Steve Routledge Farrier in Perth, Western Australia | Business service

Steve Routledge Farrier

Locality: Perth, Western Australia

Phone: +61 408 933 775

Address: 3 Carbine St 6104 Perth, WA, Australia

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25.01.2022 What looks like a cut or impact to thie frog is actually a mechanical failure within the sensitive frog structure the nail indicating the depth. This is quite common on horses that gallop on a particular substrate.

25.01.2022 Not often I can say I’m looking forward to using a hammer . Just rehandled my driving hammer with my own custom shaped handle and jeez I like the feel of it . Roll on tomorrow

24.01.2022 Today’s previous post feeling good.

24.01.2022 The duo ellipse shoe is designed to provide elevation and change to the point of force transition closer to the centre of the foot helping to address both lower and upper limb pathologies.

24.01.2022 Sometimes we get to help the little ones. This fella was a rescue who suffered probably from a bit to much kindness and subsequently developed laminitis. As is often the case he got through the worst of it on his own. On the first visit he was trimmed to make him as comfortable as possible,we advised xrays would be required to enable further remedial action. As expected the xrays indicated that he had a pedal bone rotation with the onset of seedytoe in the lamallar wedge which is the dead epidermal tissue resulting from a laminitis attack. ( Red Arrow) . The dorsal wall was resected to remove the seedy toe and treated with a mix of copper sulphate and Paw Paw an the hoof trimmed to address the PB rotation. He walked off a happy camper and we are confident that we can return him to full soundness.

23.01.2022 Jasper in his new Mustard Liberia Ready for Work tomorrow

23.01.2022 And so the question thatI always ask myself when I’m working on these horses is ?? Have I got it right. I think the good lord must have been having smoko when they attached the limbs onto this fella as he has both Valgus ( outward) and Varus (inward ) angular limb deformities. That being said he is the winner of 9 races with 4 2nds and 14 in 3rd place @ $225+ K not a super star but a good honest horse. As well as a ripper horse to deal with. I’m told that this is his last and the he is of to the paddock and a forever home.

23.01.2022 Well I don’t blow the hooter very much but following on from my post 18th Oct I’m absolutely over the moon that she got back into the ring. This is what we work for.

22.01.2022 We have been working on this show mare for some months now she had a long history of lameness and had been unable to be ridden for`a substantial period. Her front limb conformation makes her not the easiest horse to shoe. Her hinds were overgrown with under run and collapsed heels both with NPA. The condition of her hinds had obviously affected her lumber region which made her difficult to shoe. We have made good progress over the last few months and she is now sound and is able to be worked. Looking forward to seeing her back in competition.

21.01.2022 24/8 After a seven week spell this fella came in with a blown abscess in the coronet. WLD had set in at the original source in his toe , and he was 4/5 lame. We resected the WLD affect part of the hoof. AS the abscess was still active we drilled a hole 20mm below the coronet to allow drainage and to enable the abscess to be flushed with antibacterial solution. A standard race plate was fitted with the toe clip supported with hoof repair material. 9/9 He is in full work and we were able to completely fill the void with repair material. Our own mix of copper sulphate and Paw Paw ointment was used with success to combat WLD ( white line disease).

21.01.2022 I first started shoeing this fella about a year ago after he had suffered laminitis. It’s taken some time but we are getting there. While it has taken a bit of time he is now a happy camper and has taken into his races. Ive given home some vertical depth via an old fashioned rim pad and I really like where we have got to with his hoof biomechanics . Not going to put the house on him but he will go ok.

20.01.2022 Just a bit of revision today. First published 1899 Professor William Russell Russell on Scientific Horseshoeing

20.01.2022 2nd trim for this 4yr old filly who had never had her feet done . She hadnt been handled before first trim so it was a bit of a mission. Think we may be getting somewhere.

20.01.2022 This horse had been suffering from WLD (seedy toe ) for some time . Respected to the full extent of the disease and with the capsule supported via a shoe and Vettec Superfast we are back in work. This setup will enable full work to be resumed. Once all signs of bacterial activity have gone a full dorsal support will be applied.

20.01.2022 Everyday work keeping the wheels turning.

20.01.2022 We have been shoeing this mare for a 3 x 4 weekly cycles, She has a Valgas (turned out fetlock) . Along with this she has NPA (Negitive Palma angle) on both hinds. Her soundness is improving all the time and we think we are on the right track. This shoeing incorporated wedge hinds utilising hoof bond material which was set at different angles to provide level support. Looking for her in the ribbons circle.

