Barefoot - should I/shouldn't I

That's interesting landcruiser. Mine has just started aged 17 to start struggling with lami and I struggle to keep him happy. Boots would perhaps help me ride him more, I get pressure to shoe him to help with the lami but other than some relief from hoof in the ground I can't understand what difference it would make. I can't bung shoes on then let him eat whatever he wants can I?
 
Landcruiser said:
This book by Nic Barker is an excellent starting point:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Feet-First-Barefoot-Performance-Rehabilitation/dp/0851319602


The real key to success is to educate yourself, understand how the hoof functions, and what a proper, working, bare hoof should look like. Also how to look after and feed a performance barefoot horse. This will give you the confidence to persevere when people tell you to shoe - and they will!
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This is so true. It's a steep learning curve at times but the knowledge you gain will be incredible and invaluable. It can be tricky to get the diet spot on but I found with every improvement I made from a diet and metabolic perspective I got a direct correlation to an improvement in the hooves albeit with a time delay.

Some of the diet advice in Feet first is a little outdated now and you will have to find the diet that suits your horse. What works for one does nothing for another. There's plenty of good advice on here to help you get it exactly right.

If you do it be prepared for the long haul and for those inevitable "why don't you just shoe?", "Will s/he cope without shoes on?" questions.

Good luck with whatever route you choose
 
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