Mrs. Mahoney brings her 8 year old gelding Shetland pony into your clinic

Mrs. Mahoney brings her 8 year old gelding Shetland pony into your clinic. She tells you that Jack, her pony, is having difficulty walking and is somewhat lame, especially in the front feet. She says that he has been acting a little tender on his feet for awhile now, but it’s gotten much worse in the last few days. You ask Mrs. Mahoney to describe the area that Jack lives in. She tells you that Jack lives on one acre of lush grass pasture and has a small shelter that he can go into. She tells you that the soil is somewhat sandy, so it’s easier on his feet, and that she feeds alfalfa hay whenever the pasture is not adequate for him. Jack is ridden only occasionally by Mrs. Mahoney’s grandchildren, but mostly has a sedentary life, though he used to be more active a year or two ago and was in better condition. Jack has an automatic heated waterer and is fed on the ground near the sheltered area. Examination of Jack reveals that he is standing with his hind feet more forward than normal and his front feet are stretched out somewhat in front of his body.