Input needed regularly pulls shoes would it be better barefoot

POLLDARK

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I would appreciate some input about my four/rising five year old. He regularly pulls his front shoes off in the field even though he has bell boots on. He never seems to damage his heels just catches the shoe. He hoolies about now & then which is when the damage is done.
He is into regular work now & I would prefer shod but fear that he may damage his legs pulling these shoes off, is there a danger of him pulling a muscle or something doing this. He hasn't ,so far, pulled a shoe when working, either in the arena or hacking with some fast work. I know this is a young horse problem & he will grow out of it but I'm concerned with the here & now.
Should I take the shoes off ?
 
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Well maybe you could just try leaving them off until he grows some better hoof?? Ask a nutrition expert why his hooves are brittle. Is he lacking in calcium or magnesium maybe? yes you can sometime get injured from pulling a shoe but it depends on how hard it got pulled...

If you did opt for unshod/barefoot, his hooves will grow according to wear like mine does but if you are worried, a set of decent boots will last you a couple of years.
 
Well it will stop him pulling his shoes off thats for sure !

Hoof boots will be about £100 for a pair and will last you a lot longer than a single set of shoes

it stands to reason that you weaken the hoof by putting a shoe on so some time off from nails may help
 
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