RE. Shoes on broodmares

[MillionDollar]

So those who said that they have shoes on their broodmares........what is your reasoning for taking the shoes off for foaling??

This isn't an attack, but a genuine question as many of you said it wouldn't make a difference if the mare had shoes on or not, if she stood on the foal it would injure it............so why do you take them off?

Just interested as I really don't want to have to take my mares off as she is so so much better with them on and even a week without them will leave her sore/uncomfortable.

 

[TheresaW]

Will be interested in this too as Dolly gets very sore with no shoes on.

 

[zoeshiloh]

I couldn't honestly tell you an answer, but this is my way of looking at it; If you kicked someone with your barefoot, it would hurt but it would be unlikely to do any damage. Imagine then kicking someone with steel toecaps on - a lot more painful and a higher chance of damage.

Some mares have post-foaling stomach cramps and still thrash about on the straw during this time - imagine if she had shoes on, the damage she could do to a newborn foal unable to get out the way.

I have seen a foal stand on the back of its mum's shoe and pull it off. Luckily baby and mum didn't then stand on the shoe, but I guess this is a possibility.