ex race horse lameness

Question
Hi, I have a 4 year old ex racehorse who has been off the track for a little over a year. I have had her for 2 months and I am having trouble keeping her sound. When I first got her I had the farrier put shoes on her. The shoes put too much pressure on her souls and made her feet sore. We changed the shoes to ones with no pressure and she got a lot better. But she never seems completely sound. My trainer says that it might have something to do with her being ponied around as a race horse making her stride weird because she seems to work out of it and doesn't seem like she is in any pain. I was wondering how you felt about this issue and how to go about correcting it. Thanks so much for your time I really need your help!

Answer
Hi Amanda:

Your question might be better addressed by a licensed trainer; I am a racing analyst.  That being said, it has been my experience that some horses, when subject to the rigors of racing or training, just do not take well to the stress - both physically and mentally.  These animals can exhibit different symptoms which can affect their overall well being and/or their stride and gait.  Are you positive that the horse has not been at the track in the past year, and that the horse was given a full 12 months to recover from any past injuries?  Maybe some more pasture time will help.  One more thought: some horses seem to tie-up/cramp-up regularly, and much more than others.  Maybe she is just one of those animals.  Contact a racetrack vet and get an opinion.  That is the first thing I would do.  He/she may be able to pinpoint something, change her diet, or suggest some legitimate alternatives.  Good Luck.

Brad Adler
www.superthoroughbred.com