A barefoot musing - better proprioception/foot placement?

[Primitive Pony]

So, my horse has now been barefoot for all of 36 hours.... - amazing how quickly this can become an obsession!

He has had to do all sorts of pole work exercises as part of his rehab work from KS/SI problems - all going really well, but he does find the pole work quite hard work. All in hand and in walk at the minute, poles and raised poles in various forms/shapes, aiming to increase pelvic stability, and build up muscles in hind end, as well as improving his proprioceptive skills - a connection which as I understand is easily lost with back problems, i.e. they end up with worse co-ordination and less able to work specific muscles.

Anyway, today, barefoot, he seemed to find the polework much easier. I don't think it was my imagination... - I'm sure that maybe in part that's simply not having the weight of shoes? - though it's hardly a great weight, but I'm wondering if his proprioceptive skills are already better because suddenly he can feel his own feet.

Does that make sense/has anyone had a similar experience? - and by extension, are barefoot horses more careful when showjumping!?

 

[NZJenny]

Barefoot horses are far more tactile - they can "feel" the ground, something shod horses don't do very well.

When I first started BF, I was riding competitive endurance and we ride over some fairly rough country, and one of the things I noticed very early on was how sure footed my horse became. I continue to marvel at their ability to cope in the dark or riding fast over rough ground - I can't remember the last time we had a stumble.

 

[ester]

I frequently point out to F that he is supposed to know better where his feet are now - I am not totally convinced he does though I also think he kicks canter poles out the way to make a point about being told where to stride!

 

[LittleBlackMule]

It's not the weight of the shoes, but the way they reduce the blood circulation within the hoof and effectively numb it.

 

[Goldenstar]

Horses feel very different when they are working BF .
I prefer all my horses BF except my TB .

 

[Primitive Pony]

Horses feel very different when they are working BF .
I prefer all my horses BF except my TB .

Why do you say that? - ie not the TB?

I'm intrigued as hadn't anticipated this at all! - was interesting to watch my horse lunging today, albeit gently, and - literally - find his feet, and watch how his trot was changing.

 

[chahala]

Hi

Mine has been barefoot for 8 or 9 months now but the first thing I noticed was improvement in pole work. Also improved was his acceptance of mud, puddles etc which he previously hated- he's still not keen but is prepared to risk the demons that lurk beneath.