Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

At 12:41 PM 9/10/2006, Robert R wrote:
> I have really enjoyed all
> the input. What prompted the original question is the fact that my horses
> travels miles and miles on hard surface roads. Right now, I have him in
> drill-tek shoes which I like very much for the traction but I do have
> concerns about the long term concussive effects. My hope is that boots
> will help alleviate that as much as possible without compromising
> traction. If I go with boots, he will be barefoot the rest of the time.
> Is what I am hoping to accomplish feasible or is there just really no
> escaping the long term problems of training on gravel and paved roadways.
> This has never generated any problems for him but I don't want to create
> issues down the road since he is only 8. 

Robert -- the best way to find out is to give it a try.  If it
works, stick with it and if not then try something else. We are all in
search of finding not only what works, but what might (or not) work
better for our horses.  You will also need to be willing to put in
the effort required -- even after getting proficient and putting boots on
I still allow myself ten minutes each morning at a ride to get four boots
on, which I figure in the scheme of things is acceptable since I spent 12
hours or more getting to some rides, one way, nevermind the countless
hours spent on everything else.  Other people won't find that
acceptable.  I have read research that has shown that a bare hoof
sends a lot less concussion up thru the hoof and the joints than a shod
hoof does, and it's possible that having a boot on (either on a shod
horse or unshod) reduces that concussion further.  I think it is
reasonable to at least consider the possibility that long term a horse
might benefit from having less concussion sent up thru it's hoof capsule
and pastern joints if it is being used over gravel, hardpacked dirt,
rocky trails and pavement. 

Many endurance horses as they age (or maybe any working horse) get
arthritis.  I know I can't be the only one wondering 'what
if'?  What if I'd had the knowledge and products available ten years
ago that we have now, how would or will that affect my horses today and
tomorrow and years from now?  That is why I am always trying to find
something better, or make something work better.   For me that
is why the effort is worth it.   

Karen