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A client's simple comment made me rethink my whole approach to hoof packing
I was working on a big draft horse in Bozeman last fall, packing his feet with my usual clay mix. The owner, a quiet older woman, watched for a bit and then said, 'You know, he always seems to walk tender for a day after you pack them that tight.' I'd never really thought about it, I just packed them firm like I was taught. But she was right, I was probably overdoing it. The next week, I tried a much lighter pack, just enough to fill the sole without pressure. The difference was clear. The horse moved off way better right away. Now I use about half the material I used to, and I check in with owners about how the horse feels after. Has anyone else had a client point out something obvious that you were just missing?
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spencer_webb5mo ago
Oliver811 brings up a good point about support, but a pack that's too firm can actually block the natural give of the frog and sole. It's like wearing shoes with concrete instead of cushion. That pressure can make a horse sore, just like the original poster saw. The goal is to fill the space without making it hard. You want the material to move WITH the foot, not fight against it.
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