Extremely long hooves

[Diane]

My neighbor's horses got turned out yesterday for the first time in a very long time. I poked my head over the fence to make sure they had water and noticed their feet were so long the one old guy could hardly walk. The neighbor offerred these guys to me last fall and I quickly said no I've got all I can handle. He's wealthy, has a live on caretaker and horses have a barn with run outs tucked in the middle of their property. They weren't thin. I talked to the other neighbor who said she would talk to the caretaker that afternoon about getting them trimmed. So here's my quandry....if my neighbor offers me these horses again I most likely will take them. What kind of problems am I going to have to deal with because their feet were neglected (shoes left on,standing in paddock for 6? months)?

[ratherrapid]

depends on debree of neglect. u might put this question out at www.horseshoes.com. you run into regrettable situations such as this. various reasons. owner ignorance, owner taking care of horses that they are without any interest in, etc. my personal solutions to neighbors long hoofs: make the offer to get them trimmed. this is generally accepted with enthusiasm. might be cheaper than taking them yourself since they're sort of adequately cared for.

[Strategic Maneuver]

I agree with Rapid and you might send the bill to owner for re-imbursement a nd offer to set up schedule for farrier to trim regularly. Also, consider if no trimming, probably might want to discuss worming and vaccinations with care taker or owner. They may just not have a clue rather than just not care.