FleabittenT
Well-Known Member
My 7yo old mare has always been shod, since being backed at 4. This winter, we have a school for the first time, so she will mostly be worked on the rubber arena surface, with the odd hack around the block at weekends.
So, as shoes don't really seem necessary, I am debating asking my farrier to leave her unshod.
Her feet are in good condition. My biggest worry is that she is out 10-12 hours a day all winter, our grazing gets very boggy and she is prone to thrush. Is going unshod likely affect the thrush? I guess it'll be easier to manage & treat without a shoe?
I have no experience going unshod, and while I'll ask my farrier's advice, can anyone else provide any experience? What are any likely problems in the transition to her being barefoot?
I'm doing as much research as I can but any thoughts would be appreciated
So, as shoes don't really seem necessary, I am debating asking my farrier to leave her unshod.
Her feet are in good condition. My biggest worry is that she is out 10-12 hours a day all winter, our grazing gets very boggy and she is prone to thrush. Is going unshod likely affect the thrush? I guess it'll be easier to manage & treat without a shoe?
I have no experience going unshod, and while I'll ask my farrier's advice, can anyone else provide any experience? What are any likely problems in the transition to her being barefoot?
I'm doing as much research as I can but any thoughts would be appreciated