Re: RC: GOING BAREFOOT

[Laney Humphrey <laneyh@mbay.net>]

Hi John,
    On the advice of my farrier, I now let my horses that aren't being
used much go barefoot all winter (mud-time here in coastal California).
Last winter was the first time my then 11yo gelding had ever been
barefoot and it took him about a month, maybe a little longer.  But then
I could ride him on soft trails and he was fine.  He just finished 2 50
mile rides in Arizona on hard, rocky 2 track trails with no pads and did
great.  My farrier says that going barefoot allows the horse's hooves and
frogs to redevelop their ground sensing abilities which being shod dulls.

Laney