AboutGwenyth Browning Jones Santagate Expertise My expertise lies in Natural Equine Hoofcare. If you're looking for answers about your horse's natural hooves, I can help you. I am a professional hoofcare specialist dealing in the pathologies of the hoof i.e. Laminitis, Navicular, Whiteline Disease and others. I can answer your questions concerning pathologies of the hoof as well as "transitioning" your horse from shoes to barefoot. My emphasis is on the health of the hooves, overall.
Experience Over 40 years of life with horses. Trimming hooves since the 1980's and professional hoofcare since 2001. I am also a trainer/teacher of horses and have been licensed as an instructor in Massachusetts since 1994. I own and operate my own boarding and rehab facility. I also have developed, written and teach Natural Hoofcare courses, clinics and seminars to horselovers from all over the world. Am trained Veterinary Surgical Assistant and Technician for both small animals and Equine. ; Trainer for 30 years.
Organizations Past 4-H Founding Equine Leader over 10 years in FL and MA.
State Director of the AMBA.
Past Regional Director of PPLtd.
Publications Contributing author to the 2001 Federal Mounted Border Patrol Equine Training Manual; Local and International Equine Publications; Contributing Editor Suite 101 Natural Horsemanship.
Education/Credentials Specific to hoofcare: Mentored under Marjorie Smith. Clinics w/Pete Ramey. Individual studies of Jaime Jackson, Gene Ovnicek, Lyle Bergeleen, Dr. R. Bowker, Dr. C. Pollitt.
Past/Present clients Include local showmen as well as Eventers, Barrel Racers, Cutters, Hunter-Jumpers and Dressage. Pleasure Trail Riders and Rescues. Most clients are recovering/recovered pathological situations.
Question Hi, I just recently purchased a 4 year old QH mare. I noticed just today that she has a red spot on her hoof wall, about 1/4 inch below her cornet band. it is about 2/3 inch in diameter, but is not a perfect circle and varys in "tone" of light red. I touched her hoof and she did move her leg, but she did the same thing with the other hoof, which looks OK. i touched and tapped the spot and it did not seem to bother her. The hoof wall, and cornet seems fine temperature wise compared with the other hoof! do you have any idea what this spot could be? Do you think it is serious, and we should contact our vet? Thank you very much. I hope to hear from you soon. Erin
Answer Hi Erin. Without actually seeing the hoof my best guess would be that she bruised herself somehow. I wouldn't worry about it at all unless she begins to show lameness or tenderness as it grows further on down towards the ground. The hoofwall grows at a rate of about 1/4" a month so I imagine the bruise will be down close to the ground in another 6 months and at that time, unless the pressure is kept off the wall with a good bevel and roll of the wall edge, she MIGHT chip off the hoofwall at that point. Again, unless she's exhibiting any sort of lameness or tenderness, I wouldn't worry at all about it. Horses get bruises and boo-boos all the time during their play and most owners probably don't even notice.
If you have any strong concerns please do consult with your regular farrier or veterinarian.
