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Guy - A Toe-Dragging Lipizzaner Finds His Wings

1/23/06

 


I trimmed Guy for the first time on January 12, 2006. His owner had his shoes pulled about 4 weeks before, and wanted to get him barefoot primarily because she wanted to ensure he stayed healthy and sound. Guys only soundness problem was that he consistently drug his toes on his rear feet and needed regular chiropractic work.

When I looked at Guys feet I noted a very long toe and the conformation that often accompanies it, a slightly swayed back and a tendency to drag his toes and stand with them behind his body. Below: Before the trim, long toes in front result in poor posture and trailing rear feet.

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Bred To Dance

I almost always have clients walk and trot horses out in a circle and straight line before and after I trim to see how they move, and like Laura said, Guy was dragging his toes at the walk and trot before we trimmed him.

After the trim we tried again, and caught the sequence below... Initially Guys ears were back as he trotted out, but all of the sudden he realized how good he felt when he moved! His ear cocked forward, and he began to dance!!! For a horse with a reputation for no impulsion, collection or extension, Guy began to dance and didn't stop dancing and cavorting for 20 minutes.

His owner was in tears "He's never ever moved like this!"....

What was the problem? Long toes and shoes...

 
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Guys feet before his February 22 trim
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Linda Cowles Hoof Care
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