RE: Re: Barefoot Performance Horses

["Kathy Mayeda" <kathy_mayeda@atce.com>]

What I found out as a newbie, that what may go for training
rides will not apply in competition.  You may find yourself
going faster, your horse (and you) is more excited, and stone bruises
are a reality even if your horse is shod.  And all your
judgment about your own horse may go out the door!  If the
ride management is recommending pads for shod horses, maybe
barefoot for this particular ride is not a good idea.  Maybe
you should try a ride that isn't as rocky first.

K.




"How did you convince ride managers to let you ride barefoot? I'd planned
to
do my first ride, a 30 LD, this month barefoot. Ride Management decided,
at
the last minute, they would not let me start if I showed up barefoot. Is
it
because I'm new and they don't know me, therefore feel I likely don't
know
what I'm getting into (which I may not! <grin>)? Whereas you are known
and
they trust your judgement of your horse's capabilities?"