AboutJoepaul Meyers,C.J.F. Expertise With 35 yrs. as a Certified Journeyman/Master Farrier, I have taught at the Univ.& Trade School levels. My specialty is Veterinary Farriery
Lameness and Therapeutic shoeing.
Question You previously answered my questions about my draft cross horses feet. You said for me to ask my farrier if he is taking "sole-pressure" out of the shoes. What does this mean? Also is it normal for the hooves to stink and turn black wtih shoes on. It looked like trush to me and smelt like it too, but the farrier said it wasnt. I think I am very paranoid of finding a good farrier now, as many of them have portrayed themselves as well trained and then cripple my horse. I wish you lived in my nioegborhood. We have a limited supply of decent farriers. And thankyou very much for your answer to my previous question. This is an awesome service you procide. Thanks!!!! Could I possibly sen you pics of my horse now, which is 2 weeks after a trim. I really need to know if this guy is doing a good job, so I can realax or find another farrier.
Answer HEY CINDI...GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN...
What "sole-pressure" means is just what it sounds like...the horse must load the "majority" of it's weight on the hoof capsule/wall.
The sole,frog and structures DO bear some weight at the point of load/impact but the three layers of stratum/wall is what handles the weight and impact...in layman terms.
Some farriers relieve sole-pressure after they finish the trim; by
taking the hoof knife and removing some sole on and inside the white line, so it won't touch the shoe. That DOES NOT work well "IF" the sole is thin or on a dropped sole. You can cause weakening,bruising and tenderness.
Especially on big or heavy horses ( I do it on all my clients horses)
I (because I hot-shoe) beat down/hit the inside branch of every shoe
and then on my finish, I take my grinder and remove and smooth the branch for a nice finish. When you put the shoe on the hoof, it will
set on the wall nicely and tight and you can see no shoe touching the sole. VERY IMPORTANT.
In my opinion & travels...more horses are "sored-up" and "off" because of too much sole-pressure or nails driven too close to sensitive tissue.
That's a fact !!
You can send me any pictures and I will help anyone with their problems. If I can't help...I can refer you too many others. I have veterinarians in 7 states that can also help.
My web-site is listed...my email address is ironhorsejpm@hotmail.com
to send any pictures.
