going barefoot or just front shoes for horse with collateral lig damage?

[jessicabeau1]

at the mo Ted is fully sound most of the time but if I over-do it with him he will go ever so slightly lame for a day or 2 max, he is currently on flexi joints and tribute daily to keep him 'sound' - he is currently fully shod (not special shoes or anything) but am thinking of going barefoot or having just front shoes on? he hacks everyday in the week (has weekends off) for an hour or 2 on roads and stony/uneven ground - in walk mostly and small trots on roads - ted is a warmblood and has good feet imo.
OPINIONS PLEASE!?

 

[soloequestrian]

Can't do any harm and you can always go back to shoes if it doesn't work. Have a look at the EasyCare website for boots as you might well need some, at least to begin with.

 

[stormybracken]

Do some research before you take his shoes off as you may need to do some preparation, I recommend performancebarefoot.co.uk and the book Feet First as excellent reference points for healthy barefeet. Talk to your farrier about his/her success with other barefoot horses.
Good Luck!