Recent content by Bellalily

Then you aren’t pro no shoes. Simples. If their feet aren’t up to the job without shoes, putting shoes on is not the answer, healing the foot is the correct answer. And yes I will keep on until my dying breath, because shoes are unnecessary. It’s so sad that people proclaim to be “pro...

Er, that’s because they aren’t needed, ever. Simples.

This is exactly the mindset that needs to change. You have put up the perfect example. Thank you.

Then maybe it works both ways and those that make other choices should be more open and accepting of an alternative option, which works. It’s a two way discussion and yes those of us that choose no shoes as the healthy option should not be belittled either. I’m happy to pop up some links to...

Just a small point, I have a recovered laminitic who has on both occasions never been even slightly overweight. Laminitis is not always weight related, there are many other reasons. If you want weight off him, keep him in 24/7 or on a dry lot and feed him hay that has had all the nutrients...

The natural no shoes peeps care passionately and are just trying to encourage other people to go down this road. I have learned so so much about both my boys’ health since going without shoes and it saddens me when people give up because their horse isn’t doing well. A horse that is lame...

I’ve ridden mine bitless since he was 4. He had such an extravagant jump when he was young I was worried I’d catch him with his bit, so started using a head collar. Always been natural and no shoes. Our pony went bitless after using a Dutch gag and flash and being so strong, never had issues...

Would point out that one of mine is a recovered laminitic and the other has PPID, so I would disagree with you. Maybe some, but then after the winter we’ve had, how many of us have any decent fields left? 🤣

She would do much better out 24/7. They are not designed to have a restricted diet, encourages starvation mode and gorging. I have one who tends to put extra weight on and since he’s been out 24/7 with ad lib hay and grass, he’s lost a bit of weight. 😊

First of all find yourself a great barefoot trimmer. He/she will advise on diet before pulling shoes, unless he/she’s already on the correct diet. I’ve always followed what my trimmers have advised and not had any issues in 18 years. 😁 Welcome to the ever growing barefoot clan, eventually shoes...

Some people do care, it can be very hurtful.

Find a grass livery yard as he’s clearly unhappy confined. He’ll be fine. It’s hard when friends fall out and so try to ignore the gossips and move on.

I will try, but it was way before Christmas when she was doing them.

Copra Coolstance is fabulous. I have used it regularly for my oldie at this time of year, but bizarrely now he’s out 24/7 he hasn’t needed it this year. Truly amazing, in two weeks I saw a difference after he dropped off when we emigrated to Ireland. Mind you, I had an awful job trying to find...

My Connemara is about on track with a normal moult. Sadly the other one has PPID so he’s hunter clipped and even his legs and face aren’t really dropping hair. 🙁