Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Hi Vicki -- It's good to know you are thinking about how the boots will 
affect your horse :).  It is a good idea to get your horse used to the 
boots ahead of time.  Each horse is different in how they adapt to changes 
in their hoofware.   When I wanted to get my horses used to using boots on 
all 4 feet instead of just two I rode them on training rides for about six 
months.   Most horses adapt to using them on their front feet pretty 
quickly, not always so much for the hinds though.  I do ride occasionally 
barefoot, but use the boots the majority of the time because I don't want 
to risk making their feet sore.  I know that which does not kill you is 
supposed to make you stronger, but if you make your horse sore in training 
then you won't get far in competition.  I know in other areas of the 
country than where I ride, horses are able to compete actually 
barefoot.  The only thing I know from watching it be attempted in my neck 
of the woods is that it consistently does not work.  It's far better to use 
the protection of boots and have your horse used to them ahead of time, 
than it is to go to a ride and find out halfway thru that your horse is 
sore and then decide to put the boots on.  It's too late then.

Good luck!

Karen


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