We purchased AW Kharisma in December, 2004 from Alderwood Arabians In Oregon. I thought it best she not travel 2,000 miles after foundering, so she spent a year and a half out west with a very good friend in an effort to keep her sound. She was treated with conventional methods which my vet in Michigan agreed with that being pads and shoes and a diet of grass hay only to help her lose the excess weight. Kharisma was able to travel in June, 2006 but was clearly not comfortable upon her arrival here in spite of being light on weight as she seemed to tip-toe in her movement choosing each step she took with care. I began to study founder on the internet, joined a few chat groups and consulted with many breeders who had dealt with founder in their own horses. They gave me excellent advice that I share here. We hauled in screened sand for a 6 inch deep sand footing for Kharisma's paddock. We pulled her shoes, removed the pads, and turned her out into her paddock barefoot. The sand is thought to allow her to achieve angles that are comfortable for her. Her diet was changed to Triple Crown Low Starch feed, fresh grass hay cut mid-season and a supplement of Purina Amplify to bring her to a good weight (Amplify has been discontinued at this point as she is at a proper weight). This feeding regimen provides her with proper nutrition to help her grow hoof sole and strengthen her hoof walls. She was more comfortable, but we could tell she was still not at her best. We then learned of a website that advocates Treating Founder (chronic laminitis) without Horseshoes. We followed the in-depth advice taking her heel down, removing the bars and bringing her hoof to an approximate 33 degree angle. Her frog was trimmed to 1/8 cm below the sole, her toe was backed up, and rounded off. She was then turned out with the other horses for much needed exercise to promote blood flow to promote healing and hoof growth. She is allowed to eat fresh pasture grass during the day and returns to her own paddock each night. As incredible as this may sound, Kharisma found immediate relief with the trim alone. She even looked surprised! After a few days and much to our relief, Kharisma is now happily galloping, bucking and generally playing with the other horses in the paddocks BAREFOOT. Seeing this gorgeous mare being so happy and pain free is one of the most wonderful things that has happened for us. We are truly happy to have our girl home!

It is with a heavy heart that I report our loss of this gorgeous, kind mare to a tragic, freak accident October 3, 2006. She was not alone in her transition taking with her, her 2007 Odysseus foal. No words can describe the loss we feel over this incredibly beautiful, yet strong hearted war mare who battled cushings and founder with exceptional courage. Godspeed, Miss K. I am thankful you were able to have a few months pain free, galloping and bucking like a young mare once again before your fateful end.

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