Going barefoot for the first time

[xpkEcho]

Hello lovelies!

I've had my mare for over 10 years and now that she's retired from competitions, I'd like to take off her shoes as she doesn't have a need for them anymore. She has always had strong, very correct feet so I'm not too worried. However, I've always had her on 4 shoes due to her jumping career and I've only ever cared for horses with shoes - so, does anyone have any advice for a total barefoot newbie? Do I have to do anything in particular to keep them strong and healthy? Is there anything I need to watch out for? Anything I absolutely shouldn't do?

Thanks so much in advance! xx

 

[kinnygirl1]

No Advice but following as my boy had front shoes pulled Saturday(always been bare behind) and I am a nervous wreck!!I have spent last few months making sure diet is barefoot friendly as have been told diet is key to success. Farrier has told me to expect the feet to not look pretty for a while due to hoof breaking where old nail holes were... also to expect a bit of footiness on stony and unforgiving surfaces, but predicts that in a few months they will be good healthy barefeet!

 

[Dizzle]

Get farrier to pull shoes and trim, don't fill her full of sugar and ride her. Don't over think it!

My mare is currently 'barefoot', I've not changed anything about the way that I keep her, she had a lot of time off getting fat due to the early arrival of my sprog but she came back into work and we were good to go on all terrains. But if she becomes 'footy' or uncomfortable she can have shoes back on. I'm not going to have her barefoot at all costs, I want whats easiest for me and most comfortable for her.

 

[oakash]

Can any of you barefooters recommend a good barefoot forum? I have struggled with Phoenix forum for a few days - it must be the most cumbersome forum to use ever! Thanks, Oakash

 

[paddy555]

Can any of you barefooters recommend a good barefoot forum? I have struggled with Phoenix forum for a few days - it must be the most cumbersome forum to use ever! Thanks, Oakash

I am sorry that you are struggling with Phoenix. It gets difficult as one question leads to another and then threads go off on a tangent as we progress to more information. I agree it must be very difficult to find information. There is however a lot of useful information. Have you considered introducing yourself and asking where to find the info you want? People are very friendly on there and could maybe point you to the areas you are interested in?

 

[oakash]

Paddy555
Sorry, I didn't make myself clear. The forum itself is fine, my problem is technical. I struggle to keep logged in, and when I do manage it, suddenly my password is rejected again and I have to change it - alright for a bit then "incorrect password or username" ( me: grrrr...WHICH?) and so on ad infinitum..I know people are very helpful on there, but...not being able to get on for more than brief spells, and with a poor 'search' facility, I have given up...