Bitless and shoeless? Natural horsemanship

[poorchickens]

Hi all,

I'm interested in getting a bit more info about natural horsemanship - particularly with regards to going bitless and shoeless, but I have no idea where to start! I've tried t'internet but there is just sooo much info and some of it is pretty technical and I have no idea what they're going on about!

If a horse is already shoeless and has been for a while, can they just be ridden over any ground like all other horses? Do they just need their feet trimming every 6 weeks? And can this be done by a normal farrier or do I need to get a specialist in? With bitless bridles, will I have no control whatsoever?! And can I still take part in dressage / jumping comps? (only local level) or are 'normal' bridles required?

Any help is very appreciated!

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

Hiya!

If horsie has been shoeless for a while and has been working doing the things you want to do with him, then he can carrry on. If however hes been shoeless and in a nice grassy field, or if hes only been hacking on farmland but youll want him to do roadwork, then he will probably need a bit of help to get over the tough surfaces to start with.

If that is the case, then hoof boots are probably the best option, giving the hooves a chance to harden up gradually while being protected. Which ones are best for your horse depends on shape of hoof etc (eg Boa good for shallow round feet like my Haffie) but there are online shops where you can hire the boots before you buy them which is a good idea.

Use the hoof boots when doing work on hard or stony ground. Dont use them on very slick mud, hes better off without then. In between ground its your choice.
Once you feel its worth a try then try removing the boots in spring and autumn, and eventually dispense altogether IF you can. If you cant, just keep using them. Most horses can eventually do any discipline on any ground, maybe except for serious XC as altho there are studs available for hoof boots they arent really comparable I dont think. Mine goes over tarmac, rocky tracks (a lot here), gravel, grass, mud, and mountains!

If your horse has never been shod, or has been without shoes for a good while and shows no problems, then a farrier trim may be ok. Mine has this and is 100%. But if they have reasons why the shoes were removed, odd feet, problem feet or are uncomfy, then a good barefoot trimmer might be the best option.

Many bitless bridles (some of the hackamores) can be stronger than a bitter bridle, others can be as gentle or more gentle (sidepull, Dr Cook etc). The control is on the nose more than the mouth. Im not sure about dressage but I dont think theres any problem SJing with a bitless bridle, as long as you have the steering and brakes with it! I guess its something to practice long and hard at home like any big change of tack. Again, you can hire Dr Cook bitless bridles before you buy them, so that could be a good option?

 

[lindsayH]

My PBA has never worn shoes, he is now 15. His feet are AMAZING but I have no idea if this is because he has never worn shoes or just the way he is! He is trimmed every 12 weeks and copes with all terrain, although I avoid roadwork more than 2/3 times a week. I have found that a 'normal' farriers ability to barefoot trim varies enormously. Some being fab, others not so good.

He is bitless most of the time as he has a large tongue, low palette and very sensitive mouth/lips, but he has a sweet iron french link for dressage and showing. His english hackamore is very severe and he has to be ridden with a very light contact in it. His scawbrig is much gentler although not always sufficient for a quick stop when galloping!

 

[Daisy2]

Marley came to me unshod and by the looks of his feet has never been shod, no history bought from a dealer that imports, so we trimmed him up and 3 yrs later still bare foot, he gets a trim every 6 weeks when Maizie has her fronts shod.
Lots of roadwork and stony tracks at walk does not seem to cause him any concern. Good luck

 

[Donkeymad]

If your horse has been unshod all it's life, you can ride over anything and will just need regular 6-8 weekly trimming by a normal farrier. Your horse having been shoeless for a while should gradually build up to being able to do likewise, providing he has good feet.
Going bitless certainly does not mean any lack of control, although it will depend partly on your horse.

There are several NH forum boards, hve you tried www.Intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk

 

[9tails]

With bitless bridles, will I have no control whatsoever?!

If that is the case, I doubt they would be as popular as they are. I ride my big 16.2 warmblood in a Dr Cooks regularly and I have as much of not more control than with a snaffle.

Feet still need to be trimmed regularly if without shoes, but this can be done by a good farrier. If they are in good condition there is no reason why a horse cannot travel over any terrain without shoes.