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Re: [RC] [RC] Barefoot distance . . . - Nancy Sturm - Kathy MayedaIv'e done barefoot LD's locally without a bat of an eyelash from any vet or ride manager. I think it really depends on the conditions of the ride whether or not barefoot is an issue. Creating "blanket rules" for barefoot seems to be counterproductive because there are too many variables in whether or not barefoot endurance is viable. I like having barefoot horses now and think to a certain extent that it's healther for my horses. IF THEY AREN'T WEARING THEIR HOOVES TO NUBBIES.
I won't ride an LD in the Sierra foothills barefoot. I care too much for my horse. But at Ft. Ord, it's not an issue and I probably would even consider riding a full 50 there barefoot. My horses are marginally prepared for barefoot rides and I know that there are other horses that could withstand more barefoot riding than mine can.
I think that if the ride manager is requiring hoof protection, there is usually a good reason for it, and I would abide by the ride managers rules. If there are no rules for barefoot at that particular ride, I decided that it probably is worth the pain and effort to put on hoofboots on my mare, because she was decidedly ouchier than the mustang I was riding with at the last LD I did with her. She completed fine without boots, but there was a stretch of the ride she was seeking relief at the side of the trail. The mustang did not miss a beat.
K.
On Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 9:29 AM, Kitley, Carrie E Civ USAF AFSPC 30 MDSS/SGSLF <carrie.kitley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: Incidentally, this was a subject I brought up to Mike Maul to address with the AERC "powers that be." :)
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