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Sarah asked: >>> I know a few people who just use a regular shoe without a
pad. What do you consider the best way to shoe any endurance horse?<<<


There is no one standard way to have every endurance horses feet done.
Horses feet vary, the farriers vary, and of course, trail conditions vary. I
am a minimalist. I don't add anything, unless I see a need. I use standard
metal shoes, no pads. The current horse has really nice feet, handles rocky
conditions well this way. Even at Tevis, we have not padded, and I'd guess,
more use some sort of sole protection than not at Tevis.  Decide "why" you
pad. Is the horse sensitive to rocks? Have not so terrific feet? Or do you
do it "just in case", to prevent the horse hitting a rock wrong and getting
sore. I think that horses who are always padded, will then end up with feet
that are less tough to some conditions, and end up "needing" pads all the
time. Like those who transition from shod to barefoot, it takes some time
for the feet to adjust.

So, the best way to shoe any endurance horse, is the way that works best for
THAT horse.  :-)

Jonni


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