Wasted energy on shoe argument STOP ALREADY

["odd farm" <jsalas@tampabay.rr.com>]

Really, ENOUGH ABOUT SHOES AND FEET FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

 

This past summer we had to put down a horse that basically had no front feet and very little in the back. He was confiscated from the owner by the SPCA for abuse and neglect. He underwent hoof wall removal, had pads and hospital plates on all four feet. I had to soak and medicate his feet every day. He couldn't stand for more that 10-15 minutes at a time. It cost the SPCA $1500 and my vet and blacksmith donated their time and expertise on the follow up care after surgery.

 

It had nothing to do with whether or not he had shoes. It had to do with the fact that his owner was blatantly abusive and felt that the horse was his property to do with what he wanted. There are plenty of people like this. I could tell you stories all day.

 

There are also horse people who just don't know better. So for all of you who know sooooo much about horse care and feet, put your money where your mouth is and share that knowledge with your local SPCA or Humane Society and offer to help. Donate money to them for educational purposes. Do what Purina does and volunteer to have a seminar at your feed store. Ask several blacksmith's and vet's to come and discuss hoof care and general equine health. If you want to preach to the choir, offer to talk at a ride near you! I put on the Green Swamp Stomp and would love to have any of you come and speak.

 

Get your priorities strait and stop arguing about feet on HEALTHY,LOVED AND CARED FOR HORSES!

We all want to see healthy hooves, shod or unshod.

 

Lisa Salas,  The Odd farm 

My biggest controversy is whether or not to keep shoes on my kids! I have to use Koppertox on thier feet and shoes just to get rid of the dead smell! Even the dogs, who eat nasty hoof clippings won't touch the kids shoes. I have found if I hang up the kids shoes around the barn, it keeps the flies away:) Moms are the ones who get the most abuse! The kids however, have to walk around with green feet. Tee hee hee.