Paring the sole and frog

["Bryan & Laura & Mark" <mark@madbbs.com>]

Mary Golden mentions that her farrier pares both the sole and frog.  Please ask him to stop.  I was a farrier for 13 years, all of it while competing in endurance.  My husband is a veterinarian.  We agree, NEVER pare anymore of the sole than it takes to keep it level with the wall.

As for pads - some horses in some areas NEED them, and need them desperately.  If your horse does not, don't use them.  Plastic pads will degrade the integrity of good sole and should your horse lose a shoe, he will be devastated by it.  If you must use pads, I recommend leather.  Leather will form to the bottom of your horses foot so well you will see the outline of his frog, yet will serve as protection.  Any pad may cause your shoes to loosen quicker than if they were nailed to good solid hoof.

IMHO, horses should be kept as natural as possible, if possible.

Where in the NE are you??

Laura Hayes - (4000 AERC miles and never lost a shoe on the trail)