Pony club gymkhana at Tewantin- one of Jades last comps and a win finally as Champion Rider-years of training and tears had paid off

Laminitis is one of those horse sicknesses that sounds scary but only happens to others- right. That comment could not be further than the truth. We have always struggled with getting farriers who would actually show up let alone do a good job. Being relatively a non horse type person I always took the advice of other more horse educated types. I have now learnt- the hard way- that most of these experts would really not have a clue.

One very important point I will stress is always use a vet who specialises in equine health. This advice may have saved me a lot of money and our horse a lot of pain. I now get the equine vet to monitor what the farriers are doing and if I have a concern I am very quick to ask. Most farriers are reasonably good at a simple regular trim and shoe but shy away when things get a bit tough. The damage to our horse was done many years ago by a guy who just kept trimming the bad bits away without offering any advice on why the hoof just seemed to be getting worse. I think at the time the best I got was "bloody thoroughbreds are a pest"

Our current farrier was making reasonable progress but the growth in one particular hoof seemed very stunted. It was my daughter who finally took the stance to transport our precious girl to the vet who quickly after an xray gave us the bad news. The rhf hoof was at the point where the bone was about to break through meaning infection and well! He advised that without quick and intense care she may not survive. This horse was part of our family. Krystie (Jades best mate owner and horse lover) immediately took over. I would like to note at this point that Krystie was 18 and about to embark on a uni degree as a paramedic- sometimes I think horse rehab might have been more her thing.

We were given the details of one of the best corrective farriers in our region who quickly set about saving our Jades life.She was promptly moved to her current home and placed in a stable- this meant twice daily-or more-visits and lots of hand feeding vitamins ect. No surgical intervention was ever needed. The biggest problem with acute laminitis is that blood flow to the hoof is all but cut off which eliminates growth making the problem worse. Corrective shoeing reduces the pressure and allows the blood flow to return to normal increasing growth ect. From the 1st visit to the vet to be able to ride again was probably about 12 months.

Today Jade has just done the first competition since being diagnosed. Krystie's younger sister Mikaela rode at a local gymkhana. She won a few events and even got a trophy and strictly no jumping. But more importantly Jade had against all odds survived. This was thanks to the dedication and love shared by horse and owner. The highlight of my day was seeing that in Jades eyes. This was a moment I will never forget.

Never ever fail to act on a concern when it comes to hoof care. Talk to your equine vet and get your horse checked out immediately. It will not only save you money in the future but also ensure your best mate never suffers.