With the exception of a horse treated for white line disease, John Favicchia’s day focused on helping horses stay sound and competing. However, he routinely works with veterinarians on therapeutic cases.

Reviewing some of the solutions he came up with over the years gave Favicchia a chance to discuss the disappearing art of making a solution at the horse to overcome a challenge.

“These are ideas we had to come up with before all of the products available to us,” he says. “This is what has been lost over the years. What wasn’t available to us helped us learn so much more. If you don’t have a shoe on your rig today, you can pack up and drive to the supply shop.”

Shoeing for a Severe Lameness

This solution was used more than 25 years ago. The horse had many problems — no quarters, no heels, always blowing a medial quarter crack. When Favicchia was called in to see the horse, it could barely walk, similar to having a coffin bone fracture. He learned about rail shoes from Dr. Ric Redden. Favicchia used his oxyacetylene torch and welding rod to attach the rails. The horse was more comfortable and moving after this…