Thoroughbred gelding • About 20 years old • Prior dressage horse

Loki's Initial Visit

Kabryna of Circle K began trimming Loki while he was with his prior owner. He was at a boarding facility with turnout and about 14 hours in a stall daily.

During his first visit with Kabryna, Loki was given a significant amount of sedation to facilitate his trim. The owner reported that he had a tendency to kick out, making it difficult to handle his back legs. After assessing his hooves, it was clear that there were numerous issues, including run-under and contracted heels, cracks, chips, flaring from imbalance, minimal frog tissue, and bull-nosed toes.

The Functional Trim Approach To Run-Under, Contracted Heels

When it comes to horses with run-under contracted heels like Loki, it is important to prioritize getting the heels back to their intended position and opening up the contraction. By assisting the hoof in this way, the proper structures can be stimulated during daily living, which will allow for the hoof to renew its balance in an organic manner.

Addressing Loki’s Kicking Behavior During Trimming

Kabryna suspected that Loki's kicking behavior was due to physical discomfort when lifting his legs, and combined with fear, it was exacerbating the issue. She worked with him over the course of 3 trims to alleviate the anxiety and trim within the comfort zone of his legs. After some time, Loki no longer required sedation during the trimming process. Additionally, the structural integrity of his hooves improved and concavity began to form.

Loki’s Progress Today

Kabryna had been trimming Loki's hooves for about a year when his owner made the decision to donate him to a trail riding and lesson program at a youth camp. The camp provides a mixed herd of horses with 20 acres of land to roam and 24/7 access to hay, water, and shelter.

As a consequence of the substantial increase in area to move, 27/7 access to all his needs, and ongoing functional trims, Loki's hooves have witnessed a marked improvement in their structural integrity. This development has resulted in a significant reduction in thrush infections, accompanied by the regeneration of frog tissue. Additionally, his heel base has expanded, with no evidence of chipping or cracking.

Despite a previous injury, Loki now willingly offers each hoof for trimming, and his manure has transformed from loose and watery to ideal, firm balls. Perhaps most importantly, Loki's mental state has improved, and his eyes now shine with happiness. He has formed friendships with other horses in a mixed herd, and the positive social interaction has given him a new lease on life.

Before & After