hooves turning outward

Question
we have a 5 yr old miniature gelding his front hooves are turing outward. what could cause this to happen? what can be done? we had his hooves rimmed a month ago.

Answer
HELLO DEANNA...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

This MIGHT be a problem that little can be done. Because of his age, trimming a hoof to look
cosmetically better will be dangerous. Trimming one side lower than the other(lateral/medial)
will over load his joints and not only make him sore, but could cause "tears" in his tendons.

Many times an experienced farrier will shape or "float" a hoof capsule where the horse/pony
will stand and look more pleasing to the eye(static balance) but can do little for the horse in motion (dynamic balance).

Remember...myself, not seeing where the pony turns out at// the knee(carpus) the fetlock(ankle)
or at the coronary band(hairline)a person would trim according to where the load or pressure is coming from, as not to "over compensate".

Another thing...you mentioned he was trimmed a month ago. Does he look better after the trim
or gets alittle worse after he starts to grow and get longer?? Many times, you can straighten
the hooves and be level and because of conformation, as they grow out they revert back to being
"crooked" and have to be trimmed more often.

One last thing...most deviations(uneven stance) has to be handled or addressed before they are
10/11 months old. After that,the "closures" in the bone structure are closed and the bony
column will be permanent.

Best to You !!
Joepaul Meyers, C.J.F.