What to know?

Question
I have a 4 year old warmblood mare who is currently standing at 16.3 1/2. She has large movement and a bright dressage career ahead of her. She does however have a confirmation flaw, that is being that she had slightly twisted cannon bones resulting in her being turned in. What is there that i should know when it comes to shoeing her and what precautions should i be taking? I have noticed that she is beginning to fall slightly behind at the knee. What style of shoe should i be using? i dont feel that my farrier is doing the best he can.

Answer
HELLO LAUREN...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

Have been out-of-state again...Sorry for the delay !!

With her size and I'm sure her weight, "some things" could have been done with her trimming
at an early age. Now...at 4yrs of age she is either mature or 90% there confirmation wise.
You know,with many different breeds; most are pretty much finished at 4/5 yrs most warmbloods
do mature slightly later.

Personally for you, I would "try" to find a farrier that has experience with the heavier horses
warmbloods,drafts and such. YOU CAN'T compromise the hoof capsule on these horses.!!
There is just so much to support and caring for the joints, that a bad or amateur job could
shut your horse down athletically.

A farrier he/she SHOULD shoe to the "boney-column" #knee down#and NOT worry so much about
where the hoof falls. As long as the hoof lands "LEVEL" NOT FLAT..."tables are flat" smile!
I have had some as with yours, that the hoof will fall at contact with the ground "varus" or
pigeon toed,BUT LEVEL and have NO joint problems !!

I would use a Kerckhaert or Workman shoe and "float" the shoe when nailed "slightly to the outside of the hoof capsule. If the hoof is a clock, then "about" 1 o'clock on the left front
and 11 o'clock on the right front. INSTEAD of following the frog or where the heels are. And
of course, plenty heel support, fit full and grind/safe in the outside of the shoe so it cannot be stepped on or pulled.

A farrier with "background" will understand these principles and do you a good job !!

Thanks again for waiting & Best to You !!

Joepaul  Meyers,C.J.F.