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Re: [RC] to shoe or not... - Candace Kahn

Hi Linda,
     Thank you for your response. 
     Barefoot is an option, feeding supplements is an option, riding treeless is an option, going bitless is an option.  Because we all have options, we all have opinions. There is no right or wrong except for the individual with a particular opinion and whomever shares that opinion.  What works for one person/horse doesn't necessarily work for another.  We each make our own best informed choices and make adjustments as necessary.  No one has to read the opinions but for some the opinions are important to further their own knowledge, or to open questions. 
 
With Warm Regards,
Candy Kahn
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, April 17, 2005 10:53 AM
Subject: RE: [RC] to shoe or not...

> Oh geezzz, is it really time to go THERE again?  I hope not.
> I thought we just finished up a round of barefoot vs. shoes.

You opened this can of worms, Jonni, NOT me!! I responded to a VERY simple
question:

>> Should I have my mare shod if most of our riding will be on
>> rural roads, i.e.: tar and stone, lots of texture??

Get a grip, Jonni. If *anyone* is convinced their horses need shoes - for
whatever reason - I'm not going to argue. People believe what they believe,
and justify whatever it is they choose to do. I'm NOT going to try and talk
you into going barefoot. You aren't going to talk me out of it.

If someone wants information on barefoot or alternative hoof protection,
expect me to answer them.

If barefoot doesn't make sense in endurance, it'll go away on it's own!
However many of us feel that the barefoot endurance topic is here to stay,
so this'll come up over and over again. Many riders are doing distance
riding on barefoot horses that couldn't go barefoot before, we know it's
possible to condition gravel-crunching bare feet and trim them to stay that
way, and EasyCare is providing us with awesome hoof protection alternatives
that are evolving to serve the endurance athlete.

Barefoot endurance is inevitable. "Transitioning" an endurance horse to
barefoot and toughening up feet is easy once you understand how to do it.
You don't want to do it? Then don't.

It'll come up more and more often, now. Parelli and Clint Anderson have
turned 180 degrees and are pro barefoot, Clint has become a bona fide
fanatic. That alone is going to increase the number of people searching for
ways to toss out shoes. We understand transitions better, they're becoming
easier and faster.

Barefoot endurance is inevitable, it's a valid RideCamp topic like
metabolism, feeding, saddle fit or any other endurance topic. You don't like
the dialog? Jonni, shoe your horse, ride your ride and skip to the next
topic.

-- Linda

Linda Cowles
Certified Hoof Care Provider
707-869-8270 - Home
707-621-0240 - Cell
HealthyHoof@xxxxxxxxxxx
www.HealthyHoof.com