When I rode past a nearby racing Quarter Horse trainer’s farm, my gelding Pokey would always nicker at the trainer’s permanent lawn ornament–an ancient black pony mare who slowly cropped the front yard, unfettered by fences or even a halter. "Oh, she’s foundered bad," her owner said. "She’s not going anywhere very fast. We just leave her to her own devices."

How many horses are left to their own devices after a laminitis attack? Faced with permanent hoof damage, chronic pain, and little hope of future soundness, how many are left to just hobble around as best they can? Is there a way to return a foundered horse to a useful, productive life, and to successfully manage his discomfort and all the associated fallout from laminitis?

In many cases, the answer is yes–but you’ll need to call on the resources of your veterinarian and your farrier, in addition to your own diligent care, to make it happen. Nature, as the pony mare knew from experience, often can’t do the job on her own