The following videos show 3 typical deviations to be seen in young foals. None are severe but can be clearly identified. It could be argued that video 3 showing the right fore outward rotation also shows a slight fetlock varus deviation to the left fore. You can decide.
1.This 2-3 month foal is showing a moderate carpal valgus deviation of the left fore. The action is typical with a dishing motion and a toe-out conformation. These cases usually spontaneously correct by way of physeal (growth plate) stimulation. Hoof distortion is consistent; the lateral wall becomes flared and the medial heel is pushed (shunted) proximally. A good rule of thumb is that if they show no improvement over a 2 week period they need more aggressive treatment. Trimming the solar plane of the foot at 90º to the long axis of the third metacarpal(cannon) is recommended as we are trying to make the cannon vertical. Where additional help is needed then a medial extension should be attached and maintained every 2 weeks. Many foals are born with quite severe carpal valgus but spontaneously correct in a very dramatic fashion. Never-the-less many do not improve but are helped by a combination of farriery skills, veterinary care and management changes on the stud farm.Additional information can be found in Farriery-Foal to Racehorse and Corrective Farriery Volume 1.
2.This 2-3 month foal is showing a moderate fetlock varus deviation of the left hind. Although you only catch a glimpse, the tarsus (hock) is normal and not involved. This deviation is probably the most common seen in young Thoroughbreds. These cases often spontaneously correct but do need trimming every 2 weeks to stimulate the physes. Too many mature horses are seen with a varal fetlock, giving rise to secondary conditions of the lower leg and poor hoof shape. If trimmed correctly between the ages of 1 and 4 months almost all of this kind would be corrected. Hoof distortion in these cases is consistent; the lateral wall becomes more upright and is worn, the medial wall is pushed out.Trimming the solar plane of the foot at 90º to the long axis of the phalanges (pastern) is recommended as we are trying to stop the pastern from leaning over.A good rule of thumb is that if they show no improvement over a 2 week period they need more aggressive treatment. Where additional help is needed then a lateral extension should be attached and maintained every 2 weeks.Additional information can be found in Farriery-Foal to Racehorse and Corrective Farriery Volume 1.
3.This 2-3 month foal is showing a moderate outward rotation of the right fore. The carpus (knee) is in normal alignment for this age. This deviation is seen in young TBs to varying degrees. In mild cases, they often spontaneously correct between 6 months and a year and trimming appears to have no effect on the primary conformational deviation. Hoof distortion in these cases is consistent; the lateral wall becomes flared and the medial heel is pushed (shunted) proximally. The hoof distorts in the same manner as in cases of carpal valgus with which it is often confused. Trimming the solar plane of the foot at 90º to the long axis of the phalanges (pastern) and keeping the solar shape symmetrical around the frog is recommended.No farriery treatment is recommended for the primary condition; however, the farrier has a role in maintaining good hoof shape. Aggressive lowering of the lateral side of the hoof capsule will rotate it in wards but leave the leg still rotated out.Additional information can be found in Farriery-Foal to Racehorse and Corrective Farriery Volume 1.
