Roxylola
Well-Known Member
The above is from a previous question I posted about hoof boots, I updated but would like a bit more advice about shoeing breaks. Barefoot fully isn't really something I can pursue but I like the foot I'm seeing at the moment - would rotation of on then off be viable?Update and more input wanted
We had a 12 week break, second half all hacking done in scoots on the front, barefoot behind. I also used hoof armour as a fair whack of the time was when we had very dry hard ground.
He certainly felt stones but was otherwise great.
Jumping at home was mostly booted but you then have the slippy on wet grass issues, and can't compete in them. Wearing boots or shoes he's definitely happier working than barefoot.
He's also recently had his first go in studs and was bolder again with them.
So for grass work which is most of summer shoes and the option of studs is his happiest option
However, the new growth from his barefoot stint is so good angles tighter etc just looks and so i am conflicted. New shoes next week for sure but 6 weeks on is October, grass riding will be over or near enough over, training and competing will be on surfaces (although abrasion issues?) Could i then take shoes off again? Would it be worth it? I know movement is crucial anyway but especially barefoot and the situation up here is heavily restricted turnout in winter - which is likely Nov to march but subject to weather. So he'd be mostly stabled with small turnout once a day for possibly maximum an hour and hacking daily for minimum an hour. Will there be any benefit to shoes being off there at all? If there is I'm tempted to take them off most of winter or would restricted movement and some work on surfaces negate any benefit?
He'll definitely get another break from Feb time regardless but I'm wondering if it might work to do a sort of 12 week on 12 week off type rotation?