Going barefoot ... opinions/advice please :)

[RainbowDash]

Hi,

I'm writing this off my phone so can't be as detailed as I'd like. Sorry I know theres loads of barefoot threads already

Boyo was bareshod when I brought him nearly two years ago and has good feet. He's currently only front shod due mainly to rocky conditions in our woods and was done as a precaution.

Since early spring I've very rarely ventured into the woods (rain storm in July washed away the good ground and exposed rocks and bricks - so ground crap) and have mostly hacked on the level ground and quiet tracks off the yard.

Boyo is wintering 24/7 on grass, with mixed vegetation and hay and at the most will be ridden once or twice a week on same level non-rocky ground and light schooled (semi-retired 20ish YO Welsh D).

He's due to be shod but I'm thinking of biting the bullet and taking the shoes off now.

Thoughts? Supplements to help hoof growth? Is his standard chaff/beet/nuts/balancer enough? - anything I need to take into account?

Thanks all

xx

 

[flirtygerty]

Just make sure anything you feed him is low sugar and starch, micronised linseed is good, invest in a set of boots which helps when they are footy, it also helps to walk on as many surfaces as possible as it helps stimulate the feet, this is my understanding of going BF, but I'm no expert, despite having three of my four horses BF.
Good luck, it's worth doing

 

[Landcruiser]

Especially on flat road surfaces.

 

[mightymammoth]

Pm oberon and ask if she would kindly email you her 101 guide.

Join phoenix forum that's a very useful forum and you will find a lot of people to help you on there.

 

[Nudibranch]

You could have a forage analysis done and feed according to the results. I find Pro Balance Plus works well for mine though. I just feed with a mug of Kwikbeet.
Boots are a great idea as you can keep working if there's any initial footiness over stones.