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Howard,
Since I know you are dying in anticipation, I will put you
out of your misery. :) I don't think you have ever really listened
to me closely (just my naysays)....every horse is an individual...blah, blah,
blah. What you are doing is working for you. More power to
you. But it will not work for everybody just because it works for
you...either some won't be able to touch their toes or have the time or have to
ride in terrain that would rattle your brain...one thing I have learned in this
sport (and with Nelson's profession as a farrier) is that one must always be
flexible. You need to be prepared to do what is best for your horse...if I
"plan" to do a two day 100 but my horse doesn't finish the way I think he should
on the first day, should I persevere and go ahead with the second day because
that's what I've decided I'm going to do come hell or high water? Of
course not and you wouldn't either. Just as we may plan for a horse to go
barefoot to rest his feet from shoeing but for whatever reason he can't even
stand up straight without shoes and so the plan just doesn't work or an owner
INSISTS that a horse MUST have shoes and the horse simply can't adjust and the
shoes MUST be pulled and he must be barefoot! Just keep your wits
about you and don't be against adjusting your "plan" if need be. I am not
AGAINST barefoot. I ride BAREFOOT horses. I ride SHOD horses.
I do what works for each horse according to his needs. What I am against
are the outlandish claims that "some" barefoot folks make...never did hear
Darolyn's reply when someone on RC questioned if she was actually claiming that
she was experiencing less colic because her horses go barefoot. It is
those kind of claims promising cure alls that concern me. I have actually
had fanatics e-mail me with claims that this method or that
method will cure founder or navicular or ringbone or
sidebone....ridiculous claims that can't be backed up with any scientific
data. Remember the "I haul gravel and rocks into my horse's paddock
to toughen up his feet" thread? THAT is why I get a bad taste in my mouth
when people start spouting barefoot like it's a religion (NOT saying that you
are!)... there are some horses out there somewhere I am sure, having a bad
experience at the hands of people like that. I am glad that you are
experiencing success with what you are doing but you are an exception (in more
ways than one) because you have motivation and dedication....the majority of
people do NOT. That is the way it is and if you could see the number of
horses (and meet their owners) that we do in a day, week, month or year,
then you would know I am speaking the truth...the majority of people want the
farrier to FIX it. And even when we make suggestions (and yes, we have
given folks instructions in helping reduce flares between trims or keeping
thrush at bay, etc., etc. and have even given them old rasps), most people don't
follow up on it. Endurance riders though are not your average horse owner
though, are they? Anyway, now that you are out of your misery, I will let
you alone now. Congratulations on your success.
Maggie
P.S. Bet you didn't know I live in Osceola County
here in Michigan!!
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