best time of year to take the shoes off

coffeeandabagel

coffeeandabagel

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I have agreement from my horse's new vet / physio that taking his shoes off will help him adjust physically as we start work on his SI and spine. He isnt lame and I think his feet are reasonable in that they arent cracked, splitting, flakey or weird shaped. Is there a better time to embark on the change? Now suits me because I have set my mind to not competing and training hard for a longish time.
But is it good from his point of view with only being able to ride in the school in the week and turn out in muddy fields.
 
I did it November 2011 so it must have been similar conditions to know. It's a long slog but it is worth it. A few really important points though and I'm no expert but this is just what I found. Feed is probably more important than ground for transitioning. It took me a long time tinkering around with feed to find what worked and then even longer before I realised that the reason the feet were becoming sore again was because the gut wasn't processing properly due to ulcers. I never actually treated as such for ulcers but I started feeding an ulcer suppliment and a really good pro biotic. If you are interested in what I feed it's fast fibre, Alfa a, micronised linseed, magnesium,plus the two things I mentioned earlier. I feel if your horse has been suffering with pain associated with back problems you could need to address the stomach problems as well.

I also had my 7/8ths thoroughbred muzzled until October and on restricted turn out as the grass was just mental this year and still is with the mild wet weather we are having. 4 hours was plenty out for my girl in the summer even muzzled.

I also hugely recommend buying some hoof boots. I had old macs and then bought some insoles for them. You need to stimulate the feet and just walking on mud and in the school will not do that. You will still be able to hack if you get boots :)

Be prepared its a long road but it is achievable. My mare walks over anything now and I am still seeing changes. :)
 
A lot of people are having problems with footiness at the moment. However, if you only intend to work the horse on a surface, and don't need to hack over rough ground, you should be ok. Just make sure to take care of the usual - sort the diet, and keep on top of any thrush. Good luck :).
 
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