Flat Shod to Show Shoes - Transition

[graymare]

In the old trot forum I posted a thread about testing my CP horse to see if she could possibly transition up to SP. She's been flat shod since I got her. I had the farrier watch her go. First we put a slightly heavier shoe on, then 2 months later we've added a wedge and one pad and light weight. (comparing it to others I would say it is a light package). We've also been working on getting her head up (she's was ok but more than she was used to) and getting her weight transferred to the back end. We've also been working on flexibility (thank goodness it's been a long winter).

I was really happy with her first show. Her head was definitely up more, nose out a bit, but since we are asking so much more of her I'm not too worried about it at this point. She has started using her legs more and was level most of the time. She also had more presence. However there are two things I need some advice on.

1) she's trying really hard. You can almost see her concentrate. Her ears are forward when I drive or long line her. But they aren't as much when she's being ridden - and this is when we are asking her to perform more. She's always been one to listen to her rider (one ear forward, one back). I'm hoping as she becomes more comfortable in her new position her ears will reflect this? (she's a really confident mare and tends to put her ears BACK when grounded). At the show, her ears were back a lot.

2) she also is using one leg more than the other. A friend/trainer suggested putting a chain on the weaker leg which is what I'm going to be doing. Any other ideas?

I feel that while she's moving up, she's not comfortable yet. I'm hoping that as she gets stronger this will resolve.

Thanks so much for any suggestions.

[d1nonlyrocketpony]

If she typically wears her ears, and now they're back, and she's carrying one leg higher, That throws a big Red Flag up to me. Sometimes horses that are sound flat shod show "lameness"/ being off when shod heavier. The more weight, the more they work, the more it shows, usually.

That being said, there's a lot of factors that come into play. Did you notice her throwing her leg this winter when she sarted with a pad? or was it just at this show? Do you post both diagnals, or just one. Does one side of her mouth need more "work" than the other side?

Generally speaking, a horse carrying his legs 2 different heights can usually be related to mouth issues or lameness. Strength is usually not an issue, unless an injury has occured.

Can you put her on a longe line at the trot and notice the uneveness? Which way do you see it more (1st or 2nd way)

A little more info would be a great help, although what you've provided is great!

[VLayne]

It could also be caused by conformational differences in the limbs. The farrier needs to make sure both feet are shod individually - he shouldn't be trying to match them, but instead match the MOVEMENT of each leg to the other.

Different angles, lengths and weights of shoes are very common between two front feet.

You should have your farrier watch her under saddle. He can probably make some adjustments that will help even her out.

As for the ears, yes, some horses don't use their ears when they're learning a new thing. They're unsure and uncomfortable. Some never use their ears no matter what. And others never back an ear no matter how much pain they have or how bored they are.

I wouldn't worry about the ears unless you find that your horse has something physical bothering her - not just a new job.

[SaddlebredMom]

It could also be caused by conformational differences in the limbs. The farrier needs to make sure both feet are shod individually - he shouldn't be trying to match them, but instead match the MOVEMENT of each leg to the other.

Different angles, lengths and weights of shoes are very common between two front feet.

You should have your farrier watch her under saddle. He can probably make some adjustments that will help even her out.

Most definitely. Our friend's horse has 1 front foot that dishes out when it grows past a certain length and unless her shoeing is dead on it makes her go uneven in front. Definitely check out her feet and have them shod individually. :yes:

[graymare]

Thanks guys, it's been a hectic day and I just got home. Haven't even been able to check the RR results.

YES! we did notice she is hanging on one side of the bridle. Her teeth were floated about a month ago. However I know that doesn't always mean the dentist got everything. I was trying to check tonight but I unfortunately timed it with just after getting hay. I never knew they could pack that much hay in their checks. Will have to time it better next time.

It makes sense that the pads could be exaggerating the uneveness of the gait. bummer. I'll watch closely over the weekend. I post both diagonals. Just have to get in my mind that I can switch and not have to ride the "correct" one always. When you are posting is it the leg you are rising with that's doing most of the work? Thanks again for the help. Hopefully I can be more specific this weekend.