Note: You must be registered in order to post a reply. To register, click here. Registration is FREE!
T O P I C R E V I E W
Kelly
Posted - 18 Mar 2010 : 12:45:04 PM do it?!
Following on from the 'shoes and feet' thread
I've spoken to my farrier, who was very nice, but is reluctant to come back out as he says the foot is balanced.... I said I don't think it is, it hasn't been like this before when he's shod him, and pretty much insisted. I also mentioned the other comments about under run heels and long toes, he said it's just the way Jack's made. I've asked him to explain all to me when he comes out, as I'm very confused.
However, in my efforts to become less confused, the more I read, the more I'm leaning (instinctively?) towards barefoot. It makes sense that the hoof should be allowed to flex and function naturally, not be constricted by a metal shoe, which in itself causes concussion.
Previously, I was (and still am, to some degree) of the school that 'we ride on roads, hard stoney tracks, it's too much to ask'. And indeed, Jack was footsore and hobbley when I tried it before. So I stopped riding and gave up.
From what I've read, this is the opposite of what I should've done. I've read that 'any horse can go barefoot, and they will develop and get used to travelling over what they are on most'.
Basically, the advice seems to be to build it up, but keep riding, and use hoof boots to ease it/avoid hobbling.
Which I am happy to do. I also believe I can alter our arrangements slightly to ensure optimum environmental conditions and diet.
So, bearing this in mind, your comments are solicited!
Have I misunderstood anything? I appreciate there are always exception to every rule.
What else do I need to consider?
Am I better to use a farrier to trim, or a barefoot trimmer? I beleive that a normal 'trim to put a shoe on' is not appropriate.
Can anyone recommend me a trimmer/barefoot person in West Yorkshire?
And the oldest question in the book - what hoof boots do you like and why?!
Thank you all very much for your help, I'm learning lots (and should've done before )!
9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
geegee
Posted - 19 Mar 2010 : 5:14:14 PM Moonlight - Have pm'd you
moonlight
Posted - 19 Mar 2010 : 4:46:00 PM I'm in Northants and would be interested in Sarah Braithwaite's talk, can anyone tell me where and when it is please?
Suelin
Posted - 18 Mar 2010 : 7:28:30 PM I have always been wary about working horses barefoot since I saw a pony, who had never been shod and was worked like that for years, burst the bulbs of his heels. Poor wee boy was terribly sore and was shod afterwards and had no re-occurrence. I know that many folk seem to have no problems but it would worry me I think.
Zan
Posted - 18 Mar 2010 : 6:11:48 PM Whatever you do I would change your farrier. I saw the photos on the other thread and I didn't like what I saw. I would agree with Tricia's comment on that thread---that a good farrier could fix the problem quickly, and it would be a lot less hassle than changing to barefoot. I wouldn't argue with anyone who is barefoot and it works for them---fine--, but I would disagree that all horses can go barefoot. I personally would hate to have to faff about with boots and would worry about them coming off and causing an accident/rubbing etc. They seem more unnatural to me than proper shoes---just my opinion. My purebred used to be just shod in front, but as his workload and road work increased I didn't think it was fair because he was clearly feeling it so he is shod all round now. The only times he has been off work ever *touches wood* were with bad bruises to his hinds when they didn't have shoes, and he has never been lame or had a day off since he had shoes on. I wouldn't even contemplate having my mare go without shoes--she is part TB and has typical flat TB feet. I can't see how a horse like that could ever do a decent amount of work without shoes.
geegee
Posted - 18 Mar 2010 : 5:57:32 PM It's a shame that you are not in the Northants area as there is a talk about barefoot trimming etc etc by the author of "Feet First" Nic Barker and Sarah Braithwaite. Sarah is doing the talk....she lives in North Wales.
The book is very interesting and informative....covers all aspects of trimming, diet, nutrition, exercise and environment.
My mare is barefoot, never been shod. I have an Equine Podiatrist out to her. Presently, her feet are scored at 5 which means she can do hacking, riding club including small jumps. 4 means you can hack for 1/2 hour, longer with boots. 6 = suitable for low level competition, racing on turf and fun rides.
There are a couple of good sites, one being Sarah's called performancebarefoot dot co dot uk, uknhcp.org and epauk dot org....
loosefur
Posted - 18 Mar 2010 : 4:56:38 PM Kelly - I have PMed you
But essentially you are understanding correctly. Your farrier's statement is worrying - no horse is born with long toes and under run heels We make them like that with shoeing and/or poor trimming.
If you think of the hoof a bit like a muscle. When shod it's like us having an arm or leg in plaster - the hoof can't expand and contract, circulation is compromised and the hoof grows weak (both the hoof wall, sole and internal structures). When you first take the shoe off the hoof is generally weak and sensitive - like our arm or leg when the plaster cast is taken off. In order to get the hoof stronger you need to work it and build up that work, over more and more difficult terrain, until it gets to it's optimum strength. For some horses that can happen very quickly (those horses who have a reasonably healthy foot to start with) but others can take months. However the ones that take the longest will already have a multitude of problems that will probably have been compromising them whilst shod anyway. During that transition period - however long it lasts - use hoof boots to carry on working the horse, which is vital to get those feet strong.
Having had mine barefoot for a while now I could never put shoes back on - there's just no need for them, so why do it? I did a 20 mile endurance ride in 2 and a half hours on Saturday in hoof boots and my friend did the same ride completely barefoot - lots of stones but both horses got Grade 1's. If that makes us mean and horrible then I'll be mean and horrible all day long!
Kelly
Posted - 18 Mar 2010 : 3:39:27 PM Thanks guys - it's nice not to be laughed at and told I'm mean and horrible (I include my mum in that gang!)
Pop, from what I've read, it is possible to wear hooves down faster than they grow, depending on the hoof and the work, but it can be alleviated/avoided by using hoof boots at times, say alternate days.
But if yours aren't sore, it probably isn't needed.
That's my (as yet ) uneducated opinion, for what it's worth!
Pop
Posted - 18 Mar 2010 : 1:52:03 PM I'm very interested in this too. I've been told, for 3 ponies now, that I am wearing away the hoof. Although none of them were/are the least bit sore, I'm told they will if I continue. I'm not sure about this because, whilst its true we do some very long hacks, the long hacks are mainly off road, and they only go out 4 days max in summer and 2 or sometimes 3 in the winter. I bought some hoof boots because I'm concerned. Is it possible that I'm wearing them down faster than they can grow? All hooves are very healthy and they certainly are not sore.
moatside
Posted - 18 Mar 2010 : 1:31:25 PM If it is of any help.... none of my girls are shod - nor have they ever been. My farrier trims them and if the ground is very hard and any of them are a touch footsore (very rarely) I use Keratex. The Welsh one's hack and compete - breed classes and WHP classes without any problems. Pearl is, as yet, unbacked but I will leave her as nature intended as well.
)!
