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Julie
Member
Username: julieh
Post Number: 74
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 - 4:48 pm: |   |
I looked through some of the old discussions, but I could not find one on this specific problem, so I am sorry if I am revisiting something over again. I have a 7 year old gelding who has been a show horse since he was 2. The first year I had him, I showed him (2 years ago), but have since decided not to show. He has had hind shoes on for 5 years and I was a little nervous about taking them off, but he kept losing the hind shoes out in the pasture. I would have to call the farrier out at least once, sometimes twice between trimmings and new shoes. I decided to take the hind shoes off and leave his front shoes on. My farrier said if he is too tender, to let him know and he will come put them back on. The first 3 or 4 days, he didn't even want to come out of his stall. Eventually, walking in the grass was okay, but once we reached the gravel, he would take short steps, which tells me his feet are extremely tender. His shoes were taken off on July 9th. I tried to ride him this past weekend (July 14th)in our riding ring on sand, but I could tell he was extremely uncomfortable. When I watch him in the pasture, he seems fine. He runs and trots, but once I get him off the pasture on sand or gravel, you can really tell. My question, through all this rambling, is how long should he be tender? My husband wants me to put his hind shoes back on, but I do not. He is in the pasture with other horses, plus I don't see the need for them now. I don't want him in pain either. I need some advice on riding too - should I ride him at all for awhile? Maybe an easy boot? |
Leilani
Member
Username: leilani
Post Number: 280
Registered: 4-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 - 6:09 pm: | |
Hi Julie,
Both of my QH mares have been without shoes for over 1 year now. The transition wasn't too bad. My pasture is very rocky so they picked their paths, were reluctant to go up the hill, etc. I used Keratex to help harden their soles. Now all I use on their feet is generic betadine.
I ride Anuhea in the Easy Boot Bare and Mele in Old Macs.
Patience was the key for me. A lot of people were telling me it wasn't going to work because of the rocks. We aren't the only place on Earth with rocks!! I am very happy with their feet now, no more nail holes, lost shoes, etc. Good luck. |
Lee
Member
Username: paul303
Post Number: 934
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 - 12:25 am: | |
I've taken the back shoes off elderly horses with arthritic problems in their hind ends. Even though these horses were used for leisurely pleasure riding, they were not ridden for many months, and when they were, it was only for very short periods - until they were obviously comfortable.
There IS a lot here on going barefoot. Most of it, though, is on removing ALL the shoes. Usually it's much simpler when only the back feet are attempted. They are not subjected to the same stresses as the front. The main cause for concern would be the feet breaking up severely. Other than that, it's usually just time. Boots would certainly help with his comfort during the transition period. |
Stacy Upshaw
Member
Username: 36541
Post Number: 325
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 - 6:29 am: | |
Hi Julie,
From all I have experienced and subsequently read, six months is about the average to transition to barefoot as your horse develops a more natural hoof sole and overall shape. Boot are advised if your horse is uncomfortable. You can get a great education at www.hoofrehab.com and www.ironfreehoof.com, not to forget Dr. O's entire section on hoof care. Hang in there - I certainly found it worth my time a year ago. My dressage horse is working third level barefoot, and I have been his only farrier since last August. Best wishes, Stacy |
Julie
Member
Username: julieh
Post Number: 75
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 - 1:47 pm: | |
Thank you all for the good advice. I really thought I knew more about this than I do! I did not realize how much was involved in this. I do eventually want to remove his front shoes too, but for now, I think we will get through the hind first! So, unless I have boots on him, I should not ride him for awhile - am I understanding that right? |
Leilani
Member
Username: leilani
Post Number: 281
Registered: 4-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 - 4:32 pm: | |
Julie,
You know your horse best, but mine were too ouchy for the first few months to ride without boots. To be on the safe side when we trail ride, I always use boots. Take care. Leilani |
Lee
Member
Username: paul303
Post Number: 936
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, Jul 20, 2007 - 12:04 am: | |
I agree with Leilani - take your cues from your horse. You don't want to bruise those tender feet. |
