Barefoot is an option, feeding supplements is an
option, riding treeless is an option, going bitless is an option. Because
we all have options, we all have opinions. There is no right or wrong
except for the individual with a particular opinion and whomever
shares that opinion. What works for one person/horse doesn't necessarily
work for another. We each make our own best informed choices and make
adjustments as necessary. No one has to read the opinions but for some the
opinions are important to further their own knowledge, or to open
questions.
> Oh geezzz, is it really time to go THERE again? I
hope not. > I thought we just finished up a round of barefoot vs.
shoes.
You opened this can of worms, Jonni, NOT me!! I responded to a
VERY simple question:
>> Should I have my mare shod if most of
our riding will be on >> rural roads, i.e.: tar and stone, lots of
texture??
Get a grip, Jonni. If *anyone* is convinced their horses need
shoes - for whatever reason - I'm not going to argue. People believe what
they believe, and justify whatever it is they choose to do. I'm NOT going
to try and talk you into going barefoot. You aren't going to talk me out of
it.
If someone wants information on barefoot or alternative hoof
protection, expect me to answer them.
If barefoot doesn't make sense
in endurance, it'll go away on it's own! However many of us feel that the
barefoot endurance topic is here to stay, so this'll come up over and over
again. Many riders are doing distance riding on barefoot horses that
couldn't go barefoot before, we know it's possible to condition
gravel-crunching bare feet and trim them to stay that way, and EasyCare is
providing us with awesome hoof protection alternatives that are evolving to
serve the endurance athlete.
Barefoot endurance is inevitable.
"Transitioning" an endurance horse to barefoot and toughening up feet is
easy once you understand how to do it. You don't want to do it? Then don't.
It'll come up more and more often, now. Parelli and Clint Anderson
have turned 180 degrees and are pro barefoot, Clint has become a bona
fide fanatic. That alone is going to increase the number of people
searching for ways to toss out shoes. We understand transitions better,
they're becoming easier and faster.
Barefoot endurance is
inevitable, it's a valid RideCamp topic like metabolism, feeding, saddle
fit or any other endurance topic. You don't like the dialog? Jonni, shoe
your horse, ride your ride and skip to the next topic.
