As I use Joel "BEAVER" (actually Joel Bowden) the slowest farrier in these parts :) I have been asked to inquire here about our 3-month-old foal.

Problem is: Outside hoofwall on both front feet are growing at a much faster rate than the inside hoofwall which obviously causes imbalance to the leg structure. Joel is trimming the foal every two weeks (since 3 weeks of age), as this is how quickly she is growing to maintain proper hoof and leg structure.

Is there any other recourse / cause / treatment / etc. that we can be doing here on our end? As a breeder of 20+ years, this is the first time I have seen something like this. Is there a specific cause for this type of growth??

Thanking you in advance,

Denise Gainey

Tell Joel hey for me. As to your problem, I think that you are talking about the lateral side of the foot growing faster than the medial side, which would cause a horse to become toed-out. Regular trimming is the best course of action, but you might consult a vet about the possiblity of using some linament on the medial side of the leg. I once had a customer with the exact same problem, and the vet said that it was a circulation problem. The owner rubbed the medial side of the leg with linament twice a day, and it seemed to help. The horse was sold as a yearling, so I don't know if there was long term success.

Thank you for your response. We will chat with the vet and inquire about the linament. And we also will say hello to Joel as well! He will be here again on Tuesday next week to trim the filly AGAIN :(

Thanks so much!

Denise Gainey
Gainey Cornerstone Arabians