Re: RC: Re: Re: Barefoot Stats

["Nancy Mitts" <mitts_n@hotmail.com>]

I think what really makes it tough for the vets is that the tenderness comes 
on gradually during the course of the ride, and it isn't in just one foot. 
So the stride alteration isn't the definate head bobbing kind, but a more 
subtle change in the horses way of going.


>From: "Heidi Smith" <heidi@sagehillcmk.com>
.  In many cases, the barefoot horses are not
>only coming up just sore, but are demonstrating an alarmingly high rate of
>suspensory injury as well.  And the general concensus among those whose
>impressions I've heard has been that not only have the barefoot horses had
>to be pulled for lameness at a higher rate (the stats shown here would bear
>that out) BUT those that complete are also more apt to be marginal.  It is
>hard to quantify such impressions with statistics, but I do think the
>observations of multiple ride vets are a valid source of information.
>
>Heidi


_________________________________________________________________
MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: 
http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx