Barefoot peeps - transition to bf?

noblesteed

noblesteed

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Wondered if any barefoot advocates could give me a little advice and let me know if I'm doing this right.
My Connie x Iberian gelding, 11 years old with nice feet has been barefoot on back before I got him but shod all round for past 4 years. Due to him constantly losing back shoes I'm trying him barefoot on the back. If it doesn't work farrier is going to try rubber shoes, or I will get Easyboots.
Anyway back shoes are off and feet were trimmed by farrier. This was 2 weeks ago. I have been treating feet with Keratex, feeding rosehip & seaweed and restricting grazing. Horsey is ridden almost daily. He is managing some roadwork while hacking - we have lots of grass verges and bridleways so about 500m roads per hack - and of course avoiding stony/gravelly ground.
He seems to be doing well - slightly shortened stride on road and not keen to trot on it, but eager to walk out and 100% in all paces on grass. He is a nappy monster so always lets me know if he's unhappy about something, so he isn't in pain. Feet are in good shape, not wearing down or looking uneven.
Does this seem about right? Can I expect the feet to continue to 'harden up'? Or would I be wise getting some Boots now? Am I cruel to ask him to walk on a road?

Thanks!
 
Transition ease and speed depends so much on what you are working with.

It would appear that you are being very sensible in doing things slowly and listening to your horse.

Hoof hardness is 'grown' not made. A good diet and the chance for the horse to be out of the wet every day help a lot. Movement will stimulate the hoof to grow, quality not just quantity.

Keratex is formaldehyde, which is highly toxic and used to preserve dead things. The hoof is a long way from dead.

I always reckon if you wouldn't wash your face/hair in it then maybe think twice before putting it on your horse.

If you find the hooves are chipping a lot you may want to rethink how the hoof is trimmed.

Have a look at http://barefoothorseblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/contracted-heels.html

Your horse may or may not have contracted heels - but I thought you might find it interesting to see just how fast a foot can change shape.
 
If your cruel asking him to walk on roads then I must be really, really cruel!! Me and my pony (King) go miles and miles on the road walk and trot, hes not had shoes on for over a year now and he's even sound on gravel, as in he doesn't shortten up any more.

I don't give him any thing but Happy hoof and a little salt on hot days and after a lot of work. I went through the am I cruel stange and should I shoe him stange, but as I got told it's best to either do all 4 or none at all. (Something about balance and strane, can't remember it was over a year ago when I got told)

His hooves did chip alot to begin with, but as they "hardend" off the chipping got less and less, he can go 10+ weeks between trims now. Just keep an eye on your horse, he'll tell you what he thinks about it all. Good luck.
 
My mare has been barefoot for 5 weeks so far. Haven't been able to believe how easily she has taken to it! I have managed her diet carefully for the past year (absolutly no added sugar in any feed, limited grazing, soaked hay, additional magnesium/brewers yeast and linseed). Since her shoes came off she has had big chips up to her nail holes, but no soreness or footyness. We hack out about 3 or 4 days a week, about the same road amount as you until her feet toughen up. I don't put anything on her feet.
I have found this forum really good for info and helpful replies: http://uknhcp.myfastforum.org/forum2.php
I would loose the keratex, and add magnesium to your feeding (barefoot basics or natural horse supplies have it at very good prices as well as lots of useful info). Then continue as you are, taking your lead from your horse. Just continue your work and judge when to do a bit more from how your horse is feeling with what you are up to. Sounds like you are doing well so far!
 
I would advise you to do your own research on keratex hardener.
It is not formaldehyde, it contains formaldehyde (as does a lot of everyday products)and it works well for a lot of people.

The horn which forms the visible part of the hoof capsule is dead. It's like your finger nail. It has no blood supply and cannot be regenerated or improved by feed supplements, these will only improve the new horn growth. Keratex hardens the existing hoof surface. If you are unsure, try coating your nails with the stuff. You'll be amazed.

http://www.supplementsolutions.co.uk/store/keratex-hoof-hardener-250ml-equine.html
 
Hi there

Keep doing what youre doing now, it will all get better. I have a purebred Andalusian who hasnt been shod for almost 2 years now. I've never altered/messed around with his feet or diet ie no added keratex or foodstuffs/supplements. My farrier looks at him every 5 weeks or so, swears at me along the lines of "bloody horse" as he doesnt even have to trim him EVER!!!! Its great, and cheap. He doesnt care what surface he is on be it gravel or road or hurtling down steep grass hills, he is as surefooted as a goat!

Your horses feet will toughen up gradually!
 
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