Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

It's so individual IMO.  Some horses can do hard abrasive surfaces 
without losing too much hoof or showing much sole sensitivity.  Those 
that can't can use alternative means of hoof protection, from Easyboots 
to Old Macs.

And then there's the choice of shoeing.

My guy blew through an Old Mac while on a steep rocky trail, and 
although reconfigured with OMs behind, barefoot in front, he was 
instantly ouchy--he has very flat soles but otherwise gorgeous feet.  
My mare wouldn't have blinked at the rocks, nice cupped soles but will 
need protection if in more than light work due to abrasion.

So that is enough experimenting for me in terms of the boy.  1 year + 
barefoot, but in moderate conditioning now.  My farrier just nailed on 
4 natural balance shoes on him the other day without needing to trim or 
alter the shoes to fit.   I can just get on and ride especially on 
those days when time is short--call me lazy if you want (in private) 
but please don't rev up the religious/barefoot wars here.  I suspect 
but do not know that the cost of shoeing may be less per mile than the 
cost of the boots.  Certainly it is pleasant to ride without looking 
down to make sure either the EBs or OMs are still on!

Lynne



On Apr 16, 2005, at 11:35 AM, Julie Pearsall wrote:

> Question:
>
> Should I have my mare shod if most of our riding will be on rural 
> roads, ie: tar and stone, lots of texture??


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