Conversation with a Severely Foundered Horse

Horse: “What’s wrong with my feet?”

Me: “The last three guys didn’t know what they were doing and screwed them up.”

Horse: “Can you fix them?”

Me: “Yes.”

Horse: “You’re not just going to end up making excuses and then blame everything on something else?”

Me: “No. I’m going to do my best to fix the damage and teach others how to take better care of you.”

Horse: “But you’re going to do the trimming?”

Me: “Yes. That’s my part.”

Horse: “OK. I’ll do my best to make it easy for you.”

Me: “Thank you. I appreciate that. Ready?”

Horse: “Am I going to be in more pain than I already am?”

Me: “No. I told them to fill your stall up with a better footing that will help you stand more comfortably...so you won’t have to compensate so much in your body.”

Horse: “Do you think I’ll ever get out of this stall?”

Me: “Yes.”

“I have some special boots to help you move at first that you eventually won’t need.”

Horse: “OK. I’m ready.”

Me: “Which foot do you want me to start with?”

Horse: cocks her left hind.