Removing back shoes

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Riverboy

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Hi All

Just being a paranoid horse owner I suspect. On the advice of my farrier took Bella's back shoes off on Saturday as we don't do any road work in the winter (hacking round the farm or work in the school/Lunge pen/jumping paddock only). She is a TB but has very good hooves.

Rode her last night in the school and it was a real mixture (first time she's been ridden since). At first she wasn't really swinging through, but can take a while to warm up. Then she went beautifully - more forward than she's been lately, though the her paces felt different. Not lame - just a little different. When I dismounted she was resting one hind - which is unusal for her in the school. Trotted her up and she was sound, no heat or swelling in the leg at all. Is it possible she is just getting used to the sensation of the rubber surface without shoes on? Is there a transition period for her to get used to not having hind shoes on?

My old connie x arab was barefoot for his navicular and I could really see the benefits of keeping them without shoes as much as possible, but he wasn't ridden, and was very lame when his shoes were taken off. I'm half tempted to call the farrier and get them put back on - but if she doesn't need them I'd like her to go without, but don't want to make her lame or footsore...

So am I being paranoid or should I pop her shoes back on?!

Thanks guys - know on here I'll get a range of advice to help!!!

T x
 
I should imagine it's just a case of getting her used to it! I had the back shoes taken off of mine (a TB and appy) a few years ago, and farrier said it would take a week or so for them to get used to it, they were in fact fine, but I'm sure in a few days she will be fine! If not give your farrier a call and see what he thinks!
 
Well at least you know she still has nerves in her feet... she'll get used to it soon. I guess it's like us walking with no shoes on after a lifetime of heels or something.
 
Give her a bit more time, none of mine have backs, Lottie was a bit funny for a week when I took her backs off after 25 years of being shod all round, she should get used to it.
 
Thanks guys that's what I thought - she was almost like 'oh the ground feels weird'... but once she was settled in she worked really nicely, which made me think she'd be fine - but I do worry.

I'll give her another week and see how she settles to it.

T x
 
We took the back shoes off our 17.2HH ex hunter, about 12 weeks ago. He has done a little light hacking and seems to have adapted to the change really well.

I think that your girl will be fine. She probably just needs a little more time to adapt.
 
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