Stone Brook Equine Bodywork Therapy

06/14/2025

When rehabbing a T.I.T. (Trimmer Induced Tilt), also known as P3 rotation case, our top priority is usually to get the heels down as soon as possible. High heels are what prop P3 into a hyper-positive, rotated position.

When we take X-rays, we don’t worry too much about the separation at the front of P3—this area needs time to grow out naturally and can’t simply be trimmed away.

Instead, we focus on the back of P3, specifically the palmar processes (the “wings” of P3). Our goal is to realign P3 so that it becomes ground-parallel.

05/30/2025

The biggest lie in the hoofcare world -

“Laminitis causes P3 rotation and sinking”

Laminitis is a whole horse inflammatory condition - yet this laminitis only decided to attack the one foot?

P3 rotation has been and always will be caused by incorrect hoof-care.

This is the front left and front right hooves of the same horse at the same time

02/22/2025

01/16/2025

01/12/2025

01/11/2025

Don’t Get Mad
Get Grid

The remedy for long toe/low heels is the same as for any hoof pathology: rebuild the hoof capsule to be properly aligned around the coffin bone.

This means you need to achieve growth/wear equilibrium by trimming to simulate the miles of natural wear a horse would get…if they could do it on their own.

Hoof health and alignment has more to do with proper weight distribution than diet, environment, or even movement. The hoof grows 1 mm every 3 days. You can use that to help the horse’s weight work for them ( the way it was designed ) or you can let it work against them.

The writing is on the wall. Read the grid.

You don’t need expensive technology to see the position of P3 within the hoof capsule. Learning to read the grid is a good place to start.

-The coronary band ( hairline ) should have a clean natural arch from an elevated digital cushion, lateral cartilages, and live sole.
-The growth rings should be parallel from the hairline to the ground contact points.
-The horn tubules should be undeviated and parallel to the dorsal wall - all the way to the heels.

Simply shortening the toes and flattening the heels to a height that establishes a preconceived favorable hoof pastern axis and palmar angle is an old farrier technique ( whether you’re leaving the horse shod or barefoot ) that only props up the DC on jammed up high heels and forces the horse to toe load ( think of wearing high heel shoes ). Every horse owner and hoof practitioner should have an understanding of this so they can keep each other accountable for their part of this fundamental responsibility…the structural and functional soundness of the horse.

Good or bad changes don’t always show up in a following trim or two so documenting long term progress is critical to learning.

12/02/2024

❌ CONTEST NOW CLOSED ❌

🎄 TIME FOR OUR MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!

🎁 Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to Millbrook Tack and have your horse be our featured December Horse of the Month!

❄️ Double entries for photos of your horse in Christmas gear!

To enter, all three steps must be completed!

1. Like this post

2. Comment on this post with a photo of your horse and their name

3. Share this post

🏅 Winner will be announced Monday afternoon!

11/26/2024

Hi everyone! I wanted offer a 30% coupon to kick start your holiday shopping! Below are just a few products I offer at my Etsy shop! Use the code “stonebrook30” or click the link below to get shopping!

https://stonebrookequine.etsy.com?coupon=STONEBROOK30

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween 🎃 👻