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Re: [RC] [RC] [RC] Archive Use (boots, etc.) - heidiAhhh, semantics - like two people who get married, and later realize they each had different definitions of the the word. "Barefoot" to those of us actually doing it, does not just refer to what the horse has on its feet when being ridden in an endurance ride, or any other time. It's a 24/7 lifestyle - it's what they DON'T HAVE on their feet when not being ridden. It's a "hoof management system" that just doesn't involve nailing things to the hoof. Actually, it's more than semantics. I still maintain that it involves actually saying what you mean. A "management system" wherein you go barefoot at home and have some other means of hoof protection at rides is not the same thing as showing up at a ride and proclaiming that you are "riding barefoot"--which indeed you are not. (Although contrary to your post, some people DO, and their success rate is not as high as they would lead us to believe.) Yes, nailed-on shoes have their limitations. But then so does putting something on the hoof only when being ridden, to which the horse does not have the opportunity to acclimate 24/7. With a shod horse, there is a "24/7 lifestyle" of having muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints used to what the foot is carrying. And that has a definite benefit. Furthermore, if one DOES opt for the benefit of having the body acclimated to what the foot is doing, then it is far healthier to have a shod hoof with nothing over the sole, so that the sole and frog still "live in contact with the environment" so to speak. Another disadvantage of systems that cover the bottom of the foot is safety and traction on some slippery sorts of footing. EasyBoots, etc. are nice on surfaces like pavement, but I'll take a shod hoof over a booted or padded hoof any day on wet grass, wet clay, ice, etc. Terry, full marks to you for at least being honest and objective about what you are doing, even if perhaps you might be better understood if you chose your wording more carefully. At least you are willing to discuss the pros and cons of what you are doing, and are not bashing shoeing with blatant misinformation as others seem wont to do, despite the fact that you personally don't care for it. In an honest and open discussion, we can discuss merits and disadvantages, and can agree to disagree with regard to our choices. Heidi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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