19.01.2022 These are proving to be a game changer in the world of equine podiatry. 3D custom printed pads are a new and innovative way of providing precise digital support. These 2o 1/2 mesh Carbon fibre pads are fitted to improve digital alignment and support to a flat to negative pedal bone.

19.01.2022 13 yr WB mare with dorsal hoof wall crack. Resected to full extent of the crack.

18.01.2022 A couple of interesting jobs from today. First a crack repair posted 23 Oct . After stabilising the crack we have grown 1cm of solid hoof wall . The horse has been in solid work throughout and hasn’t missed a beat. Any bacteria that had invaded the hoof wall is now gone and we are able to completely repair what is left of the crack. Second , this fella was in a bit of strife he has what is possibly a large deep seated abscess in his heel . He has a number of other issues that require attention however comfort is the goal at the moment. Thirdly, A heart bar and DM as his frog prolapse was causing discomfort.

18.01.2022 Quote of the day

18.01.2022 This mare was racing in a straight bar 2o wedge setup but was just not finishing off (first pic) . Today’s job fitted a 2o 3D printed Ed Eclipse pad supported with soft DM and hoof cast . Fit with Mustard Ali Equilibrium. #sign of the times #new generation hoof care #she this set up

18.01.2022 Clenching and finishing a hind foot

17.01.2022 Laminitis progress. First attended to in Sept and found that she was suffering laminitis in all 4 feet. Her front feet all required hoof wall resection to remove the white line disease that had developed in within the laminar structure. She is now fully recovered and although the hoof to pastern angle is not quite what we would like she is happy and sound. She has been a first pony for countless kids who have been lucky enough to learn to ride on her. although she is in her twilight years we are confident she is sound enough to continue.

17.01.2022 Progress on Laminitis from post 22 June 2019 She is now walking sound although still in a hospital plate as she is not yet fully weight bearing without mechanical help. A 3 week trimming schedule along with mechanics has enabled the peddle bone return nearly to normal. While that is still some minor risk through infection the outlook is positive.

16.01.2022 Further on from post 15/8 all the nasties have gone and we have a nice healthy foot. Shoes are not something that we promote on these smaller ponies with the exception of remedial cases however turns out that he is a driving pony and is on the road a bit so at the owners insistence . He has recovered well from his laminitis and is now sound , further care will improve his digital alignment.

16.01.2022 While traditional pads work race horses sometimes that extra support and protection. A substantial injury to the frog required that extra protection. Happy to knock this up for another farrier. The foot surface is countersunk to allow for correct pitched nails.

16.01.2022 They want them we can make them,

16.01.2022 And the sore horse said thank you for that

16.01.2022 So today called for something different. Existing pathology and clinical assessment pointed to heal pain being present in all four heals. Normally we would fit a z bar in order to unload the affected part of the foot ? The point of force is normally taken by one or other heal then transferred towards the dorsal foot as the weight bearing stance takes place. While the shoe will unload the heals the point of force may be transferred to a point where it may cause some more grie...f. So she walked out ok and Im sort of happy with the fit up and end result so once again we shall suck it and see. This shoe is a double version of Mr Sonny Broaduss shoe loop around window. See more

15.01.2022 A little bit of elevation plus lots of support for this mare with a collapsed digital support system.

15.01.2022 Further to post 27th Oct and this is what we work toward. Originally suffering from chronic laminitis his rehabilitation has taken a while , sound and happy and back in the winners circle

15.01.2022 Following on from todays post.

15.01.2022 The skill set was in gear yesterday, Hot fit Equilibrium Airs on an eventer, Mini Trim and Hoofcast with Superfast shoe. This mare has been shod for a substantial period of time, she is currently spelling and its a good time to allow nature to do her thing . She has been bare for 6 weeks now and was transitioning nicely however she managed to do herself a mischief and required some help.

15.01.2022 The application of a hoof cast is a relatively simple technique which can be used in a number of situations where the hoof capsule has been compromised and requires external support.

15.01.2022 Sometimes there is a need for mechanical help . During a short two week spell he suffered a substantial injury to his offside lateral quarter. While a Z bar shoe was an option the was enough heel support to fit a standard plate supported with equithane.

