Making the transition to barefoot

[Ahrena]

Well

I have a welsh D x Hackney who is very prone to splints, she gets them in the field on good ground at times.

She's only got shoes infront, never had or needed them behind so I've decided to remove her front shoes too.

Figured it'll help reduce concussion, plus then when its wet I don't have the worry of only studding infront, as she'll have more grip barefoot than shoes without studs..As we progress she may need shoes for studs but might as well do without for now eh?

We don't do much roadwork either...She's got tough feet, but any tips on how to deal with the transition?

 

[Fleur100]

Mine compete barefoot except the TBs but they have theirs removed in the winter. I would suggest removing the front shoes when the ground is softer.

 

[madmav]

Don't know about ground where you are, but down here (south) it's as soft as mush. Was hard in January though!

 

[hackneylass2]

I had my old mare on front shoes only for a good while. To make the transition I had her on grass tips at the front as she didnt do much roadwork either. Took them off after a few months and just played it by ear in consultation with my farrier. Didn't have a problem, although my mare due to age was only in light work. Consultation with my (very good) farrier helped a lot.

 

[JustKickOn]

The ground here was pretty soft when Sugar had her shoes taken off (front and back).
She has pretty strong feet though, but we still gave her a couple of days off.

 

[Diggerdog]

Hoof boots are useful, and will allow you to carry on riding while you make the transition.