Friday 22 February 2013

Red - a history (or All about bar shoes, support and shock-absorption)

Red arrived here 2 weeks ago and of course I have photos of her from the day she arrived.

Better still, thanks to Sez (aka Oberon), Red's earlier photos have also been posted to me via Facebook, and the history of her hooves over the last 6 months, including her remedial shoeing, is very interesting.
I'm going to let the photos speak for themselves and give you the dates - the first is when she was in bar shoes, in August 2012.
Now its November 2012 (hint: she has already made progress).
February 9th 2013, when she arrived here...
and today, nearly 2 weeks later.

The business end - palmar shot in bar shoes, August 2012
Same shot in November - heels and digital cushion SO much better...
...and today - move even loading and much more substantial. 

Which foot is the better for shock absorption and balance? Did the bar shoes actually provide support?

What do you think?

8 comments:

dreams579 said...

they have to be some of the most contracted heels i've ever seen! what an amazing difference now she is out of bar shoes!

RedsMum said...

In my defence - the November pictures look fab, the Feb less so because I'd bought some hoof boots because she was footy after a road hack. Seems like I overdid the hoof boots in hindsight ! Also the wet/dark/snow etc bla bla bla meant that we couldn't do the miles. Lesson learnt I hope, :)

Nic Barker said...

Interesting about the hoof boots...

mel said...

very interesting about the hoof boots...did you use pads?Although, that was coupled with less mileage? when did Reds shoes come off? such a huge differance, in Nov pics. without the peagravel too. (i assume?) No need for defence! boots were worth a go at the time! all part of the learning curve' and your experiances will help many others! Go Red an Redmum!

RedsMum said...

Yes pads as well but firm ones, no pea gravel and shoes removed just after the first photo (early September) - think that's all he questions. Yes you are right the reduced mileage since November, I work full time so I couldn't get to ride in the daylight. Go Red indeed! Very pleased and proud Mum :)

amandap said...

Is the frog prolapsed in the bar shoe?

Great progress RedsMum. Onwards and upwards. x

RedsMum said...

Hi I have loads of photos of Red's feet... Obssessive moi ? :) Nic if you want them I can provide, you just need to say the words....

Sez said...

I'm so glad you were able to utilise the 'before' pics I sent. Red's owner deserves a cookie for taking cracking hoof shots - they are my favourites!