14.01.2022 Straight bar shoe for a NPA hind with structural damage to the medial . The shoe ( a2.5 deg Wedge )is fitted by floating the heel and packing with play dough. The frog is supported on the medial side with DM.

14.01.2022 An interesting job today . This fella had been diagnosed NPA in front some time ago . Its absolutely imperative that these cases receive the appropriate hoof care in the early stages.and when they are spelling. We fitted Equilibrium Fronts with a 5o rim pad . The shoe set back slightly from COR to give caudal support and promote efficient Break Over. As always a suck it and see

14.01.2022 The gradual collapse of the digital support system in the race horse is a contentious issue. This 5 year old mare is as sound as shes ever been with the help of a casting tape application. Although shes a bit slow out of the gates for obvious reasons she rattled home in her last start . We are super glad to be able to help her.

14.01.2022 Building and fitting a lateral wedge using Superfast and S.R.F Remedial hoof clay

14.01.2022 Not often I can say Im looking forward to using a hammer . Just rehandled my driving hammer with my own custom shaped handle and jeez I like the feel of it . Roll on tomorrow

13.01.2022 Theres a foot in there somewhere

13.01.2022 The hot topic of the moment is the failure of soft tissue caudal support particularly in racehorses. I can’t stress just how important it is that Juveniles receive correct and appropriate hoof care. This enables the hoof to grow and function in a manner that supports and compliments locomotion.

13.01.2022 The question was raised on another farrier forum on FB as to whether or not you should promote yourself / business on FB. My page Steve Routledge Farrier is solely about the sharing of ideas, skills and knowledge that I have acquired during my farriery career. The way the I approach different jobs, in the eyes of some will be questionable and for sure I will not always be right. What works for some often wont work for others. Farriery in my eyes is the ongoing quest for knowledge and new skills. The ancient art of farriery combined with moder technology providing new and powerful tools as we go about caring for our equine friends.

13.01.2022 Dealing with hard and brittle hooves in WAs harsh summer environment can be a difficult and arduous job at the best of times particularly on ponies. This often leads to situations where unwanted bacteria can enter and survive in an environment that promotes activity often leading to lameness. While this method may seem a bit radical I can assure you all that we are dealing with dealing dead and exfoliated sole and hoof only . The objective being to identify the sole junction and the potential trim line

12.01.2022 Modern technology provides todays practicing farriers with the ability to assess the stance phase of the hoof in both static and dynamic forms. James R Rooney DVM discussed the theory of stability ( The maintenance of equilibrium balance, whether standing or moving). The word Stability is often used by individual equine disciplines to describe the rider. While it is clear the an unstable rider doesn't help ,the horse must first be able to provide stability. The competent assessment of conformation and the ultimate effect on hoof morphology and pathologies is therefore an integral part of the farriers toolbox

12.01.2022 This mare has a reoccurring 1/4 crack in her medial heel . She is aimed at some of the Spring listed races. The crack emanates from an old injury sustained to the coronary band. There are several methods to approach this . We have chosen to float the affected heel and fit a Z bar to support the foot. DM has been applied under the bar to assist in frog support. We are hoping that the affected heel will be strong enough to accept a standard plate when she steps up PS Jasper / clerk horse mentioned that he would like to be on FB.

12.01.2022 Addressing hoof morphology with an ellipse curve. The addition moves the COP (centre of pressure) transition closer to the centre of the foot providing a smoother and improved action.

12.01.2022 Understanding the key elements related to breakover are a fundamental requirement for trimming the hoof.Starting when the hoof first starts to lift off the ground in the unloading part of the dynamic stance phase, breakover is aligned to the transition of the point of force towards the dorsal (front) hoof. The completion of breakover is determined by what is called the dorsal lever arm or dorsal leverage . An increase in the length of the toe length of the hoof will increase ...the length of the lever arm placing unwanted and increased load on the laminar junction. identifying the components within the hoof capsule allow the hoof to be trimmed providing efficient biomechanics function of the hoof. This can be done via X-ray which is sometimes preferable however a working knowledge of the anatomical hoof structure will for the most parts give a satisfactory result. There are a number of different shoe types the promote efficient breakover, the shoe can either be rolled or rockered in the forge. Rolling/Rockering can also be carried out on the barefoot by the careful use of the rasp. See more

