Barefoot: How to bring it up with the farrier? And when?

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Lego

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I've been debating trying my cob without shoes for a while, and the more I read about the subject, the more I want to try it. However, I have a couple of key questions:
* How do I go about it with my farrier? I know he trims barefoot horses, but when I've brought it up before, he has said that he doesn't think my horse would do well barefoot due to horn quality and his hooves would wear too quickly. From what I've read, this seems to be the standard answer for keeping shoes on... He isn't against barefoot per se...but he is a farrier and shoeing is his job...I would like to work towards it/try it with my current farrier's support as he is lovely and has always done a good job for me. I think that if I could bring a reasoned argument to him and prove that I have really thought about it properly, I could bring him round to being more supportive. So any suggestions for articles/arguments that appeal to farriers?

* What are your recommendations/experiences for going about it? Back shoes off first to see how it goes, then fronts later (my current thoughts as his back feet are better), or all in one go? What is the best time of year that has worked for you?

* How can you tell when your horse is struggling? Especially to the point where he would be more comfortable back in shoes?

* What did you say to people who didn't think it was a good idea? People on my yard are lovely, but tend to do things that way they have always been done - so I can envisage lots of comments along the lines of "but he's fine in shoes - why on earth would you take them off...you won't be able to do xyz now"

Thanks for reading!
 
Taking the backs off first is a good idea, most horses cope very well with this even without 'transitioning' and is is a traditional practice for working horses so even the most dyed in the wool farrier is unlikely to disapprove (they will just think they will go back on in spring....:-)

In spring you can point out how well horse is coping and how all the horror predictions havent come true and tell him to take off the fronts!

I didnt have to tell my farrier as one of the reasons I went barefoot with my previously shod older chap was I couldnt get the farrier up anything like every 6-8 weeks and he didnt take appointments either (this is wilds of scotland and there are few farriers and NO choice of farriers). Which made it easy - moved to a NHCHP trimmer and havent looked back.
 
Iv just taken the last set of shoes of my mare ( 6 bare now) it's not a easy route by far and I think a shod horse is easier to cope with but bare is healthier and their feet grow better.
I found research is a big thing and I done loads of it and read every barefoot thread to learn more and more. and diet, what is
he currently feed?
People will always make remarks, I get it and it will get you down at times but my horses feet are looking better and striding out better than theirs, so that keeps me going but you will find people will only comment when your having problems not when things go right!!
I'm worried as iv taken my mares shoes of tonight and the farrier has also told me the weather will wear her feet away but all my others are fine!! ( see my thread)
you are the paying customer so just bring it up with your farrier but if your farrier is saying he will wear his feet away, hasn't good growth etc I would wonder how much he knew about barefoot. Barefoot grows good hoof that's for sure. My farrier is the same. Don't let any sole/frog get trimmed of mind
 
If your farrier is being negative about it, maybe consider a consultation with a trimmer, they will probably be far better at judging how well your horse may do barefoot!
 
You could always say you want him to have a break from shoes and then just forget to put them back on ;)

Seriously he is YOUR horse, no one has the right to say no you cant do that. If the farrier wont get on board find a trimmer.
 
Thanks for the input so far guys :)

How do I find a reputable trimmer in my area? I've been wary of looking for one partly because my insurance stipulates that I must use a registered farrier. Also, I've had my farrier for years, and he always turns up on time, comes at short notice if needed, has put a lot of effort into my initially nervous-to-shoe horse and is generally lovely...I think his slight reluctance is more from lack of exposure to many/any adult, working barefoot horses in our area rather than because he is against it, hence my hope to bring him round... If I told him to just take the shoes off, he would, but I would like to try to do it with a known and trusted person on side...

I'm liking the suggestions of taking backs/all off 'for the winter' and 'forgetting' to have more put on later though :rolleyes:
 
It's difficult really hard , I would do the having a break for the winter as i have no time and forget to put them back on route.
As for a trimmer I learnt lots from my trimmer in fact I would not have done it without him I found him by recommendation thats The best way I think.
You might ask the question on the Phoenixhorse forum the Mecca for imfo on all thing BF.
 
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