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| Author | Topic: Success Rate of Thoroughbreds Going Barefoot |
| Imb |
posted 12/12/05 4:42 PM
I have been reading about the "Natural Trim" and I am considering removing the shoes from my 18-year old thoroughbred. I am somewhat skeptical that if, after the transitional period, that my horse will be sound. I want to be able to ride him on rocky trails and on gravel roads, and not have him be sore. I have read that they make boots for the horse to wear thru the transitional period, but after the transitional period of say, one year, will my horse still have to wear these boots? |
| Brenda |
posted 12/16/05 5:25 PM
http://blessingsranch.com |
| Brenda |
posted 12/16/05 5:29 PM
I can't believe my reply got lost... anyway I have 3 12, 20 & 31, that have been trimmed using this amazing method for about 9 months now - long story but key is moderation in first few trims for sure, and just watch what happens! http://blessingsranch.com |
| Denise |
posted 12/22/05 2:22 AM
I took the shoes off my guy in august of 05 and it takes a while to condition the feet to gravel and hard ground, he had a lot of other problems caused by bad shoeing that held us back earlier, but if you take him out a little each day and walk him on what every you want to ride him on, he will come around quickly. |
| Nan |
posted 12/29/05 3:34 PM
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| Candace |
posted 1/20/06 4:26 PM
I ride a coming 7 year old Missouri Fox Trotter. I removed her shoes on December 7, 2004. Because I trailer to parks that are very rocky I've been using boots on my horse. I tired the Old Mac's and did not find them to work well on my horse. I switched to the new Easyboot bare on the front and got into a trial period for them last fall. My mare was still getting sore on the hind at these rocky parks so I bought the Easyboot Epics for the hind. I'm hoping this year her frogs and stretched white line will have healed enough that she will not get sore on rocks. But, if not I will use my trusty boots and go where everyone else dares to go. :) |
| Jan Ellis |
posted 3/14/07 7:12 PM
Gwen started my TB gelding on the barefoot lifestyle just over a year ago. I've been thrilled to see the improvement in his feet as they have developed month by month. It wasn't long before we were able to do the same things we had done when he was shod...including trail riding and cross-country jumping...even though for years he wore pads on the recommendation of his farriers and veterinarian. I never put hoof boots on him, but I also didn't ask him to work on any footing that made him uncomfortable. However, I did expose him gradually to gravel and rocky ground. Now he is able to handle all kinds of crushed stone on the trails. He is definitely a happier horse now that he's shoeless, and clearly more confident on all kinds of terrain, including slippery grass and mud. My only regret is not doing this sooner! |
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