Does my horse need shoes?

M

Marilyn

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 April 2006
Messages
892
Visit site
I've got two horses, a 11 year old cob and a 5 year old cob cross TB- their current workload- well, they hack out twice a week on the roads, probably 1.5- 2miles per outing. The farrier came out on third and feet were fine, just trimmed a little bit as he knew the work we were planning to do. I am fairly sure that he trims the feet so they are slightly square at the front but we went hacking today and although he was not at all footsore, i noticed on our return that his hoof wall and sole seem at about the same level on the 5 year old- should I be concerned or will his feet toughen up- he was only backed this year and has recently started hacking. he's not at all footsore, even when we walk on gravel and stones- he did used to be but not any more.
 
The wall and sole should be fairly level - certainly at the edges. There shouldn't be a raised 'wall' round the sole. He is probably rolling the front to make it easier for them to walk on uneven terrain. If he is not footsore he doesn't need shoes on that sort of work - mine do much more.
 
no they dont need showing unless you feel they are finding the work hard going. the more road work they do the harder their feet will be. all mine are barefoot and they regulary do 10 miles on the roads and their feet are all the more better for it.
 
Was hoping you'd say that! This is my cob has deep feet so the wall it a bit more pronounced and my five year's old feet are shallower but i'm sure the farrier said they are tough feet! Thanks so much, will look forward to hacking tomorrow now!!
 
the more work he gets on harder surfaces (and varied) his soles will pull up and be more concave.
it would be better to keep the wall at sole level so not as pronounced on your cob but im sure your farrier knows what hes doing.
there are a few books i can recommend you read if youre interested in researching it more
 
might be actually- i have examined the five ear old's feet again in the daylight and, at the front of the foot, it looks like his toe is lower than the very front of his sole...so the toe callous (I think?) is in contact with the road- not the toe at the front- is this a problem?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top