Personally, I would be very cautious of any horse that
needed pads on any hooves under normal circumstances because it could be to
mask a problem such as very thin soles which can eventually cause the horse to
be unrideable. My neighbors have a very well bred,
well trained, reining QH, that is just barely able to
go out for a walking trail ride due to thin soles, needs pads always and is
still sore even on soft dirt, sand, etc. If the TWH “needs” pads,
he may not be sound enough to go barefoot. Be sure to get a vet check & I
think they do radiographs to check the thickness of the sole. JMO.
Kathy
Ok, I have a question. I am looking at a TWH to
purchase and I was informed by the lady selling him (not the Owner) that the
owner when she was using him kept him shod with pads in the rear feet
only. Supposedly this was to prevent stone bruises?!? A lot of
horses I know are only shod in the front and if they are padded only in the
front. He will be going barefoot if I buy him, but I'm wondering if there
are reasons for this that I am not aware of. I have never owned a TWH, I do have a TW/QH cross who is not gaited. I'm
wondering if this has something to with a gaited horse. I would
appreciate any and all opinions. My hopes are for this boy to get me
started on LD this year.
