes causing the problem?

975 views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  Alycat 
#1 ·
Hello to anyone who wants to attempt to read this,

My horse recently started doing an odd movement that she has never done in the past three years that I've owned her. Whenever I'm trotting her on the left lead she acts like she is getting ready to transition into the canter (it's like she's really picking up her front left leg and then hopping. Does that even make any sense??). She only does this on the left lead and not the right. I realize that the problem could possibly be me but like I said I have ridden her for the past 3 years and she has never done this.
Now, this movement started 3 weeks ago during a lesson and my instructor said it was just her being bad and not listening to me. I then left on vacation for two weeks and came back and noticed that she is still doing it. I asked the woman who was taking care of her if she noticed any thing and she responded that she didn't (she also confessed that she rode my horse only once but that's a different issue :-?). I have asked several different people to watch me ride and they say she is not lame. They as well think it is behavioral issues.

About a week before I discovered this new "issue" my farrier and I decided to try out some new shoes on her (she has the beginning stages of navicular (sp?)) to see how she responded.

I guess my question is could the shoes really be affecting her that much to cause her to "hop" when she is trotting? Also, her shoe fell off today on the foot that I think is causing the problem. Could the problem just be from a loose shoe bothering her?

I know I sound terrible but I really don't believe it is bad behavior on her part. Like I've said, I've had her for 3 years and shes never displayed this kind of movement before. Maybe I'm being over protective of her but I know this is not her normal behavior.

Thanks for any opinions!
Aly
 
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#3 ·
We actually know she has navicular and we are currently taking care of it. Originally we had shoes with pads on her but my farrier suggested that I try a different style of shoe just to see if she has more comfort. I was just wondering if the shoes could really cause her to do that hopping motion or if it would rather cause her to go lame. But I will definitely be talking to my farrier.

I know it's a silly question but I'm just trying to figure out what's causing her to do this. It's kind of hard to ask questions and describe things over here in Germany since I don't speak the language. lol This board has helped me so much.

I appreciate you taking the time to reply!
Aly
 
#5 ·
Please research Pete Ramey and his books. Going barefoot might really help your horse. Regular farriers will be against this. I know I post frequently about a barefoot (mustang roll) trim. It is so important to have the right angle of hoof. Low heals and short toes. Pete Rameys books are very easy for the novice trimmer (me) to figure out. It helps you understand the hoof and its mechanics.
 
#6 ·
I'll definitely try to get a vid but it will have to wait until she gets her shoe back on. Hopefully by then the problem will be fixed since I will be able to talk to the farrier.

Thank you so much for your replies I really appreciate it!
Aly
 
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