Re: barefoot competion completions

["Heidi Smith" <heidi@sagehillcmk.com>]

You're right, that's not bad for a barefoot horse.  And that's about the sorts of seasons I've seen with barefoot horses as a ride vet.  Limited distance rides are often quite do-able unless the terrain is really gnarly.  And a few 50's as well.  Beyond that, the wear usually starts to exceed the growth rate, even on horses that are routinely ridden and conditioned barefoot.  What we are not seeing is routine completions on really rugged 100's, or multidays, or high-mileage seasons.  And with good reason--once again--the wear exceeds the growth rate.

 

Again, I have nothing against horses being barefoot.  What bothers me is the finger-pointing that is being done at people who shoe (a proven humane method of preserving hoof integrity) in order to maintain the health and soundness of horses being asked to do more work than the bare hoof wall will tolerate, the comments being made such as "I'll NEVER shoe," and the refusal of people to look at the WHOLE picture.  Each horse reaches a point where this occurs, and it is different for different horses.  Most people choose to shoe BEFORE the horse reaches this point--and there is no particular harm in that.  But there IS harm in pushing the horse PAST the level where he can comfortably compete with unprotected hooves.  What bothers me here is the agenda that some of the barefoot advocates seem to have, to go out and somehow "prove" (never mind the limitations of sensate tissue) that they can go out and conquer endurance records with barefoot horses.  At what price to their horses?  And why such an ego trip?  Fortunately our sport has developed humane standards and has veterinarians at rides to enforce those standards.  As long as you can meet those standards without shoes, so be it.  But I'm sick of seeing people point fingers at those who choose to ride farther and more frequently, and who protect their horses' feet to be able to do so.

 

Heidi

----- Original Message -----

From: Complete Automotive

To: ridecamp@endurance.net

Sent: Friday, December 21, 2001 8:26 AM

Subject: RC: barefoot competion completions

You want stats here are mine I am steven thompson aerc #m17190 my horse beats walkin 5 year old qtr horse gelding aerc #H25071. he has done the follwing rides barefoot (no protection) wild west 30, comstock 25, shine and shine 25., (all prev ride when he was 4) camp far west 50, fireworks 50, we atempted wild west 2 day 100 and made the mistake of using easy boots to save wear ending up pulling with a sore hide foot from the boot rubbing. he went on the last day and was riddin drag and pulling ribbons by my daughter (sound). and last ride this year the oroville 50. that not 250 miles but not bad in my opinion for a barefoot 5 year qtr horse.