Morning all.

[Whizza]

Hello

I'm new to this site, my name is Rachel I'm 37 and have just brought my very first horse. I've ridden when I was younger but not for the past 12 or so years after a bad fall made me never want to get on a horse again! But if it's in your blood, you just can't leave alone! I've shared and loaned horses before but never been in a position to actually buy my own.

I've bought a 16.1hh Swedish warmblood who's 17. She's called Gabby ❤️. She's a lot bigger than I was originally looking for as I'm only 5,2 myself, but she's lovely and it felt 'right'.
She's had a good showjumping career, but has decided (herself apparently) that she's had enough of the high life and wants a quiet life now.
She's barefoot and I ride her bit less. I've only had her for 2 weeks so we are still getting to know each other. She can be stroppy I know that! But new yard new people it's to be expected a bit.
Not sure how to post pictures as yet but there is some in my album if you want to have a nose.

Look forward to chatting with you all more

Rachel x

 

[Whizza]

Think I may have added this to the wrong section! Sorry

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

It doesn't matter if it's in this section :smile3: . Congratulations on your new horse, she sounds lovely. I've got an unshod horse too. I mostly hack now. Is that what you plan to do with yours?

 

[Whizza]

Yep mostly hacking. I'm hoping to do some pleasure rides too when she's a bit fitter. My next investment will have to be a box first though! Always dreamed of cantering along a beach too...
Lol so excited to make memories with my new little lady

How long has you're been barefoot, I've never had a horse that hasn't been shod, so
I've got a fair bit to learn about it

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

How long has you're been barefoot, I've never had a horse that hasn't been shod, so
I've got a fair bit to learn about it

Forever. I limit work on hard ground a little and use hoof boots if I'm going to ride stoney gravelly tracks. No other special measures. It works well for us. I don't want the expense of shoes or hassle of lost shoes or waiting around for farriers who don't always turn up when they say they will. I like the better grip of unshod (or booted) hoofs on tarmac too.

I've never been to the beach but I used to ride in Dorset, along sandy tracks through the heather and across the Purbeck hills. It was great.

 

[Whizza]

I'm very torn between an equine podiatrist and a farrier... Fors and against for both. What's your thoughts if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Shay]

One is trained, certified and monitored (and can be stuck off and prevented from practicing) and the other isn't! I'm sure there are loads of well meaning and even well qualified podiatrists out there. There is also a "regulatory" body - but it is self governing and only recognizes the qualifications it provides itself. The training for a registered farrier - and oversight from the Farriery Registration Council - is far more stringent. Barefoot or shod - I'd use a professional farrier every time. No foot no horse as they say!

(Now I'm going to get yelled at by any podiatrists on here...)

 

[Whizza]

At this stage I do agree with you. I don't know enough about EP to really make my own judgement.

Brilliant reply though. Thank you