Flat footed warmblood?

Question

My 2 yr Percheron/Arab mix is flat footed, What will that affect?

Answer 1

what do you mean by flat footed? Like at the trot in riding her? Or flat pie like draft feet?

1st- flat feet- You can eventually trim them to be less pie shaped. My full draft mare had feet almost the size of dinner plates when she was a foal- now, through years of work, we cut them down to about 8 inches (?) in diameter, and they are more upright. Usually with draft-like feet, farriers do not trim the heel- they wear it down quickly enough, and getting heel will support the rest of the foot at a smaller size.

2nd senario- To put it simply, a flat footed/strided horse is going to have a harder time in dressage. They do not have the build to get accurate suspension and lift, and usually cannot make it to higher levels. Any other discipline though- no problems at all. Following the typey horse, you actually want a flatter horse for hunter type work.
We have breed draftcrosses in my family for years in WI- the flatter footed ones go on to be jumpers usually (a couple are doing very well in NY and PA). The more suspended ones get sold as dressage horses.

It is odd that a perch/arab cross would be flat- both of those breeds tend to be very suspended (arabs for obvious reasons and perchs/clydes/shires for smooth cart pulling). Are you sure that you are just not asking her/him to pick themselves up? A 2 yr old horse is usually pretty ungainly and you can't always tell if they are flat or not. If he is falling on the forehand because of 2 yr old balance issues, you can not expect him to be suspended. I like to say that you can tell most horse's gait before 6 months and then after 3 yrs. Inbetween, they are so busy growing that all the gaits change or seem awkward.

Answer 2

If you mean the sole of the foot is particullarly flat she may need shoes for heavy work or jumping. This will elevate the sole from the ground. Other than that keep up on her regular trims. It shouldn't affect her usefulness.

Answer 3

First off, (s)he may need special shoeing, but I'm not sure about that. His/her soundness will be limited if you enter her in concussion sports, such as eventing, jumping, or distance riding. Sports such us dressage, barrel racing, and equitation will not be as stressful to the feet, and would be more suitable for your horse. I hope this helps you!