AERC rules are that the RM determines whether hoof
protection is needed for a ride. To date I have not had a
problem obtaining permission to ride barefoot. However, I always
contact the RM prior to the ride to let them know that I will be riding a horse
barefoot. I always offer to provide a letter from my vet but I have
not been requested to do so. It has been my experience that booting has
been acceptable to those RM's that were hesitate to allow a horse to go
barefoot.
