The farrier was out today, and wants to talk to me about my horse, currently playing phone tag, looks like we will be catching up in the morning.
Until then I am pondering why Mellow is wearing back feet much more than fronts. My first thought, said in jest, maybe he is kicking the poop out of his pen mate. The second thought, we are concentrating on making him work through from behind so maybe this is a good thing.
Any other reasons that could cause this, I’m sure there are lots.
What part of the back feet are wearing faster? Sole? Toes? Medial or lateral sides? Each would have its own potential explanation.
Good questions, I need to follow up on that…all I know so far is second hand info from BO, that the backs barely needed trimming, but the normal amount off the fronts.
Yep, need pictures.
If the feet are in balance and wear is mostly meeting growth, then no problem.
But if he’s wearing his toes so they are squaring off, and things really don’t change, then I would start investigating subtle hind end issues that are causing him to drag his toes a little.
Wearing of hind toes points to inadequate engagement behind, for whatever reasons. Could be rider not asking for enough activity or as JB mentions, a hind end issue. My elderly gelding does this. Currently being leased by a senior lady who lacks the strength/knowledge to keep his hind end active and his back up. I ride him when I can to keep up his strength over the back/hind. We put shoes on him all around to protect those hind toes.
He had a back injury when I got him and dragged his toes very badly until he built up strength to support himself.
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