Can you do a little time barefoot when they are off exercise?

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Polos Mum

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My boy is going to be getting a few months off work, my work issues not his! To save the ground/ a little cash I'm wondering about taking his back shoes off. He's 19, been shod all his life and doesn't have the best feet (backs better than fronts) - they don't grow very fast, suceptable to thrush and dry out very quickly, both front fee uninsurable but I'm not sure why as it was before I got him - just listed on his exclusions!

When I've looked at the threads on here about sucessful barefoot the key seems to be getting them out walking on the right surfaces - this won't be possible for me (if I had the time to do that he wouldn't be getting a holiday!)
so is this just a waste of time - I don't want him sore/ milldly lame even for a short period.

Thoughts and advice welcome - clearly I'll be discussing with my fantastic farrier when he next comes.
 
I think it's a great idea - the feet won't become "conditioned" as barefoot riders would want, but a lot of horses, when out of work at any time of year have their shoes taken off. Go for it!
 
It's a fantastic idea. :D

Many people (my new super Farrier included) say that all horses should have a break from shoes each year. If your horse is just going to be either in his stable, on a smooth yard surface or out in the field, then he should cope just fine. It's rough, stony terrain that might be tricky to start with.
 
Thanks, we have a road planings track from the stable to the field which he'll have to negotiate twice a day but it's not really stony and the fields are stone free - sounds like I should give it a go
 
Thanks for all your advice, fantastic farrier came out today and he's taken off all four, he thinks they are in really good shape and the rest will do them good! He's back in 3 weeks to trim my other one and he'll check them then. Any pain and they'll go back on but fingers crossed it'll be worthwhile
 
I used to look after eventers and hunters many moons ago. In those days during the period the horses had time off their shoes were removed and they thrived perfectly.

Their feet were fine and they were then brought back into the fitness program gradually without any problems.
 
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