When your horse has no heels…. Ralph Casey, CMF

A frequently asked question about a very popular hoof problem is often addressed to us in desperation. Horse owners are looking for ways to overcome low heels or no heels and slow heel growth.

Ok now, what if your new farrier says your horse has no heels. You ask why? The main reason is normally due to improper trimming over a long period of time, infrequent trimming or in the worst case; no trimming at all ! If this new farrier takes the time to approach the problem and discuss options with you, then our suggestion is to allow him (or her) to do their job every six weeks to help improve the situation.

The horses' conformation will dictate how the hoof will land on the ground. A good example is to examine your own conformation. Pick up your shoe and look at the bottom of the heel and note what side is worn more than the other. If it is the outside heel, then you are probably toed-out or "cow-hocked" causing your heel to wear down more on the outside than on the inside.
The same goes for horses as in figure #1.

  #1

  #3

In relation to the horses' hoof with no heel on the outside (lateral side), the farrier has several options. If it is only worn down a little on one side, he can take off a little hoof on the opposite side and balance the horse, lateral and medial. But if it is worn down an excessive amount (like in figure #2) and the farrier takes off the opposite heel to match, then you have no heels as in figure #3. This is not good.

Another option would be a cheap and quick trick where he simply takes the shoe and bends that side of the heel as in photo #1 (shown right) to force it to touch the heel so the shoe will stay on. However once this is done he has created a more severe problem, which causes the horse to be out of balance. Being out of balance at the hoof will cause soreness in the spine and back region and over a long period of time will cause irreversible leg and spinal problems. Another quick fix would be to rasp down the opposite good heel and place a wedge shoe or wedge pad between the hoof and shoe. But the farrier has still removed hoof from the good side that was not necessary.

Now your farrier might say, "just wait till the heel grows out and then I can fix it." In all reality if the heels are lower than normal, whether trimmed or shod, it will increase the constant concussion on the heels and they are not given a chance to grow. Constant concussion is not necessarily due to extreme exercise or training, it is merely walking !

PHOTO1

The best idea is to save as much of that precious heel as possible. The correct procedure would be for the farrier to build up the side of the low heel with a custom hoof pad. The balancing compound can be used to build the desired thickness wherein the horse will be balanced and this will allow the heels to grow properly eliminating injury to the upper body of the horse. This can be expensive but we believe the farrier is obligated to at least inform horse owners of all options available. These photos show a case we received at the FNRC. photo #2 shows missing hoof wall and heel photo #3 shows repairing and rebuilding the hoof wall and setting the shoe to be "balanced."

     PHOTO 2

PHOTO 3

Also a farrier can "make" a shoe stay on the hoof for six weeks, it can be flat and "still be out of balance." If the bony column of the horses' leg is not in alignment, then you are creating a serious problem that will catch up with the horse sooner or later. If your hose is throwing his head or acts unusual while you are riding, chances are 9 out of 10, you have serious hoof problems and your horse is out of balance in some form. Horse owners must remember that farriers are very reluctant to discuss new procedures if the owner is just interested in the cost of the shoeing instead of correcting the problem.

Now, how do you find out if your farrier is providing you with the best services possible? We suggest you educate yourself, not just once, but to continue the education and ask questions. That is why the Farriers' National Research Center and School offers a Free Farrier Training Program just for Horse Owners. This two- day program is free to the public, paid and sponsored by farriers of the Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association. Normally a $200.00 value for beginning farrier students, owners have the chance to learn the entire balancing procedure explained in the 6 Steps To Balancing the Hoof and Horse for Sound Shoeing. Handling of horses, trimming and introduction to basic shoeing taught by a staff of on duty Master Farriers, seven days a week, year round. This is not designed to turn you into a horseshoer overnight. It is to offer education stressing the importance of preventative maintenance before a problem arises. Also, many leave with a better appreciation for the important role of the professional farrier. Reservations can be made for individual owners or groups.
We invite horse clubs and groups to also become sponsors of the FNRC by contacting us for more information.