With Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital being based in central Kentucky, a fair amount of Dr. Scott Fleming’s work is with Thoroughbred foals. Clients turn to him as a veterinarian and farrier to help these foals while they are still growing — particularly before the sales. His success in helping these horses requires determining when the issue can be corrected through farriery and/or surgery.

Fleming shared his insight on helping foals at the Forge of July farrier event in Shelbyville, Ky., this past summer. By working with a foal, he was able to demonstrate how he works with a horse, and offer advice on using modern materials to help a young horse.

Observation is Critical

Like any horse, it is important to evaluate. Either at Rood & Riddle or many of the barns he goes to, Fleming notes he’s fortunate to have flat, level concrete floors to watch the horse move in a natural gait. At this Shelbyville, Ky., campground, he’ll observe the horse on a slightly sloped dirt and grass surface, which saw heavy showers the evening before. He wants the foal to be as comfortable as possible so that its gait is natural, so he has its dam walk in front or uses whatever method works best to relax the foal.