Hi Kim and Bruce and all! Sorry, I thought my response was
obvious that it was speaking in generalities. Endurance horse owners
are just a tiny fraction of the entire horse population. And Endurance
riders are the most savvy horse owners in the whole country, in my
opinion. As I mentioned ~ endurance horses do get enough movement! But
the question just happened to be posted on an endurance forum.
So
my response was directed to the specific question of the B "trim." I
was attempting to point out that there is more to successful barefoot
experience than just the hoof trim. And those having successful
barefoot experience had to pay attention to
all factors of the horse's lifestyle, not just the way the hoof was
trimmed. I even mentioned that in today's horse-boarding world, not
many people can supply the necessary living conditions needed. I
mentioned that steel shoes do work~ for the reasons we all mentioned.
I
did not think I was saying that barefoot was the only way to compete a
horse in endurance. Rather I was saying that it involves so many
factors that most people won't be able to do it. (At least that is what
i thought I was saying).
Well, you know, but failed to mention
I only have one horse! I have often wondered what I would do if I had
multiple horses, because each horse has different hoof needs. And not
every horse comes to us with healthy, undamaged hooves like mind did.
Managing multiple horses requires an efficient system. It is not
practical to have some horses barefoot and some of the horses shod.
As
you mentioned Kim, I went through a lot of trials and testing to see
how long I could compete in endurance without having to shoe. At first
it was just curiosity, because I had no record or goals to ruin. Then
it became a challenge. I have missed top-ten several times because of
boot issues. But I have also gotten completions after losing a boot
when my friends lost a shoe and had to pull ~ Just this pas weekend, at
Eastern High Sierra Classic!
Anyway, I do not try to convert my
friends and fellow riders to barefoot, because I know how complicated
it is to provide all the ingredients. I am happy, however, to share my
experiences with those who are interested, because that is partly why I
am doing it. Some people could keep their horses barefoot, but just
don't know it.
And I do still feel that the majority of the
general horse population is kept in unhealthy living conditions, and
they aren't aware that it can be a factor in hoof health.
I think I am going to quit posting to RC because I am not good at it. I am going to shut up and ride!