11.01.2022 The development and onset of a negative palmer/planter (front- rear) angle of the pedal bone is a common cause of lameness in todays racehorse . The condition is part of a gradual collapse of hoof capsule support system most often bought about by long toes and low underslung heels. Identification of the condition is often evident with a curved downward hairline the heels and an elevated pointed upwards hair line at the front both being evident. Observation at the resting st...ance may also be a guide. X-rays will provide conclusive evidence . The hoof capsule may also exhibit a bullnosed appearance. The condition is particularly evident in a large percentage of racehorses, one of the main contributing factors being a failure to maintain the hoof capsule/morphology around COR (centre of rotation) and lack of appropriate hoof care from an early age and throughout their racing career. The damaged support structure may never repair itself but is often assisted by a number of therapeutic packages inclusive of appropriate trimming and the application of Wedges,pads and various pour ins. However there is no doubt that prevention is better than cure. See more

11.01.2022 Two things that we look for when we finish the job. The horse standing square on all four feet and a nice even walk although I must admit taking a Vidio walking backwards is not easy Think I need a Go Pro.

11.01.2022 So we asked what came first the chicken or the egg. A flat foot with limited vertical depth with a sore medial heal. Fitted a straight bar shoe and floated the heal. The heal has improved but I suspect we have an issue thats been there for some time. 3/4 shoe with leather rim pad.

10.01.2022 Sometimes its just better if its just you and the horse

10.01.2022 An interesting job today . This fella had been diagnosed NPA in front some time ago . It’s absolutely imperative that these cases receive the appropriate hoof care in the early stages.and when they are spelling. We fitted Equilibrium Fronts with a 5o rim pad . The shoe set back slightly from COR to give caudal support and promote efficient Break Over. As always a suck it and see

10.01.2022 Barefoot project. This fella had been through some hard times before we were asked to help. All four feet were affected by abscess and WLD. A program that provided appropriate trimming and resection of the affected areas was put in place. While he is not yet completely sound he is transitioning to barefoot better than expected, and we are confident that he will remain barefoot and sound . Super satisfied to be able to help this fella .

10.01.2022 Originally fitted with a hand made bar shoe for support at the time of trauma the heel quarter has recovered enough for light work to be undertaken. We have fitted a Fabricated Z bar fit with impression material for continued support.

10.01.2022 Continued loading and the ability of the hoof to take the tensile forces directed at it sometimes requires mechanical intervention.. A Z bar fitted to promote a more central loading and relief to the soft tissue damage.

09.01.2022 I thought that I might share this post which provides an insight into the exciting world of 3D assisted farriery. Alex Ridgeway is a highly regarded international farrier from Newmarket in England.Newmarket is considered to be the home of TB racing in England. The advent of 3D assisted farriery is only just starting to impact equine industries here in Australia. The concept of 3D assisted Farriery along with a number of new and innovative products will allow equine soundness to be maintained in horses in horses with hoof issues that prevent them attaining their full potential. In short horses will be competitive further into their life span. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity of providing current and future clients with this exciting technology.

09.01.2022 Not all that common in the older horse, flexor tendon tendon disorders are associated with postural and foot changes lameness and debility. Pain induces reflex muscle contraction with shorting of the flexor musculotendinous units. This causes the foot to rotate backwards inducing weight bearing on the toe and can knuckle at the fetlock joint. Chronic pain is the most common cause for contracture.

08.01.2022 22nd of May to now . Time and care has delivered a turn around for this fella. Off to the trials next week.

07.01.2022 Just a bit of wet weather work , while the Ute gets serviced,spares for the trailer. .

06.01.2022 Sometimes it’s just better if it’s just you and the horse

06.01.2022 Something a bit different. We originally shod this horse with heart bars 2.5o Wedges with DM packing for frog support for remedial treatment for NPA along with some top end issues. The thinking here is that this set up will provide independent and giving support to the foot . We are a bit sceptical about the longevity of the job but the mechanics are what matters.

06.01.2022 1/4 crack repair on a 4 year old eace horse. Hoof cracks must be stabilised at the source of the crack for a successful outcome. This crack had not been addressed and had promoted WLD into the sensitive tissue. He has started to move along a bit at this stage of his prep and so required a good solid patch.

