I wouldn't even try it. Most of the trails I ride have a lot of DG. Given the amount of miles done in training rides, I think the poor horse would end up sore simply from having the hoof worn away.
I know I ran into that problem a long, long time ago when I lived in Pine Valley - and I was just doing pleasure riding. He couldn't grow enough hoof to keep up. I ended up having to have him shod on all 4 feet. (Same horse didn't have any trouble at the ranch where I bought him - different footing.)
On Aug 6, 2008, at 1:02 PM, Kathy Mayeda wrote:
Probably not too many. The few that do can be pretty vocal about it, though. I also think that barefoot in one area is plausible but not in others for reasons I mentioned before.
Just curious . . . how many people here believe their horse could complete an Endurance ride (sound) totally barefoot, no boots, no shoes, no goo, etc.? Is this possible?
Carrie Kitley 30th Medical Group, Vandenberg AFB DMLSS Database Sustainment Specialist (DSS) CACI International Inc www.caci.com dsn 276-1077, Comm (805) 606-1077 fax dsn 276-1179 <\_~ // \\
