This is LuLu. She is a
So in the past, the most significant thing that was seen to hold LuLu back was the problem of acute laminitis which – following traditional management protocols – became chronic,
Like many of us have done, Louise tried shoeing her horse. But, having studied the barefoot approach and observed working barefoot horses herself during a visit to California, she removed LuLu’s shoes and has maintained her that way since. Unfortunately, though, her hard-working and skilled trimmer could see no real improvement. LuLu was stressed, shut-down and very sore throughout her body as well as being sore in all feet.
Over the years, there were times when she was rideable and competed in Western Trail, but this was interspersed with difficult behaviour patterns and the problem of persistent low-grade laminitis.
Louise is a
Louise worried about her decision – and that it was a big risk for the horse she loved. LuLu had been kept in
On the track, LuLu refused to be rugged – so she was out in all weathers and had to fit in with my two horses. Joining us in September meant that she faced all this over Winter, where wet deep- going
Before
When she came to the track, things changed sustainably. The sum of an appropriate diet, movement and
If your horse is not making the progress that he should, it is important to revisit the whole diet and management. In LuLu’s case,
LuLu is a very sensitive horse. Many horses can recover with the level of care that LuLu
so nice to see this mare improve, I am having similar problems with my two welsh cobs, I have always had movement issues with both of them, they are kept bare foot but were having access to green grass 90% of the time! there feet were sore all the time, my mare was much worse and went into slow mode where she was very lethargic, her breathing was shallow and rapid, her flanks sunken, coat was very itchy, she bucked when I lunged her and started rearing when ridden, my gelding has had a very cresty neck and swollen sheath, he also became very footy. they are now on a track system and have improved immensely . I am feeding the grass ezy alleviate c and a good mineral and vitamin supplement with added linseed and salt to a bucket of chaff. I hope they improve further. many thanks for your help sue.
Great that you can see the similarities in your horses – once you realise what the problem is its much easier to solve it. Keep up the good work and let us know how you get on, every horse is an individual but the basic principles we advocate work for any horse when you apply them correctly, getting the right balance is a learning curve but once you develop your eye it’s so simple!