I had one a few years back. I can tell you that my farrier didn't like shoeing/managing her. She looked best when trimmed no more than every 6 weeks. When I went to sell her a lot of buyers were Leary of it.
Posted 2017-03-04 8:17 AM Subject: RE: High heel/ low heel syndrome
Location: South Dakota
You need a very good farrier who is familiar with this, and yes there is hope. I have a young mare with this, and it is a challenge for sure. It took us awhile to figure out why she was so stiff, and unbalanced, also developed a bulge on her right shoulder, and pretty much came to the conclusion that I owned a very well bred, pretty, good natured pasture pet, or at most a trail riding buddy. It just did not feel right to give up on her, and came into contact with the right farrier, and although it is something that always will need to be managed, she is riding much better now focusing more on riding straight lines, developing softness in jaw and poll. Sorry so long...I could write a book on this lol. I would not buy one with this condition, but we bought this nice mare as a yearling, not realizing she had Hi/Low and making the most of it. She is the mare in my profile photo.
I have a gelding that is 25 and has the high low heel syndrome. He was our daughter's horse and she was having problems finding a farrier so I ended up with him back in 2007. He came to me landing toe first on all four feet and his one hock was huge. He is sound today thanks to my great NB farrier. Would I own another? No. I just went through a stage when my NB farrier moved to MO. I finally found another farrier that can shoe him properly.
Posted 2017-03-05 1:44 AM Subject: RE: High heel/ low heel syndrome
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 415
How bad is it? My 1D mare has a bulge on her shoulder from having it mildly (working on balancing her out) but it doesn't affect her (just dang saddle fit) and as long as you have a compentant farrier it shouldn't be a huge deal. Mine is from having a slight clubfoot though just slightly
Posted 2017-03-05 6:11 AM Subject: RE: High heel/ low heel syndrome
Veteran
Posts: 183 Location: Wyoming
I've had several horses with this we have found the key is trying to keep the knees level. Gradually lowering the heel takes a good farrier
But my horses stayed sound.
High heel/ low heel syndrome
