My 7 year old Andalusian had some lameness issues when I bought him in October (wasn’t aware of it). Took him to an equine hospital and we determined both front pasterns were inflammed. We went ahead and did the pro stride treatment. He basically got 2 months of rest (just turnout). Started riding him again in January. Everything was great until he got shoed (yesterday). Went to ride him after he got his shoes and he was off. The farrier was still there and we did the hoof testing and he wasn’t showing signs of pain. I lunged him this morning and he looked sound. Got on and he is better but still off. I am wondering if any of you have some similar issues. I am not sure if that could be the pasterns acting up again (maybe from being flexed during shoeing) or if it’s coming from the sole. Once again, sound on the lunge this morning and off under saddle. Same pattern as when I had bought him. I am hoping that he is sensitive to shoeing… He is also a bit overweight and I am working on making him lose weight. He has a lot of action in front and pounds the ground pretty hard. I only ride him in very good footing and I don’t ride him hard. Any ideas? Feeback would be much appreciated!!
So horse was sound (and barefoot?) and you put shoes on and he was immediately unsound? Did you pull the shoes off immediately and see if he was sound? If not I would pull the shoes. You honestly don’t know for sure if it’s a hot nail unless you pull the shoes, and yes, I’ve personally experienced this.
that said, I have a friend or two whose horse is lame for a short period after every single farrier visit. To me that’s a farrier I wouldn’t use again if this ends up being a pattern.
Its always tricky after a shoeing…did the farrier do something differently to change the angle of the hoof like adding a pad, different type of shoe etc. that may be tweaking the pastern? Is he sore because possibly too much toe was taken off? If the shoeing is the same as it has always been my guess would be a hot nail. I agree with Ladyj that if this becomes a pattern of soreness after being shod it’s time to find a new farrier.
Are you sure he needs shoeing ? I have 2 PREs, neither of which NEED shoes.
Hot nails can sometimes present with no obvious pulse, without heat, and hoof test negative. Tapping on the clinches can sometimes elicit a response over the particular nail that is bothering them. But if it happened immediately after, I might try pulling the shoe.
