Re: RC: my approach to barefoot'n it

[maryann.spencer@us.army.mil]

Wll said.  I have a horse that I thought would NEVER be able to go 
barefoot on rocks.  We spent a yr in NC and I was SHOCKED that after a 
few weeks, my daughter was cantering her on the rocky roads.  She went 
to VA for a one wk pack trip.  Had the only UNSHOD horse and was the 
only one who was not lame at the end.  BUT I DO NOT trim the sole, 
rarely trim the heel, and mostly rasp off the toe and trim the raggdety 
edges on the frog, etc.  BUT as you so aptly put it, it is not done for 
fad, but for the workability of it.   Mary Ann

----- Original Message -----
From: Jutta <leosch@minot.com>
Date: Thursday, November 29, 2001 7:42 pm
Subject: RC:  my approach to barefoot'n it

> 
> My own horse has competed barefoot for most of this past season. 
> He had one pair of (steel) shoes in the spring. Because of our 
> geographical location, it is hard to find a good farrier and the 
> one's I have found live 100 miles away and are hard to get when 
> you need them.
> The first ride of the season was on rocky terrain, so hoof 
> protection was a must. After I pulled these shoes I kept my 
> gelding barefoot because he has really tough and hard hooves. It 
> saves me $$$$$ and the hassle of trying to get a farrier  when I 
> need him. My approach is the following:
> If the terrain and footing allow it....go barefoot
> If the horse stays sound and has no problems... go barefoot
> If the wear does not exceed the growth....go barefoot
> If I plan to ride in tough terrain (rocks etc.) .. I provide hoof 
> protection. (steel shoes,pads or boots)
> If the wear exceeds the growth... I provide hoof protection
> If the horse shows any ill effects of going barefoot... I provide 
> hoof protection
> So far this approach has worked for me. And yes, I only rode LD's 
> , don't know yet if this would work if am riding 50's. I trim my 
> own horses and like the idea of not having to beg a farrier to 
> "pleeeeease come next week, I am going to a ride." Of course, I 
> have to plan ahead and know what kind of terrain to expect, and I 
> have Easy Boots for backup.
> Sure this doesn't work for every horse, but I am glad it works for 
> me. Many of the rides were in sandy terrain and I was worried that 
> the sand would really wear down the hooves, but I was surprised 
> that it didn't. I don't want to hurt my horse, and if he shows any 
> sign, that this barefoot thing is not working, I will not hesitate 
> to go back to steel shoes (and begging the farrier)
> Going barefoot not because of a "fad"  but for convenience! Just 
> trying to keep it simple!
> Jutta
>