Over the last 1 1/2 weeks we have noticed that our littlest equine creature has been walking slowly and acting a bit more cautious than usual. We decided to bring him into the little area we have set aside for my chickens and keep him penned up until the farrier could arrive. Yesterday the farrier came and trimmed all the horses and took a look at 'Smokey', our little pony. Even though the news was not good, it was expected. We could tell by his symptoms that Smokey had probably foundered.
(Here's his little hoof all trimmed and ready to be sized for the shoe.)
Foundering is a condition that occurs to an animal when their diet is changed or other elements arise, such as a change in pasture, stress with in the herd or even drinking too much water. "There could be 10 different ways an animal could founder," our veterinarian told us, "And ponies are prone to it."
After a thorough exam of Smokey's hooves, our vet determined that keeping him up was the best. Placing shoes on Smokey will help to keep the 'frog' and 'coffin' of his hoof off the ground when he walks and also allow for it to heal over the next 8-9 weeks. Yes, he's going to have to be stabled for at least 8 weeks. Thankfully he will recover, but it is going to be a slow and careful process.
(Here the blacksmith is preparing the shoe for Smokey. It must be a fitted shoe or the pressure could cause more damage to his little hoof. The blacksmith remarked that Smokey was the easiest one he's ever shod.)
We have been trying to figure out the cause of his foundering condition. When the new grass begins to grow in the spring, it comes in so quickly that the horses just eat and eat and eat.
(A black paste is spread onto the underside of the hoof. It will dry somewhat softer than the consistency of dried out playdo. This gives a 'cushion' for the iron shoe to 'sit' on. It also protects the underside of the hoof from infection.)
Statistically, most horses will never encounter foundering because of their size in relation to how much they eat, but it is always a possibility. Riding them regularly also helps them adjust to the new grass. Ponies on the other hand are, of course, smaller and their digestive system works differently. They also eat with out taking a break as often. The new grass coming up in the pasture is probably what caused Smokey's condition.
(The smaller shoe is fitted exactly to his hoof, then attached with small nail-like drivers that keep the shoe in place for about 4 weeks.)
(There will be 6 little 'nails' tapped into the end of his front hooves. It lookes like it may hurt, but it's no different than putting a straight pin through the end of your fingernail.)
(The few final taps and his shoes are set.)
(Now he just needs the nail tips to be trimmed off and then filed down.)
(The farrier and blacksmith took great care with our little guy, continuing to pet and stroke him to keep him calm. He really did a great job standing.)
Thanks Tanner and Craig for taking such great care of our Smokey and for coming over so quickly. You are definitely #1 in our book! Well, I guess we better get started on that little corral we need to build, so Smokey can at least get out of the chicken run. Since he's so small, we can keep him in there for a couple of days, until his corral is ready.
Watch for updates on Smokey as he progresses. And please say a little prayer he heals speedily.
Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend.
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