A controlled experimental trial was conducted using nine clinically normal ponies to determine the effects of high blood insulin levels on lamellar integrity and laminitis in normal ponies with normal blood glucose levels. Five ponies were administered high levels of insulin over a 72-hour period while keeping their blood glucose levels within the normal range and controls received saline placebos over the same time period.

For all of the stable-management and health-care expertise I’ve accumulated over more than 30 years, the trimming of feet is one area that I never dared delve into.

Olin Balch urges you to carefully explain the risks to owners who ask you to perform corrective shoeing or trimming on young foals.