question I submitted

Question
I sent in a question yesterday about flares and received your reply that you've answered me before. This can't be, because I've never submitted anything -- in fact I didn't even know about the existence of this board till yesterday. I see that there is a prior question about flares, and it looks like there was a Marty (different spelling) involved, but it wasn't me and my questions aren't quite the same as his. Nonetheless, if you feel you have answered it adequately, so be it. ~Marti

Answer
HELLO MARTI...Thank you for your question.

You are correct. I HAVEN'T answered you before, but have covered "flares" before. And yes...all things are different in each case.
In my practice, I have worked on many "heavy-horses",warm-
bloods and such. As said before, quality nutrition,
conditioning of the hoof capsule and regular trimming will prevent MOST constant flares.
That being said...imbalances of the limbs/bony column,
sporadic trimming schedules and uneven loading of the hoof
capsule do to deviations of the limbs/legs do cause flares.

The pic that was sent was one view and looked in good shape.
There was alittle wall growth and the heels,bars and frog appeared to be healthy.
If "off-and-on" soreness or as they say "the horse is slightly off", then the hooves should be hoof tested or
radiographed to see if anything besides pressure on the sole is a culprit. In big/heavy horses palmer/heel soreness
more often than not is a problem. Overly damp/wet hooves also lose strength and can contribute to weakening of the walls and flares. Left unattended, the tubulars of the hoof wall will change.
"Growth rings" on the hoof show changes. Some good,some bad.
Changes in nutrition,sickness,injury,lack of anything WILL cause "rings/lines" in the hoof capsule. Not always a bad thing, but "natures history" of what's going on with said horse.
Being a blacksmith/farrier of over 35 years and also teaching my trade; I don't advocate shoeing unless necessary.
I don't think we should be in the business of "selling shoes". I shoe for protection or correction.
If a problem with flares or slight soreness/discomfort is seen after proper trimming has been done for awhile...then maybe at least, front shoes would definitely help. Many training and schooling horses are shod on the front and trim the hinds. 60/65% of a horses weight is forward. It can help take pressure off the soles(properly applied)and control the walls with proper balance and support to control flares from developing.
Sometimes it worth a try to see if there is a definite
change in the horse after being at least half-shod. Worth a try in my opinion...at least once.

Hope I've helped in some way.
If there is something that I didn't cover,please feel free to ask.
Thank you again.
Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F.