My horse could do a ride barefoot easily. Her feet are very very tough.
Still, having said that I will shoe her for a ride as I just don't want the hassle of dealing w/the no barefoot thing. When the ride is over I pull the shoes.
I have an 8 y/o never had shoes. She never will either. She, like Kathy Shermans little arab mare has very very VERY tough feet. They've both been barefoot from birth. I think her mare is a year or two younger than mine. Very tough little mares they both are.
My first horse, my TB/cross mare had feet so bad I couldn't even place front shoes on her to protect her and have them grow out. I put her on a supplement or two and then later, by the honest advice of an older and very wise farrier (miss you Bill Evans) barefooted her for most of the year. Her feet improved tremendiously. I had shoes on her only once this year. Her hooves get dry in the summer and moreso this year because of lack of riding (my daughter has not ridden her in a while and I need company when I ride her...she hates being alone..nobody I know wants to do a regular pleasure ride). Still her feet are in decent shape. I just keep them trimmed a bit and if I goof I have the farrier make sure they are balanced when he comes.
I do boot occasionally but really don't like the lack of traction w/the easy boots. So I tried the hoof armor and love it. Works great. I also apply it on my husbands gelding as well.
I don't think all horses can go barefoot however. We have a 30 y/o QH, retired and sassy (infact that is her name!) that has had to have front shoes forever. She just can't walk w/out them and we want her comfortable. She's been barefoot on the rears forever though.
I think we all have to just decide what is best for our horses on an individual basis case by case. Their needs vary.
kathie
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