Shoe break

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Ceriann

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My mare - flat thin soles and a tendency to grow a long toe etc - is starting her annual shoe break. Supportive farrier who persuaded vet led us to a proper 9 month break a couple of years ago and encouraged me to take her out of shoes for min 3 months every year. Once summer hits the ground and riding here gets really difficult for her and as we hack a lot we do go back to shoes. This time she is instantly less footy so am feeling optimistic- though I’m prepared for the feet to be stimulated and some soreness to come. All prepared with boots, thrush treatment etc and she’s permanently on pro hoof. Will video hoof landing etc over next few days and start my weekly foot photos - I’m optimistic my mare who many have told me shouldn’t ever be out of shoes will cope well this time. Anyone else do regular breaks and find it easier with time?
 
My old cob has always worked barefoot without boots, and I have been ridiculed and laughed at more times than I can remember by people who insist that horses need shoes! Now three horses on our yard have come out of shoes due to being retired from ridden work. All have coped beautifully, their hooves are now in better condition than they have ever been (18 months on) Take a look at Pete Ramey's 'Hoof Rehab' pages; he is an American farrier who challenged traditional shoeing and provides a wealth of information on his site. You are doing the right thing by having boots on standby, and if you can put gel pads in to provide frog and heel buttress support, that will only assist. Good luck!
 
Yes, all of ours are either unshod or have up to 6 months break from shoes every year. I have literally just had the shoes off one today. It does seem to get easier for them to make transitions both ways and it is lovely to see hooves unfolding after being shod!! I only ever shoe in front actually but even so that feels like quite a big thing. :)
 
Do you adjust routine at all when shoes come off for a break or crack on as normal (subject to soreness/ability to cope with ground)? Shoes off and weather meant mine got a few days break but schooled today and took it slightly easier.
 
Ceriann said:
Do you adjust routine at all when shoes come off for a break or crack on as normal (subject to soreness/ability to cope with ground)? Shoes off and weather meant mine got a few days break but schooled today and took it slightly easier.
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Yes I put boots on for hacking. Everything else stays the same.
 
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