A: These are tough situations. Every case is different and there is probably more than one solution.

Generally speaking, I believe when you sacrifice the integrity of the hoof wall to change the mechanics of the foot, you’ve potentially created a new problem without effectively addressing the original issue.

I’m not sure a glue-on shoe would be of benefit, as the goal is to increase vertical depth. These feet are usually very flat and steps need to be taken to get some concavity back in the sole and maintain a thick and healthy solar plane.

I have a draft horse in my appointment book that is used under saddle. When I first met him, his feet were so flat that he could not stand barefoot without pain. His heels were folded over and run forward. He clearly had a negative palmar angle.

Bent and broken horn tubules will not straighten, so they have to come off. I shod him with a Myron McLane Full-Support Pad and filled the hole with Vettec’s Sole Guard.

It’s easy to go overboard with pads and putty, but this set-up has worked for me many times. After three or four shoeings, his soles are…