GrassChop
Well-Known Member
I agree with this. I don't think it's bullying, it's no different to other threads on here similar to this otherwise there are tonnes that would be considered bullying.
Last edited:
Mind blown!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter Keira 8888
- Start date
I agree with this. I don't think it's bullying, it's no different to other threads on here similar to this otherwise there are tonnes that would be considered bullying.
Tihamandturkey
Well-Known Member
This 100%
Tihamandturkey
Well-Known Member
Exactly
spotty_pony
...
Is this the first time this horse has been ridden after a break? Apologies for my ignorance but I haven’t followed his story. If he has got KS, he may be well behaved now but an explosion in the near future is inevitable as he becomes sore again. Get the Vet out.
ester
Not slacking multitasking
He's just seen the vet?
Keith_Beef
Novice equestrian, accomplished equichetrian
I really think that is time to give Keira a bit of piece and quiet, to stop being so judgemental, and let her sort it out for herself.
I have no doubt that what she wants is for Prince to be comfortable and pain-free, and she would like to be able to ride him if that's possible.
You can have misgivings about the methods used by the bloke she got in to work with Prince, but I really don't think that Keira is being callous or cruel.
I have no doubt that what she wants is for Prince to be comfortable and pain-free, and she would like to be able to ride him if that's possible.
You can have misgivings about the methods used by the bloke she got in to work with Prince, but I really don't think that Keira is being callous or cruel.
Keira 8888
Well-Known Member
Thank you Keith ?
Pinkvboots
Well-Known Member
I think at the end of the day you can offer your opinion but no one here has actually seen the horses or dealt with it.
Keira has and although you may not agree with her trainer or bringing him back into work, there comes a point when it's her horse so her choices and that has to be accepted ?
Keira has and although you may not agree with her trainer or bringing him back into work, there comes a point when it's her horse so her choices and that has to be accepted ?
Keira 8888
Well-Known Member
Hi all!
Quick update.
Things going really well! Prince going so well, we have been hacking out and adventuring together without any hitch. I had his chiropractor out today and he was happy with everything BUT! Thinks I should now get him shod since I am riding again.
Im confused by this as Prince is 6 months approx into his barefoot journey and the positives are massive! He was 100% sound in his trot up. He has grown so much hoof and it’s good quality! No more chipping and all we do is walk and trot - I really don’t want to get him shod. He has negative palmer angles and I don’t want shoes to offer a short term solution that will eventually crush his heels.
Sometimes my head spins by how many professionals I involve in Prince and none of them agree! But I’m feeling a bit more empowered now having owned him for 1.5 years and learned so much. I am neither pro shoe or pro barefoot - how can you be one or the other without considering the individual horse??!
So I am going to keep Prince in his hoof boots and continue on my current path as I am not going to change things if he is currently sound.
I can now tack him up fully with no complaints and he practically opens his mouth for the bit.
I can only put this down to consistency rather than anything else. He has responded so well to work every day (which is what many people told me he needed )
I can’t quite believe we are finally making progress! With every ride he naps less and his ears are like radars - flicking back to listen to me all the time.
Im so happy ??
Quick update.
Things going really well! Prince going so well, we have been hacking out and adventuring together without any hitch. I had his chiropractor out today and he was happy with everything BUT! Thinks I should now get him shod since I am riding again.
Im confused by this as Prince is 6 months approx into his barefoot journey and the positives are massive! He was 100% sound in his trot up. He has grown so much hoof and it’s good quality! No more chipping and all we do is walk and trot - I really don’t want to get him shod. He has negative palmer angles and I don’t want shoes to offer a short term solution that will eventually crush his heels.
Sometimes my head spins by how many professionals I involve in Prince and none of them agree! But I’m feeling a bit more empowered now having owned him for 1.5 years and learned so much. I am neither pro shoe or pro barefoot - how can you be one or the other without considering the individual horse??!
So I am going to keep Prince in his hoof boots and continue on my current path as I am not going to change things if he is currently sound.
I can now tack him up fully with no complaints and he practically opens his mouth for the bit.
I can only put this down to consistency rather than anything else. He has responded so well to work every day (which is what many people told me he needed )
I can’t quite believe we are finally making progress! With every ride he naps less and his ears are like radars - flicking back to listen to me all the time.
Im so happy ??
black and brown
Well-Known Member
Well done for having the confidence to continue barefoot. Everything seems to be going well, so I wouldn't want to make a change to shoes. You've gone on instinct so far, so keep going without shoes if that feels right to you!
Keira 8888
Well-Known Member
Thank you!!! Xxx
AmyMay
Situation normal
That’s a fabulous update. If you’re happy with him unshod, don’t be pushed in to shoeing him x
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
Great news!
With mine, I keep them barefoot while they are comfortable. If they show signs of not being comfortable, I shoe (as long as the discomfort is from additional work - if it were unexplained I would get a vet exam!). If I reduce work again, I take the shoes off again.
Currently I have one shod and one only in fronts. Before we upped the hacking, I had one barefoot and one in fronts only.
The good behaviour with Prince is all the better as this is traditionally a skittish time of year, with an autumn flush of grass coinciding with more hours in the stable and cold weather.
With mine, I keep them barefoot while they are comfortable. If they show signs of not being comfortable, I shoe (as long as the discomfort is from additional work - if it were unexplained I would get a vet exam!). If I reduce work again, I take the shoes off again.
Currently I have one shod and one only in fronts. Before we upped the hacking, I had one barefoot and one in fronts only.
The good behaviour with Prince is all the better as this is traditionally a skittish time of year, with an autumn flush of grass coinciding with more hours in the stable and cold weather.
