Gem
From laminitis and clogs to balance and comfort, Gem’s recovery journey shows the power of precision hoof care and a dedicated plan for long-term soundness.
At a Glance: Key Details
Gem is a 16-year-old foundation-bred Quarter Horse with a background in barrel racing. She began her Applied Equine Podiatry (AEP) journey in January 2024, after being presented with laminitis that had significantly impacted her mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.
When first assessed, Gem was wearing wooden clogs, a traditional method sometimes used to alleviate pressure in laminitic horses. While they provided temporary support, they limited her hoof’s ability to realign naturally with her internal structures.
After evaluating her case through the lens of AEP, we transitioned her out of the clogs and applied a balance-first approach using AEP trimming principles and The Perfect Hoof Wear™ wraps to support healing and functionality.
Gem’s case highlights the importance of tailoring hoof care to support both comfort and long-term biomechanical soundness, especially in performance horses recovering from systemic hoof conditions.
Initial Assessment
At her initial assessment in January 2024, Gem appeared lame in the front end, with discomfort most apparent in her left front hoof. She didn’t exhibit typical laminitic symptoms like heat, bounding pulse, or acute rotation, but a closer evaluation—including radiographs—revealed mild rotation in the left front.
Her movement was cautious, especially on harder ground, and her posture suggested she was subtly offloading weight. Though she had been in wooden clogs prior to our assessment, she was ready to begin a more functionally focused hoof care plan.
The goal of treatment was to restore balance to the hoof capsule and relieve internal strain, particularly in the affected front limb. We transitioned Gem out of her wooden clogs and began applying the AEP method to address imbalance while protecting her hooves during recovery.
The use of Perfect Hoof Wear wraps added a layer of support without restricting the hoof’s ability to function naturally. Over time, each trim was designed to encourage proper alignment, stimulate circulation, and restore natural hoof mechanics.
Gem’s owner expressed a heartfelt goal: to see her sound, comfortable, and healthy again. While riding was not the immediate priority, it remained a long-term hope if Gem’s recovery allowed. Above all, the focus was on giving her the best chance at pain-free movement and restoring her overall well-being through supportive, non-invasive care.
Gem’s treatment plan includes regular trims on a 4 week schedule using AEP principles, combined with periodic reassessment of her hoof balance and comfort level.
The Perfect Hoof Wear wraps will be used during early recovery stages to support sensitive structures while hoof shape and internal mechanics realign. Progress will be monitored through visual assessments, comfort levels, and movement changes over time, with flexibility to adjust her care plan based on how she responds.
Before AEP Trim
Explore the visual progression of each case through hoof photos, radiographs, and documentation taken throughout the treatment journey. These images highlight the structural changes and improvements that result from a balance-focused approach to equine podiatry.
To better understand how each structure should function in a sound horse, visit our guide on what a healthy horse hoof should look like, where we break down the seven key structures of the equine foot.
case Updates
May 21, 2025
Watch the heel growth on the right front!
Wondering if this approach is right for your horse?
Let’s talk about your horse’s unique needs and how balance-focused podiatry can support their long-term soundness.