06.01.2022 Further to post 22nd Sept, Laminitis. I can confidently predict that we are finally out of the woods. The solar prolapse has nearly grown out and is weight bearing. The laminar wedge( a by product of laminitis) has been trimmed to reduce dorsal leverage. Vet advised to continue with caudal support via a heart bar. Concentration can now be around returning the hoof capsule to normal digital alignment . The shoe is a bit of an after thought and probably not within the parameters of traditional farriery and I could have punched a few more holes in it. That said the mechanics are there and she's happy.

05.01.2022 And so the question thatI always ask myself when Im working on these horses is ?? Have I got it right. I think the good lord must have been having smoko when they attached the limbs onto this fella as he has both Valgus ( outward) and Varus (inward ) angular limb deformities. That being said he is the winner of 9 races with 4 2nds and 14 in 3rd place @ $225+ K not a super star but a good honest horse. As well as a ripper horse to deal with. Im told that this is his last and the he is of to the paddock and a forever home.

05.01.2022 "Fit them so they don't know they have on " helps to get the job done.

05.01.2022 Following on from post 12th March. After finishing 2nd in his previous two trails we finally got to the races 2nd start in 5 years. Inconvenienced at the start big time and having no where to go he got home over the last 600 in a creditable 36.01. Well done to his trainer and connections Never sayNever.

05.01.2022 Lower limb conformation and the associated Ground Reaction Force's often result in undesirable hoof morphology and the resultant lameness/pathology. The identification of KEY BIOMECHANICAL INDICATORS via XRAY allow us to make accurate adjustment's within conformational parameters, that promote biomechanical efficiency and a return to soundness

04.01.2022 Time will tell , young horses have the ability to restructure however we need to give them a bit of help . This 2 year old filly has a fetlock deviation due to a conformational rotation of her leg at the elbow. . Looking forward to seeing her run as she has some special owners and a bit of a mission .

04.01.2022 Fitting an Ali plate to support and protect a severely under run sole.

04.01.2022 Dealing with an angular limb deformity and a club foot. I used to shoe this fella some time ago. His club foot was then reasonably well proportioned however time and lack of appropriate hoof care have take thir toll. He is now back in work and this is a starting point to getting his foot back to where it should be.

04.01.2022 Cold banging a reset. It’s been a privilege to be part of your journey.

03.01.2022 Maintaining the horses feet is all about the ongoing soundness of the horse. Understanding and trimming /shoeing the foot to obtain biomechanic efficiancy is the key to ongoing soundness. Happy foot = Happy horse.

03.01.2022 2nd trim for this 4yr old filly who had never had her feet done . She hadn’t been handled before first trim so it was a bit of a mission. Think we may be getting somewhere.

03.01.2022 Not the easiest foot to shoe . Gave it as much lateral support as we can with this shoe.

03.01.2022 Looking for balance and stability in this job today . Way overdue for shoeing.

02.01.2022 Radiographs are priceless tools in assessing osseous structures of the hoof. One of the main uses for farriers is assessing phalangeal alignment or hoof pastern... axis (HPA). Often there is a misconception that a good pedal angle and a good phalangeal alignment are the same thing and I have xrays come to me assessed as "good bone alignment" when in fact there is a distinct broken phalangeal alignment. Two feet can have the same pedal angle but one can be predisposed to navicular and one not, this is because the relationship between the three phalanges is more important than the absolute angles of each. The absolute angle of the pedal bone is unique to the individual horse but what is important for optimum soft tissue loading is a straight phalangeal alignment. Something that is important to outline is that the phalangeal alignment (PA) is highly subject to the posture of the horse and to accurately assess PA the horse must have an upright metacarpal/tarsal. Further reading in the captions.. . Further reading also at this link . https://www.theequinedocumentalist.com//the-beginning-of-t See more

02.01.2022 Following on from today’s post.

01.01.2022 Lower limb conformation and the associated Ground Reaction Forces often result in undesirable hoof morphology and the resultant lameness/pathology. The identification of KEY BIOMECHANICAL INDICATORS via XRAY allow us to make accurate adjustments within conformational parameters, that promote biomechanical efficiency and a return to soundness

01.01.2022 From Laminitis to the winners circle .This old fella notched up another win. His return to soundness has been a slow process with its ups and downs. Hoofcast adds another dimension in keeping him sound. A super effort by his trainer getting him there.