Due to various on/off lamenesses over the past three years and now this year - check ligament injury, asstd splints etc, I am considering going barefoot with my endurance gelding, but need some help!
Am I right in thinking that concussion is lessened without shoes due to the hoof/foot being able to expand and contract? This is essentially why I'm considering it. All his leg problems seem to me to be concussive, I dont hammer him down the roads, but do need to do some trotting on roads.
Also is there anything else I need to consider? He is on a fibre diet, no cereals, molasses etc.
All help greatly received! Am about at my wits end!
As well as info on here there is a huge amount of absolutely fascinating info on the net if you go searching as barefoot is much more popular in America. I arrived at barefoot as a possible way forward for one of my horse's with problem feet and there are lots of pros and cons but it is definitely not an easy or cheap fix. My decision in the end came down to the fact that I couldn't do what I wanted to with him (and what he liked) so it was worth a try and if it didn't work I could always get him shod again. I am lucky it worked for him and results were good enough to persuade me to try it with my two others. The jury is still out on them as they've done much less work so far this year, but so far so good.
Thank you Etoile. I have been looking on t'internet and it seems to me its definately worth a try. He was barefoot about 5 years ago with no problems - should have stayed that way!!
Thinking about going barefoot
United Kingdom
Posted - 19 Mar 2011 : 10:37:32 AM
Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
