Sunny and cool. We actually had frost on our pastures, but not on the lawn. In the 30s last night.
Morning chores as usual. Rebel was still pretty stiff in the front.
Gary not only finished the East side of the Studio, he has now started on the front.
After chores I picked the indoor and then some apples.
My friend Andrea got here at 12:30 to help when the vet arrived. She knows I have not been feeling well and is easily the most supportive horse person I could ask for. (And by far, the most knowledgeable).
Rebel was sore in both front feet with thin soles...the right worst than the left and there was a bruise spot. She did flexion tests and had her assistant walk and trot him.
Then Andrea lunged him in both directions.
Founder could have been a possibility, so I decided to invest in x-rays to find some peace.
Of course I was a wreck and finally happy to find out he had not foundered and had no signs of arthritis. Amy traced his feet so I can find some boots for him to wear when he is turned out. It's going to be a challenge as he has a big bump on the top of his left hoof that might get rubbed if they are too high.
I love this boy so much, was in tears. I'm could not be more grateful for Andrea.
Now he is out there and I am on the hunt for appropriate footwear.
Chores at 6:30. If any of my horse pals have a suggestion for boots....I would love to know about them.
Night all.
I'm not much help for boots for Rebel, just gave my tramping boots to older daughter, SO sure I'll not be using them again, and they wouldn't be much use up your way. Hope Rebel copes with boots.
ReplyDeleteI feel a sense of relief that it was not something really horrible. Rebel's hoofs can be rehabilitated can they not? I hope so. I hope you feel better too.
ReplyDeleteGet better, Dear Rebel .
Take Care,
Kaye
Since I know nothing about horses I am not sure if I understand anything you have written. I certainly don’t know what boots are for and will they heal him so it will be back healthy again. I just want him healed. Waiting for good reports about Rebel. I trust you will be healed also. Thank you for this report.
ReplyDeleteI've heard good things about Cavallo boots for trail riding, but have no personal experience with them. Measure twice. Boots are hard to fit. Sending my best wishes that you find a pair that works, stays on and more importantly helps your boy!
ReplyDeleteNot sure if Rebel is on hoof supplements, but they make a big difference with our Nemo. Back in the day when he was boarded, lazy staff lied about giving him his supplement. His hooves revealed the truth. Nemo went back on starter dose, once again improved and progressed to maintenance dose. He has been on Horseshoers Secret (pellets, by Farnam) maintenance dose for years.
There are many hoof supplements on the market. Some people think they don't work, but they do. Not an instant miracle cure. It takes time for supplements to make a difference. If you haven't already, it is worth looking into.
Boots could be the way to go to let his soles heal and thicken. I've seen our farrier create padded soles for horses with glue on shoes that don't harm the hoof wall. That is pretty pricey.
ReplyDeleteI sure do second hoof supplements, it sure helped my elderly mare years ago.
Keep us updated on what boots you get and how they fit!
https://www.softrideboots.com/boots-and-gels.php
ReplyDeleteThese boots are great. I used them with a founder insert for my ASB who had foundered really bad. They allowed him to be out in a paddock during the day. They come with a gel insert.
I understand how the stress hits you. I hope this resolves soon.
I still have Hickory's boots and I bet they'd fit! I need to go pull them out to remember what they are. I will send you an email in a bit.
ReplyDelete