Sore Toes

Question
I have a 13 yr old Hannoverian gelding that is 17.1 and about 1500lbs.  Recently he has become lame off and on.  The farrier tested his hooves and both of his toes are sore.  His sole, hoof wall and everything else looks normal.  This soreness has been off and on for a month. He is a dressage horse and is only worked in an indoor arena.  The vet said the heat could be playing a part in the problem.  What do you think it could be?

Answer
HELLO PAT...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

From my years of experience; normally people who have or own "warmbloods" have good farriers. I still have to ask a few questions...not knowing..do you have a good farrier with experience?

Unless the heat has caused him to collic or changes in his hooves,
such as "fever rings" on his hoof walls, recently...I don't think that is a problem. Because of his size and bone you might ask your farrier if he's taking ALL the sole pressure he/she can out of the shoes??!! THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT with all horses but especially with
your drafts, warmbloods and many thorobreds.

Even alittle sole pressure can lead to soreness if it is allowed to continue. Also does he have alot of "turn-out time" where he can go to a pond/tank and submurge his hooves. Wet and dry will expand and contract in the Summer and cause problems. Just a thought??

I've worked on and still do quite a few warmbloods and not too many have "bad-hooves". They genetically have real good bone and very strong hooves. Mostly because the breeding requirements are more
rigid and strict on what and how they breed their horses. A very good system!!

You riding in good conditions eliminates possible bruising??
A change in diet to a richer protein base CAN cause changes in their hooves.
I hope I might of "touched" on a few things...of course not being ther is always tougher... :)

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