QUESTION
I recently purchased a very nice MFT gelding who is 13 yrs.  He has not been shoed for a least 5 years, the time the previous owner had him and
seems okay with out shoes. Also by verbal report from the previous owner has never been lame in the last 5 years.  He has been extensively trail
ridden.  Has even ridden down the continental divide when younger.

I had a prepurchase vet exam.  The vet felt "he was out a little on his left front foot."  Not  lame, but out.  He wanted to do xrays to check
the navicular bone.  I deferred on these.

I spoke with the farrier, I am using a natural farrier that does not shoe.

My question is, the horse is very flat footed and does not have much heel as a result of keeping the toes long.  He is walking quite heavily on a
flat heel.  How is it best to change this?

Submit Button = Ask the Old Cowboy
 

ANSWER
Long toes are not good. He needs to be trimmed to his natural angles and watched closely. If he continues to wear off more heel than toe he will need shoes. Barefoot is nice, IF, the horse can handle it. Not all horses can.
Bob

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