Barefoot or shoes?

[Passionflower]

My mare has had shoes on ever since I've had her and because we don't do any road work what so ever I'm wondering whether to take her shoes off or not, the farrier says she has good feet and because she's getting old I don't do much with her anyway because she has other problems too. So what do you prefer? Barefoot or shoes?

 

[SuseP]

Mines barefoot and my biggest tip would be to make sure you do a lot of reading up on nutrition and barefoot transition before you take the shoes off (unlike myself!). Maybe make sure the diet is right and plan to take them off in a few months time? Good luck

 

[Shysmum]

I would do lots of searching on here, as there are a lot of BF threads that will help you.

Use the search button above.

 

[mightymammoth]

Agree with susep, why don't you start with taking the back shoes off and seeing how she copes and going from there?

 

[HaffiesRock]

I'd pick barefoot any day. My new boy came with fronts on (backs had come off and fronts were flapping, farrier said the shoes had been on about 6 months!!) so I had them straight off and he is absolutely fine on the tarmac and grass.

You do have to follow a barefoot diet though, cut out as much sugar as you can and feed a high fiber, natural as possible diet.

Good luck! xx

 

[Joeyjojo]

I'd say it depends on the set up you have with your horse. Firstly it can take lots of time to transition, which is fine as long as you are happy you might not be able to ride for a few months.

Secondly it generally seems to require quite a controlled diet. Again this only works if you have the ability to make three changes to your horse's regime (e.g. restricted grazing, altered turnout times, change in feed etc).

I'm definitely pro barefoot horses where it is suitable, I think sometimes though it's not possible to get the diet and regime right at the livery yard you are at to make it work.

What's your set up?

 

[cptrayes]

My mare has had shoes on ever since I've had her and because we don't do any road work what so ever I'm wondering whether to take her shoes off or not, the farrier says she has good feet and because she's getting old I don't do much with her anyway because she has other problems too. So what do you prefer? Barefoot or shoes?

My recommendation is barefoot but it's a shame you don't do roadwork because it's great for bare feet.

ps It's pretty rare that a horse can't be ridden for months when you take the shoes off.