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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Foot Funk

9/11/2017

 
Have I mentioned that it's been particularly hot here? This summer is currently ranked as the third (maybe second) hottest summer in Bakersfield's recorded history. Heat does stuff to horses, and it's not all good.

In early August, a weird crack appeared in Speedy's heel. I cleaned it thoroughly and was relieved to discover that it didn't both him at all. He was sound, and I could poke and prod at the wound without Speedy even noticing.
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Not huge, but not going away either.
When it didn't close, I started to worry a little. Since we were already at the vet for vaccinations, I asked Dr. Tolley to take a look. He wasn't quite sure what it was either, but explained that it was probably a small nick that was being irritated by dirt, flies, heat, and bright sunlight. He prescribed an antibiotic ointment and suggested I keep it wrapped until the crack closed up.
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Treatment #1
The wrap and the Animax ointment did the trick. Within a week, the crack was 99% closed and things were back to normal. Within less than a week, the crack reappeared, just as big as before. By this time, Izzy was at the vet for his hock injections, so I updated Dr. Tolley on Speedy's heel issue.

He wasn't overly freaked out about it, but he could see that I wanted/needed SOMETHING else to try. He even said that. Do you want something else? YES. Give me something that looks medicinal, and give it to me quickly!
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Treatment #2
To my surprise he gave me Genta Spray which is something we've used for our dog when he had a funky skin condition on his belly. It worked great for Tobias, so my hopes were high that it would work for Speedy.

I quit wrapping Speedy's foot (thank goodness as hoof wrappings are a serious pain in the butt), and per Dr. Tolley's recommendation, I fashioned a sun shade/fly swatter out of a sock and now keep that on his foot. You can sort of see the edges of it in the top photo.

I can't say the Genta Spray has worked miracles, but the crack does look better. It's not getting bigger, and Speedy is sound as can be. However ...
Picture
Treatment #3
A friend recommended Equiderma for all funky skin ailments, so I just started putting that on the crack. I don't think it can hurt anything, and according to the comments on Facebook, most people love the stuff.

Who knows? Fewer daylight hours, less flies, and cooler weather might be all it needs. I'll be watching it to see!
Carly
9/11/2017 07:29:14 am

I'm interested to see how the Equiderma works for you! It was one of the things I originally bought to try to battle Bobby's leg before we realized what we were actually dealing with. It made his skin really angry, but I've heard such good things about it I'm curious to see how it works on a normal horse.

Bakersfield Dressage link
9/11/2017 07:50:37 am

Which is why I only put it on the heel and on ONE canon bone! If it's going to get ugly, I figured I should only do it to one leg instead of all four!!!! LOL

Jamie
9/12/2017 09:14:33 am

I'm also curious about the Equiderma! Let us know when you get results! :D

Bakersfield Dressage link
9/13/2017 05:12:25 am

Will do! On Facebook, this post has generated all kinds of responses. Everyone seems to have a miracle cure for skin funk. I've tried many of them, but this isn't a wound like any I've ever had. Hopefully it closes soon. With the Equiderma or without - I don't care which thing works. LOL

Jamie
9/14/2017 08:13:02 am

Yeah, these darn horses & their enigmatic problems! lol!! My guy Finn keeps coming in with scrapes, it's been SO hot & dry here (Seattle area) that he just keeps getting nicks. I actually had REALLY good luck mixing diaper rash ointment with neosporin for scratches & the scrapes. Nothing else was helping them heal. :/


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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    National Rider Awards

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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home