Hoof Gallery: Founder Prolapse & Penetration

Trimming Example from The Horse's Hoof

Below is one case example, trimmed by James Welz beginning November 2006. Photos by James Welz. ©2007-2014 by The Horse's Hoof.

Note: every case is different, and this is by no means typical of what should be expected with such drastic and severe pathology. However, this shows what is possible using barefoot trimming techniques for rehabilitation. Founder and other severe cases should be attended by a licensed veterinarian, and should only be attempted by experienced hoof care professionals.

Note: In the Gallery, we present a few photo examples of barefoot-trimmed horses. All photos are owned and copyrighted by The Horse's Hoof, and taken of our personal client' horses. As such, they do not represent all "barefoot" trimming, but rather the safe, sensible, non-invasive, effective trimming system that we personally have spent over a decade developing. If you like what you see, please visit Hoof Help Online for more details (however, we do NOT attempt to teach pathology through this website). If you don't understand or don't like what you see, that is unfortunate, because our record and results are phenomenal. You might want to rethink what you believe or what you've been told. This simply works. In fact, our hooves kick butt. And James and Yvonne ride their own horses - and their hooves are always sound.


Founder Prolapse & Penetration

Gelding severely foundered in summer 2006. This was NOT a neglected horse; equine was cared for as recommended by top veterinarians and farriers, but the traditional treatments had failed. With veterinary recommendation, owner sought out barefoot trimming in November 2006 in an attempt to recover this horse. By this time, both front hooves had prolapsed at the corium, and all 4 hooves were beginning to show coffin bone penetration. Trimmer and owner agreed that the horse would be humanely put down if there was not improvement in the horse's comfort level within a reasonable amount of time. Horse responded extremely well. Owner used Soft Ride boots to help with the recovery, and trims were maintained every 2 weeks. The main trimming emphasis was to keep the walls as unloaded as possible, so an extreme version of a mustang roll was used. Bars were also trimmed much shorter than normal, especially early on. This allowed the bars and the wall to carry as little weight as possible - very important for growing out the prolapse.


During 1st trim, November 2006

Horse was in so much discomfort, James forgot to photograph the prolapse on the left front, which looked fairly similar to the right. Both prolapses were on the inside of the hoof.

Right front prolapse.
Sole bleeding from coffin bone penetration.
Length of walls before trimming began.
Right front prolapse. Note Soft Ride boot on left foot.

3rd trim, December 2006

Prolapse was healing well on both fronts. This was only 4 weeks after the first trim.

Left front
Right front

January 2007

8 weeks after the first trim, full thick new soles had regenerated.

Left front
Right front

February 2007

3 short months after first trim, prolapsed horn area continues to grow out.

Left front
Right front

May 2007

He still has a ways to go, but is comfortable and can move around well. Prolapsed horn area is almost fully grown out.

Left Front
Right Front
Left Front
Right Front

September 2007

Still improving, prolapsed area completely grown out. Hooves becoming much more "normal" in shape.

Left Front
Right Front
Left Front
Right Front

Disclaimer: Photos are provided for reference and educational purposes only. Every horse should be trimmed as an individual. Opinions vary as to what constitutes "correct," but keep in mind - there are NO PERFECT FEET, not even in the wild. We do not necessarily endorse all trimming techniques shown in all photos. Owners are cautioned to seek professional help for the trimming of their own horse's feet. Photos may not be reproduced, copied, or distributed in any way.

©2000-2014 by The Horse's Hoof. All rights reserved. No part of these publications may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without the written permission of the publisher and/or authors. The information contained within these articles is intended for educational purposes only, and not for diagnosing or medicinally prescribing in any way. Readers are cautioned to seek expert advice from a qualified health professional before pursuing any form of treatment on their animals. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.


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