Eventing with only front shoes and stud question?

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PnO

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Does anyone event their horses (talking intro/pre-novice level) with just front shoes on there horses??

If so do you use studs in their front shoes?

Just considering whether to have horses back shoes put back on before first event at the end of April

Thanks x
 
I honestly think it depends on the ground, my boy was fine till we went somewhere where the ground was dry and they'd cut the grass v. short and it was like an ice rink. He was fine in the dressage and XC but in the SJ he was losing his hind legs on take off, he went straight through one fence. He was fine if the ground had a bit of cut to it or there was good grass cover. I chose to have hinds put on so I could get studs in and as it turned out last year it was so wet I probably didn't need to.
 
I compete my PN horse in no shoes at all, he is about to go novice (did a PNP tday at Munstead) and always feels very sure footed. I always thought studs replaced the grip the frog gives cause shoes don't allow the frog to make proper contact with the ground? Also you don't get the jarring issues that you can with studs.

I'll play it by ear when the ground drys out a bit as he lives out as well so his feet may get a little dry and cracked.
 
You're better to go completely unshod than just shod in front, I've tried it and the horse lost her back end and fell over on a tight turn.
 
I don't think he'd cope with no front shoes on
frown.gif
 
Both my boys are barefoot and will both be doing pre-novices this year. If either of them started slipping or having problems eventing I would put their shoes back on. Both of them are coping fine (touch wood).

I agree with previous posters that it's all or nothing. Either shoe all round or take shoes off all round.
 
Well he half did it today did Novice Dressage and SJ and Pn Xc and was fine! Got 35 dressage, a pole sj (because i missed!) and clear XC.

If his feet don't cope later on I will use Epona shoes, very lighweight plastic shoes with gel. But very expensive so saving my pennies now!
 
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