Ridecamp: [RC] footsore horse

  I'm beginning to worry about my 9 y.o. TWH gelding.  when
I first got him, almost 2 years ago, he had feet like iron.
I rode him barefoot without a problem.   The past couple of
months, though, he's been very tenderfooted in front, especially
on gravel.  He'll limp a few steps, then be OK for a while, 
until he again steps on something that hurts his feet.  I had 
his feet trimmed a couple of weeks ago, and the farrier (whi is 
not tremendously experienced) said his feet looked great: no 
bruises, no absesses, and said to keep him barefoot if at all 
possible. He's only being lightly ridden once a week.   I am 
thinking of going back to easy-boots to see if it helps.  I 
assume f it does, it's just a case of tender feet, and not to 
worry?  My concern is that it could be something like 
navicular.  Should I give him couple of weeks off?  Try shoes?  
Call a vet?  My gut-level instinct is 'wait and see', but I'd 
feel awful it if turned out to be somethingn that should have 
gotten prompt treatment.  He is tender in front on both front 
feet, but more so on the left.  He is on 7/24 turn-out on 40 
acres in a herd of 15 horses.  

Thanks,
A

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