An abcess was my guess too, so that's perplexing that he had no reaction to the hoof testers at all. But hopefully the new shoes will help and that'll be the end of it and you won't have to call the vet in. I know you're just sick of the whole deal. But I'm afraid that you're still going to have to find another farrier because since this guy is as old as he is, and is retired for a reason, he's not going to want to do them for long. But maybe he can recommend somebody he trusts to do a good job and is dependable and you can use them.
Bay's never had an abscess... but I guess if he was really bruised, it would have been possible. I think it's his heels. But I probably only think that because that's what it's been before.
And speaking of this old guy... I guess his horn doesn't work on his car, and I didn't see him pull up to the gate, so he climbed over the gate and knocked on the door. He's pretty spry for an old retired guy ;~)
Tomorrow I'll try to have the gate open before he gets here ;~)
I did upload a video of Bay trotting... for whenever you can watch it tonight...
Baylame12-31-07