The last two weeks have proved difficult due to a
combination of lost shoes and bad weather. In the last 2 weeks Finn managed to
pull off 4 shoes causing us to consider other shoeing options. Due to Finn’s
Pedal Ostetis we made the decision to go with glue-on shoes instead of hoof
boots or other barefoot options. We decided to go with Sigafoos Shoes. These
shoes were originally designed by the farrier at The University of Pennsylvania
as an alternative to direct glue –on methods. The shoes are aluminum with a
urethane rim pad and fabric cuff. The fabric cuff is coated with acrylic and
applied to the outside of the hoof. If put on correctly these shoes have been
proven very successful for horses with poor hoof condition as well as horses
who tend to yank of traditional shoes. So far Finn has had the shoes for 4 days
and they seem to be doing their job.
In the
last two weeks Finn has also begun group turnout. He seems to really enjoy
playing with the other horses and playing in the mud! I have found this extra
play time makes him much happier and, thus, much easier to work with under
saddle. In the ring we have begun some harder trot work. I have started asking
for a stretchy circle at the end of each ride to help loosen his back and
shoulders. Although I have seen some improvement it is hard to make too much
progress due to the shoes.
Overall,
Finn seems to be learning fairly well despite the constant hiccups we have
experienced so far. I hope to get some newer footage of Finn over the long
weekend as well as updated photos of his feet!
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