Re: Barefoot Performance Horses

["Karen Sullivan" <greymare@jps.net>]

Hi Kat,

Best wishes for your recovery.

I do agree with what you say in theory. I have always tried to keep my
horses barefoot.........until they get too short, or tell me they are ouchy.

typically, my shod horses have shoes pulled or lose them in
November........and get out maybe once or twice a week until I put shoes
back on..This is usually toward the end of March, when we are doing more
miles.  I have always felt it important they are barefoot in the
winter......to give the foot a chance to recover.

What I have discovered is that the big Arab/Walker mare really squares her
back toes off.........
but my daughters Arab always has a problem of growing too much toe, and
wearing heel.
When we go to put shoes back on in the spring, there usually isn't enough
wall or foot left for the shoer to properly do a good job. For several
years,he struggled with his; it took several shoeings to get the foot back
to a good angle..........which tends to disprove the theory some. Still, she
was clipping fronts with backs...........until last year when he tried the
Natural Balance shoes (allows him to set it back further, shorteing the toe.
I have to admit, it HAS made a very positive difference. She moves muich
better,and does not clip herself.........so this is much changed from how
she self-trims herself.

Do you have any feelings on this?  I am trying to figure it all out!

Karen