Posted 2013-11-21 9:34 PM Subject: Foot length for a pony
Expert
Posts: 2276 Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :)
I've never owned a pony before. Is long for a pony the same as a horse?
we purchased this pony the first week of August, the previous owner said it had been awhile since she had been shod. So we've had her almost 4 months and haven't had her done. I don't feel they are really growing. Or are they long for a pony?
Posted 2013-11-21 11:12 PM Subject: RE: Foot length for a pony
I'll Be Your Huckleberry
Posts: 1488 Location: Arizona
We have a Shetland mare that we keep a little longer than we would our horses. She just does best this way. Your pony IMO does not look too long. Our pony grows hoof quickly. That doesn't seem like much growth in 4 months. Go figure though, I have friends who don't have trim their horses but every 6 months because they keep their own hooves so short.
Edited to add: While your pony doesn't look too long there are some flares on the sides that should be dealt with.
Posted 2013-11-22 7:29 AM Subject: RE: Foot length for a pony
Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
Why wouldn't you just have your farrier to do an evaluation. I know several in my area who'd be willing to come look at a new horse without charging anything. Especially if you use them regularly, they know they'll get paid when you do need them trimmed, and if they need it now, they get paid immediately. :)
Posted 2013-11-22 8:58 AM Subject: RE: Foot length for a pony
Expert
Posts: 2276 Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :)
I haul out 45 mins to get my horses feet shod. And not enough room in the trailer just to take her a long yet. But I think I may have room next weekend to take her...yes I noticed her flaring out and that will be taken care of but her hoof doesn't seem to be growing.
Thats what I'm worried about. Could there be something causing her to not grow?
Posted 2013-11-22 10:17 AM Subject: RE: Foot length for a pony
The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
You can't really tell by the outside of the hoof wall when they need to be trimmed, you need to pick the foot up clean the foot, and assess the hoof wall growth.
Posted 2013-11-22 10:26 AM Subject: RE: Foot length for a pony
Expert
Posts: 1218 Location: Great NW
I would take her and get the flare taken care of. finding the right Vitmin, Mineral balance can be tough with ponys. if you feel you have a balanced feed program - try adding dry milk to her grain 1x a day till you get her to 1/4 cup. (start by wetting it at first then after a week or so you can try feeding it dry). I do not know why dry milk works exactly - but it has worked on every horse I needed hoof growth on. Faily cheap too.
Foot length for a pony
