There are a number of horses I have cared for that have the same apparent foot condition. These are horses with chronic laminitis that have a dropped sole where the hoof wall — as it grows out — does not grow straight down, but flares out at the ground level or higher up the hoof wall.

The biggest problem confronting a farrier who’s asked to shoe a mule for the first time may very well be fear of the unknown.

When dealing with laminitis, most cases require a team approach between the horse owner, farrier and veterinarian. And if there is no respect or communication between you and any of the other parties, Amy Rucker maintains, you should decline to work on the horse.