Hmmm...bad conformation or growing funny

[LostandFound]

How do you decide which is which? Most of my babies have been born fairly straight and stayed that way. Sometimes they get a little wonky looking and then straighten out. Or they have some looseness that they need to grow out of. If you have a foal that starts very correct then starts to turn out a bit in the ankles is that likely to continue or fix itself?

 

[SimplyPaintedMiniatures]

Most do seem to grow out of it but I'd connect with your farrier in case they need a little bit of help balancing out/straightening back out. They can hit some strange growth spurts!

 

[LostandFound]

Thanks! My farrier was able to do more than I expected. I weaned him a little early than I wanted to in hopes of slowing down his growth also. I'm hoping to show this little stinker next year, but if he is going to be a little crooked I'd find him a pet home instead.

 

[SimplyPaintedMiniatures]

Glad to hear the farrier was able to help. I hope you get to show him next year!

 

[LostandFound]

Me too! I'm hoping to do stock with him, and foundation shetland with his daddy. But it's still pretty far from show season so we will see.

 

[Standards Equine]

Ugh, isn't it? But I'm already booking my calendar full of all the shows I want to go to next year.

 

[LostandFound]

It's the best way to get through the dreary season! I'm planning shows and clothes, and trying to get our closest local show to add the classes I need.

 

[SimplyPaintedMiniatures]

That will be so fun! It is the best way to get through the yucky weather! I love mapping out the shows and planning who might hit the ring. Of course, it's always too many ponies I want to take and too many shows on the list! I need to win the lottery.

 

[Standards Equine]

@LostandFound, how is your little one progressing? Indeed, I've got one at home that looks just fine for her whole youth and adolescence but matured to be quite toed in. No indication for it when we could have taken action.

 

[LostandFound]

@LostandFound, how is your little one progressing? Indeed, I've got one at home that looks just fine for her whole youth and adolescence but matured to be quite toed in. No indication for it when we could have taken action.

The farrier straightened him up quite a bit, but he's still not where I would like him to be. I'm hoping to see something one way or the other after his next trim. That had to be frustrating, there is a lot you can do with corrective trimming while they are still growing. But not too much once they are done. This guy is so cute I want to keep him either way, but I've got a limit on how many I can have.

 

[Standards Equine]

Yes, I hear you for sure! It wasn't really disappointing for me for our young horse - it's actually my mother's and it was never planned for her to be a show horse. More or less we bought her from a friend selling out his whole herd and she's what we could get loaded into the trailer... Lucky mare!
I'm glad you're seeing some resolution with your wee dude though. Hopefully he continues in the proper direction!

 

[LostandFound]

Well, a corrective trim make a big difference, but it's starting to turn out some again. The vet thinks it will correct a little more as he grows but he may not have a halter career.

 

[Standards Equine]

Thankfully there's loads of career options for them beyond halter. My horses are the kind that scores much higher in movement than in conformation. I've had mares in for breeding with lines to drool over. Standing still, they're stunning, but they can't move for beans! I'll take function over form any day. As long as he's sound, he's good in my books.

 

[LostandFound]

Yes, I have a mare that's very pretty, but she almost knocks herself over when she tries to toss her head. She is actually a pretty mover, but not really coordinated or athletic. This little guy knows where his feet are, and he's a nice mover, just not a flashy one. His disposition is his strong point though. He's just so happy to spend time with you and so tolerant of everything.