CanteringCarrot
Well-Known Member
I feel as though many equine professionals jump to the shoe conclusion. If they see something wrong/lameness/or whatever it may be, they suggest shoes. A proper barefoot rehab can take time. Mine took 9 months to grow out horrendous quarter cracks, but he was sound and comfortable (moreso than when he was shod). Obviously people saw a crack and said, he needs shoes! But that was not the case.
It's the same with fixing angles, it doesn't happen overnight, and perhaps it shouldn't. A dramatic change vs a slow and steady change may not be the best thing in all cases.
If his hooves are going in a good direction, his body feels good, and he's happy in the level of work he's in, I see no reason for shoes, personally. The suggestion sort of perplexes me when he's sound and growing good hoof (even better quality than when he was shod). Many think a ridden horse needs shoes, and that's simply not the case all of the time. It sounds like you're on a good way with him. Pleased to hear it.
It's the same with fixing angles, it doesn't happen overnight, and perhaps it shouldn't. A dramatic change vs a slow and steady change may not be the best thing in all cases.
If his hooves are going in a good direction, his body feels good, and he's happy in the level of work he's in, I see no reason for shoes, personally. The suggestion sort of perplexes me when he's sound and growing good hoof (even better quality than when he was shod). Many think a ridden horse needs shoes, and that's simply not the case all of the time. It sounds like you're on a good way with him. Pleased to hear it.
poiuytrewq
Well-Known Member
Good to read Keira! 
Trouper
Well-Known Member
Great update - and thank you for your patience will all our comments!!!
After many ups and downs with my two, someone (whose judgement I respected) said to me one day "you know your horse best" and I realised I did. Sub-consciously my brain had been processing all the advice but I was able to apply it to the horse in front of me and come up with the best solution. I agree with continuing with boots - a quick fix with shoes could throw him out somewhere else and that is the last thing you want now.
Happy Hacking!!
After many ups and downs with my two, someone (whose judgement I respected) said to me one day "you know your horse best" and I realised I did. Sub-consciously my brain had been processing all the advice but I was able to apply it to the horse in front of me and come up with the best solution. I agree with continuing with boots - a quick fix with shoes could throw him out somewhere else and that is the last thing you want now.
Happy Hacking!!
Pinkvboots
Well-Known Member
Glad his going well I wouldn't shoe him if his comfortable without.
Berpisc
Well-Known Member
Great update, so pleased for you , I would keep him unshod if that is what suits Prince, you are aware and sensible enough to know your horse and what works for him. There is nothing stopping you putting shoes on if you need them.
, I would keep him unshod if that is what suits Prince, you are aware and sensible enough to know your horse and what works for him. There is nothing stopping you putting shoes on if you need them.tristar
Well-Known Member
so pleased for you, please don`t shoe him, it took mine 18 months to fully adapt and to learn what is best and be sure i know what i am doing.
if he is improving so much dont change anything, until your gut tells you the way forwards
what i have learned with horses is that simplicity is the ultimate destination, get it right , keep it simple and natural
those who say to work him are right, and lots of walk and trot hacking is the best way forwards, its so good for them
Tarragon
Well-Known Member
So pleased to read that update! sounds like you have a happy horse.
I would keep him barefoot and in boots while it works for you both. I can see absolutely no justification of shoeing him now. As you say, just watch how it goes.
I would keep him barefoot and in boots while it works for you both. I can see absolutely no justification of shoeing him now. As you say, just watch how it goes.
webble
Well-Known Member
Good decision well done
SatansLittleHelper
Well-Known Member
Lovely update Keira and very happy to be proved wrong on my initial judgement of the situation ?
As for the shoe situation, stick to what you feel is right. I'm like you neither for nor against shoes.....if they need them they get them. Both of mine aren't shod and are fine but if they should need them in the future I wouldn't hesitate
As for the shoe situation, stick to what you feel is right. I'm like you neither for nor against shoes.....if they need them they get them. Both of mine aren't shod and are fine but if they should need them in the future I wouldn't hesitate
Redders
Well-Known Member
Excellent going Keira. Very pleased for you both. Well done
eahotson
Well-Known Member
Go with your own but instincts .If he is happy without shoes leave him that way.
Mrs. Jingle
Well-Known Member
Great update, I am another who shoes if needed and doesn't if they are sound and happy without.
Birker2020
Well-Known Member
Yes I agree with this, I have first hand experience of this in the past. A pro rider can hide a multitude of sins.
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
I think huge caution is needed with a horse with negative coffin bone angles. It's my experience that these are often found in a vicious circle with back pain/hock/psd issues. Back pain/hock pain/psd/SI issues lead to low heels, low heels lead to back pain/psd/hock/SI issues. It's sometimes difficult to work out which came first but once you've got them and a horse with evidence of current or previous pain it can be a devil to resolve.
My advice would be a very slow and cautious barefoot rehab with no strenuous work until the heels have rebuilt and corrected the negative coffin bone angle. That takes miles in largely straight lines in walk.
I'm pleased for you it's started well Keira, and hope that carries on for you both.
.
My advice would be a very slow and cautious barefoot rehab with no strenuous work until the heels have rebuilt and corrected the negative coffin bone angle. That takes miles in largely straight lines in walk.
I'm pleased for you it's started well Keira, and hope that carries on for you both.
.
skint1
Well-Known Member
I am really so pleased to read your update, I am so glad you and Prince are making progress, long may it continue! x
Keira 8888
Well-Known Member
Ahh thank you so much!!!! Have just come back from checking on him as there is a fireworks display going on on our doorstep! Xx
Keira 8888
Well-Known Member
Thank you ? Do you have any personal experience with this? I’m trying to Google it but not coming up with too much. Stupid question, but is the coffin bone the same as the pedal bone? His pedal bone is parallel to the ground rather than on an angle. I asked the vet if this would cause him pain and they said not. Can I trust this? Xx