Re: RC: Shoes, blood flow, and endurance

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 6/30/00 10:22:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
Trailrite@aol.com writes:

<<  Riding a horse or mule without shoes or some sort of hoof protection is 
 not allowed by the AERC.  They must have some sort of hoof protection during 
 an event. >>

Please cite any rule that states that.  While it is not a good idea to 
endurance ride without some sort of hoof protection for the horse (and in 
most cases, hoof wear would result in soreness and subsequent 
disqualification), I am not aware of any particular rule that states that 
horses or mules MUST have hoof protection.  In many cases local rules require 
hoof protection, and in general, it is left to the discretion of the ride 
veterinarians whether to allow horses or mules to start without hoof 
protection.  In most cases, this is more apt to be allowed on LD rides, and 
generally only upon exam of the horse or mule to determine hoof health and 
only if trail conditions and footing are such that the horse or mule has a 
reasonable chance of completion without hoof protection.  In my experience, 
some folks will do an LD or two without shoes when they have always ridden 
without shoes and are still trying to figure out if this sport is for them.  
Generally, if they ride much more than that, the shoes (or some form of hoof 
protection) become a necessity.

Heidi