Hoof anatomy with Prof. Robert Bowker, part 3 - Peripheral loading: possible but not ideal

[@ApexTrimMethod]

Great video and well explained. It what I do in my trims and rehabbing damaged lamina.

[@beckyiglehart]

So does that mean I shouldn’t worry about all the chips at the bottom of the hoof wall because it’s the sole that should be supporting the majority of the weight? So trimming and keeping the hoof wall even with the sole is what you want? Leave the frog AND the bars alone?

[@skidaddle32]

QUESTION S - I agree with everything you are saying but my QH gelding has very thin, shallow, soles on all 4 feet. Are padded (inserts) hoof boots the best that I can do for him to protect his internal hoof structures? Is there a boot you would recommend? His latest radiographs show some pedal osteitis and very small navicular changes. He is 11 years old. Thanks for any help on this.

[@eponatv]

Hi Sharon. This was an interview we did with Dr Bowker many years ago, so unfortunately you can't reach him via this comment thread.

[@jeancervi8563]

That's is pretty much what he was saying. I have Cavallo boots for my horse as his feet are fairly round but it depends on the shape of your horse's feet. Easecare makes excellent boots as well and often work with more oval shaped feet. I don't use pads inside only because my horse has solid feet and the boots are just for protection but with the thin soles they might work well. Both companies have excellent customer service and it would be worth calling them for advice on which would work best for your horse. Remember -- very important to take precise measurements just after having the feet trimmed.

[@sherryyale]

Thank you so much; makes sense!

[@carmenfenech5766]

Very interesting thank you