Step 2

Step 1 was hooves, Step 2 is moving on to saddle fit …

Actually, we did a small repeat of step 1 and the farrier came back out to re-balance Prophecy’s hooves on Saturday. We had some good discussions and we are still holding off on shoes for now (he really does not feel this is the way we need to go at this point). Prophecy was more comfortable walking on the rocks (and is pasture sound for sure with his running about), though I have noticed he has been more difficult about his right front being handled and cleaned since just before the vet visit. This time he tested reactive to the farrier’s hoof testers on the RF just forward of his “separation” but that sensitivity ended by the toe. Still may have a bruise or abscess to be watching for.
On Sunday I cleaned them again, and for which he was much more willing on the RF now…amazes me sometimes to see that quick a change. Then I measured his back hooves and re-applied his Hoof Armor on all 4 – easy peasey this time!
We have a plan to keep him at 4 week trim cycles max, and see where we end up in regards to shoes. The good thing being that his hooves are very healthy, so pulling shoes for winter should give him time to recover nicely if we end up there.

Then we moved on to Step 2… Back mapping (again) and a trial fit of a friend’s Duett Companion she has for sale to see if it is wide enough (36cm). I sent all the info to Duett for suggestions -which they said looked good and to give it a test ride. I may also be building myself a ‘gauge’ of sorts to see about checking other saddles against it. He has definitely trimmed down since the last time I measured, but doesn’t change that broad shoulder of his!