can he go barefoot again!

[shannonandtay]

Firstly before I start please excuse the fact im not that knowledgeable about shoeing and barefoot when it comes to horses. Ive had a big break from the horsey world and in my day I never knew anyone who had a barefoot horse so this has all been new to me!

We bought our connie for my daughter a year and a half ago, he was barefoot when he came to us and the yard we were at the farrier there was happy with how he was and did regular trims for him and I thought all was good. We moved yard a few months later and farrier we were using couldn't come to us, so was recommended a new one. This farrier said he needed all four hooves shod and was sore! I felt terrible but was also sceptical about this and in the end we decided on putting fronts on and would see how he went with the backs. After a couple of shoeings pony started to dislike the nails being put in and became a bit difficult although nothing too serious. He was still barefoot behind and seemed fine with this.

Anyway after another yard move (don't ask) I decided to try a new farrier and explained the change in him when being shod etc and we have tried to work on this, being patient with pony trying treats etc etc and he has become a little better with the shoeing although seems nervous and uptight. This farrier has suggested that there is no reason why pony can't go barefoot again, but I'm worried that he may become sore and I would hate to think I might not pick up on this. He is currently fed Hi Fi lite with magnesium and has hay so think his diet is ok. I'm thinking it would be worth a try and would also take the stress out of the actual shoeing (pony is fine to be trimmed). Any thoughts anyone?

 

[Dunpony]

Your farrier suggested it so give it a try. If he doesn't cope (short stride and looking uncomfortable) you can always go back to shoes.

My old pony was a pain to shoe at times so was often bare - this was way back when, when ridden horses were always shod.

 

[claribella]

If your farrier is supportive then go for it. You will have to bare in mind that your horse will need to transition to barefoot again but that's where hoof boots are a god send. Id take off shoes, see how horse goes and if hes looking sore then just measure up for some boots. The more movement the better.

 

[shannonandtay]

Thank you I'm very tempted to try again, farrier did mention hoof boots but I'm completely clueless about them. I need to drag myself into the 21st century lol. I'm also wondering if there are any good supplements or anything to change feed wise that might help with the transition.

 

[claribella]

Hoof boots can be overwhelming but I think a lot of stuff can be in the horsey world. Once I start researching something I just get totally sunk in the amount of products that are pretty much the same but differnet. It takes me ages to decide on anything concerning my horse! Lol! Weve just finally decided on a joint supplement after many many hours of research! I feel like I deserve a medal for making a ddecision lol! Re the hoof boots. I have equine fusions which I cant praise highly enough. They are like a trainer, ver flexible and forgiving with the sizing but they never come off or rub and they are easy enough to get on and off. Have a word with suze from bitlessand barefoot.com. She sells them and is really helpful. You might beable to get a secondhand pair from her too. I paid £50 for my seconds and they hardly been worn. There is also hoofboutique.co.uk. Ive heard she is really helpful. Sometimes it depends on the shape of your horsers hoof as to what will fit but the two people mentioned about will really help you on making a decision and how to measure etc. Regarding the diet, if you get in touch with oberon on here, she will send you a fact sheet for that which will really help you on your way. I personally feed Thunderbrook. Initially it looks expensive but a bag lasts forever and the change in my girl since shes gone on it has been immense. I really like the stuff. I like that its wholesome and contains so rubbish. Its highly concentrated so yu feed such a tiny amount. At first I thought, theres no way my girl is going to keep weight with such a tiny amount but she just is. Shes been out in all this bad weather totally unrugged and not dropped an inch which is very unusual since shes always been a poor doer. Hope this helps and Im sorry about the lack of paragraphs, for some reason my computer wont let me use the enter button

 

[shannonandtay]

thank you Claribella that's very helpful, I will definitely look into the hoof boots you have mentioned as I can see myself spending hours on the internet looking at all of them and still not being able to make a decision. Its great we have so much choice and info nowadays but sometimes I still miss the simplicity of having my own many years ago! Ive never heard of thunderbrook so will check that out as well and I will get in touch with Oberon for the fact sheet that is just what I need. Thanks again!