roobarb
New User
Anyone any experience jumping barefoot horses? Is it safe? How about concussion? Is there less grip? Anyother advise.
barefoot horses
- Thread starter roobarb
- Start date
gails
Well-Known Member
I used to jump mine all the time with no shoes.
I have found no problems, infact there is almost more grip.
The one down side is that obviously on really wet days studs may be needed, but not as often as when wearing shoes.
I have found no problems, infact there is almost more grip.
The one down side is that obviously on really wet days studs may be needed, but not as often as when wearing shoes.
tasteofchristmaschaos
Well-Known Member
I used to jump horses with no shoes on when I worked at a riding school and yes, so long as you are not stupid it is safe. On some surfaces they can have better grip than shod horses, on others worse so its swings and roundabouts really. Just be aware that they may not like jumping on hard ground (eg a hard field in summer) as they can feel the landing more than a shod horse, but you shouldn't jump on hard ground anyway due to the risk of concussion.
spookypony
Well-Known Member
Concussion: I'm told that theoretically, since a shoe can somewhat inhibit the shock-absorption of the hoof, a barefoot horse ought to be better off, concussion-wise.
Slipperiness: my barefoot pony is very sure-footed, and seems to slip less than the shod horses I ride. He was fine hunting. There was at least one other barefoot horse in the field, and he was also fine.
Slipperiness: my barefoot pony is very sure-footed, and seems to slip less than the shod horses I ride. He was fine hunting. There was at least one other barefoot horse in the field, and he was also fine.
Patches
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Concussion: I'm told that theoretically, since a shoe can somewhat inhibit the shock-absorption of the hoof, a barefoot horse ought to be better off, concussion-wise.
Slipperiness: my barefoot pony is very sure-footed, and seems to slip less than the shod horses I ride. He was fine hunting, and there was at least one other barefoot horse in the field who was also fine.
[/ QUOTE ]
Interestingly in the winter the only one of mine that slipped on frosty ground was the Section A who was only shod in front. She slipped behind, not in front.
Concussion: I'm told that theoretically, since a shoe can somewhat inhibit the shock-absorption of the hoof, a barefoot horse ought to be better off, concussion-wise.
Slipperiness: my barefoot pony is very sure-footed, and seems to slip less than the shod horses I ride. He was fine hunting, and there was at least one other barefoot horse in the field who was also fine.
[/ QUOTE ]
Interestingly in the winter the only one of mine that slipped on frosty ground was the Section A who was only shod in front. She slipped behind, not in front.
RomanyMayday
Well-Known Member
all ours are barefoot and I have been eventing my pony at intro level and he has been fine without the shoes and studs! saves alot of pennies too!!
We have a barefooter on our yard and I'd be converted if starting again. He's in his teens and has never worn shoes. His hooves are amongst the best in town and has happily jumped in our (wood fibre) school. He hacks on tracks, roads and grass.
The only thing I'd say is that he can sneak up behind you more easily lol!
The only thing I'd say is that he can sneak up behind you more easily lol!
jennygorwill
Active Member
I have never shod my 12 year old Tb mare that I have owned since she was a dot on a ultrasound .
I like to have her feet trimmed every 6- 8 weeks and I always pick out her feet ,before and after I ride .
We have done all day trail rides and touch wood she has never been lame or foot sore .
Which is more than I can say from previous experiences
with my shod horses.
Plus there is the extra bonus of no inconvenient lost shoes!!!!
I like to have her feet trimmed every 6- 8 weeks and I always pick out her feet ,before and after I ride .
We have done all day trail rides and touch wood she has never been lame or foot sore .
Which is more than I can say from previous experiences
with my shod horses.
Plus there is the extra bonus of no inconvenient lost shoes!!!!
arabmania
Member
barefoots are much better on all terrains. the concaved sole grips and holds the foot in slippery conditions. much better than having to rely on slippery metal. one of my mares does xc and sj and flies around in all terrains with no problems.
i think that the little welshy (above) was no doubt using the back part of himself that he could feel to try to stabalise the front part that he could not feel . no pun intended..... fact
i think that the little welshy (above) was no doubt using the back part of himself that he could feel to try to stabalise the front part that he could not feel . no pun intended..... fact