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Corrective Shoeing involves correcting a deviation, from the ideal, in a
horse’s stance, gait or both. No horse has absolutely perfect
conformation. All horses have some degree of deviation. This does not
mean that every horse needs corrective shoeing. Many factors influence
why a horse may be imperfect in conformation and/or gait. Limb
deviations are very heritable and thus are congenital, or the problem
may be due to the horse’s environment. There are definite limitations on
what can be accomplished through corrective trimming and the use of
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shoes, especially in mature horses. Some deviations
cannot be corrected once the horse’s epiphyseal (growth) plates close.
This varies slightly by breed, but normally occurs between 4 and 24
months of age, and varies depending on location within the limb.
Obviously, this type of correction must begin at a very early age to be
effective and generally needs to be completed by 12 months. Once the
epiphyseal plates have closed, corrective trimming and shoeing can still
be done in some cases, however, the degree of correction is much more
limited. Coast Farrier Service will take great care to make corrections
gradually in order to minimize the stress on the joints, tendons and
ligaments.
There are also a variety of gait faults that many horses experience.
From interfering to overreaching to forging, Coast Farrier Service has
the knowledge and experience to employ a variety of methods to lessen or
alleviate the fault. Care must be taken not to over do it. Coast Farrier
Service will carefully balance your horse and, sometimes, this is all
that is necessary to correct a stance or gait problem, even in a mature
horse. For horses that require more specific care, Coast Farrier Service
may utilize EponaTech, Metron PX software which allows us to measure
each of your horse’s hoofs, track changes, compare and archive up to 70
calculated parameters of your horse’s hoof. These unbiased, full color
images and parameters can be compared to your own horse’s historical
database or to a built in database. We also offer video taping of the
horse which, when played in slow motion, can reveal slight gait
deviations that are sometimes difficult to perceive by the human eye. We
carry over 100 different kinds of shoes and pads and we are able to hand
forge any type of corrective shoe to include, rolled and rocker toes,
wedge pads, blocked heels, swelled heels, trailers, extended heels,
square toes, lateral extensions, toe, side and heel weights or fabricate
any other type of shoe via our forge and MIG and Oxy/Acetylene welders.
We stock a full line of Vettec and other hoof care products for the
creation of extensions, rebuilding or repairing hoof walls, gluing on
shoes and providing support to the sensitive structures of the horse’s
foot. Whatever your horse requires, Coast Farrier Service has it onboard
and in stock as well as the ability to apply it correctly.
It is always important for there to be good communication between the
farrier and the owner regarding what is able to be done and any short or
long term side effects with regard to corrective horseshoeing. Coast
Farrier Service will fully explain the pros and cons of the correction
and what realistically can be accomplished. Good judgment is paramount.
We will always seek the least aggressive and most ethical solution to
achieve the desired results and remain available to answer any further
questions you may have.
Contact us today for a complimentary visit to discuss your individual
needs as well as a complete explanation of all of our services. As
always, your satisfaction is guaranteed. |
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