Talked to a vet about hoof balance and it stuck with me

Had a vet out for a laminitis case in a quarter horse. She said, 'You can't just look at the bottom, you have to see the whole leg from the shoulder down.' I was so focused on the foot I missed the bigger picture. Made me slow down and really watch the horse move before I even pick up a tool. How do you guys check for balance on a tricky horse?

2 comments

2 Comments

hernandez.brooke18d ago

Totally get that, it's like focusing on one tree and missing the whole forest. I see it all the time with people trying to fix one small thing without seeing the whole system. What's your first step when you step back to look at the whole leg?

casey84318d ago

Start by watching them walk on a hard, flat surface from the front and the side. Look for the whole leg swinging in a straight line, not twisting. The foot should land flat, not toe or heel first. If the leg isn't tracking right, the trim won't fix the root cause.