Curly's Four week trim..

I try to keep both my horses on a short trimming scheduling, sometimes mother nature is not cooperating, but with today being highs of 35- figured make the best of it. Summertime, normally is more of a every 4 weeks depending on weather and whatnot. To the left is a view from the top of Curly's feet. He wears them down on the insides normally, today was an easy trim job nothing too crazy. Simple bringing the toe back, nice bevel and some clean up, then he is good to go. Right hand shot is his hind feet. I know his left hind foot is sticking out like a sore thumb since it doesn't match, makes it interesting trying to keep everything balanced that is for sure. He is much better with his fronts then his backs, but we continue to work on it.

Curly's feet..

Before I started trimming Curly's feet it was very hard for me to keep up and get a farrier on site. Not sure why, but being a backyard barn makes it tough since I am the only one out here with my two. 

The picture is absolve of Curly's hoof. Curly tended to wear down his outside heel. All horses carry their weight different and he happen to wear down them this way. This current picture is quite terrible I know, has thrush. For Curly, I need to check the diagonal and balance of his hooves quite a bit to make sure they match up. Normally he tends to toe in, so the outside walls are a little bit higher then the inside. The picture to the right is a picture of a recent trim. I really feel he has a good set of hooves, which you have to stay on top of. He does have a crack currently on his left front, but should be gone in the next trim. Mud season I really dread, but with new knowledge I am able to help Curly through these different environment changes so suffering is kept to a very minimum.
With the diet changes of his natural diet and the round bales- his hooves are hard as ever. Which in the long run giving me a longer workout. I rarely need to use the nippers, every 3-4 weeks I trim his feet, bevel his feet out and he is good to go really.

Curly's Progress and Insight overall

Over the last two years it has been a world win experience with my Curly. We got him from a woman that could no longer keep him and he had hardly been used for years. I figured he be a great companion for RiRa. After learning his history later down the road how he win trail competitions and barrel competitions, it was clear to me he was a special little guy. After a little over a year I had him he started to loose the weight and when he did I knew something was not right. I have learned so much from this experience.

First know what you are feeding your animals in/out- how much they should be eating, what they are eating and understand what is in your grain you are feeding. I never expected to fight with a vet over what I was feeding my horses, since I felt I was doing it the most natural way possible. I provided them with round bales and they could eat 24/7 w/ their run shed, which provided shelter as well as a way to go in/out as they please

Another thing was everyone has an opinion. I am all fine and dandy willing to hear it, as long as you have something to back it up. While I was told "round bales" were bad, and I asked why..I merely got an answer about, how they were bad and I shouldn't use them for horses..not, be careful, make sure they are dry and not the ones made for cows. Clearly its an education thing I feel, I tried to explain and educate about the differences, they did not want to hear about it, which was fine.

On my end I try to leave my horses as natural as they can be, and I feel that keeps its easy. Many times I will realize they had something wrong after the fact, since they are can walk things off naturally. Its quite impressive what a horses body can do.
Not just Curly, but my two boys Curly and RiRa have just taught me in general to question what you intake on a regular basis, you be surprised what you taking in and may rethink it. I was glad I stepped outside the box to help Curly gain his weight back from his metabolic issues through salads, more hay (of course!) and some Nutrena Safechoice. Normally I am not one to say give more grain, but in his case, it has been a great combo. What will work for one horse, will not work for another, as what will go for some people.

Shown the above is a picture of Curly during the last snow storm we had. Normally when it snows he likes to hangout and just catch snow flakes.

Catch Up pictures...

Sorry- Have not updated my blog in a while with Curly, but Curly is doing very well with his salad diet. He does get some Nutrena Safechoice in his diet to help keep his weight on. His coat this winter has come back some much nicer then last few winters. Also, his feet need to be trimmed sooner- more like every 3-4 weeks. I can tell he is feeling better, and keep up with RiRa in the paddock without any troubles. As a young pony as him- just 20 :) he is pure gold with his lovely temperament allowing anyone hop on his back and go for a ride, whether a child or a full sized adult. I hope to take him to the beach a few times and trails this summer with friends.

Curly doing a lot better

Curly during a lesson with my niece, look at that belly!