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RE: [RC] [RC] barefoot horse - Howard Bramhall

I'm having a little trouble with this post. I thought hoof expansion was a good thing. ONe of the primary reasons owners do allow their horses to go barefoot since the metal shoes prevent expansion of the hoof wall.

There is a way to get the best of both worlds. Run them barefoot while training and put on the shoes right before a ride. Don't leave the shoes on too long, and go back to barefootin for as long as you can. It is possible to do both.

I do believe to constantly have your horse shod, without ever a break, is a big mistake. If you've ever removed a shoe that has been on for quite awhile you'll notice a lot of dead hoof and sole. You do not get this when running barefoot, especially if you're putting on those endurance training miles. The sole and the hoof wall are all very much alive. Blood is flowing, and circulation down there is a good thing. The sole and the frog do not need paring; the ground will do that for you.

Also, those quarter cracks. You can eliminate them completely by going barefoot. It's OK to file the quarters down even below the heel if they're in bad shape, as many quarters are with shod horses (it's where all those nails are).

Just a thought.

cya,
Howard (yep, I'm putting on, and taking off, my own shoes. It's not nearly as difficult as I thought it would be and, believe it or not, I'm getting damn good at it. I just wish I had a younger back)


From: "Nancy Reed" <nancy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Reply-To: <nancy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ladurgin@xxxxxxx>
CC: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [RC]   barefoot horse
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2004 21:29:29 -0800

Laurie,
Please be careful if you decide to pull shoes.  It can cause trouble.
My quarter horse mare has problem feet.  She kept getting quarter
cracks, bad ones.  When I found out about Old Macs, I thought all my
hoof problems were history.  Even had a special hoof and leg vet OK
pulling the shoes.  About 4 days after shoes were pulled Sierra came
down with laminitis.  It was a moderate case, but could have killed her.
The vet felt the laminitis was due to hoof expansion.  She has old feet
that will not tolerate the expansion afforded by going barefoot.  Took
several months to heal, but Sierra is fine today, 18 months later.
I realize I have big trouble when I have horse trouble, so I suspect you
will be fine.  But be careful and watchful if you pull shoes.  I fixed
my hoof problems with Biotin -Plus, 50mg supplement and a new farrier.
Good luck!
Nancy Reed
Lazy J Ranch
Elfin Forest, California

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