mytwofriends
Well-Known Member
I retired my boy due to arthritis a few weeks ago, and today is the day he's having his shoes off for the last time. He's living out 24/7, and will only come in overnight in the depths of winter if necessary.
I realise he's sure to be incredibly footie whilst he gets used to being barefoot. Obviously he's not going to be ridden again, but with the lack of rain we've had, and the ground being pretty hard, I'm unsure how long it might take him to acclimatise and how should I deal with it? Also, I bring him in daily for a feed/groom etc, which means leading him up a stone track. Should I feed him in the field for a while (I can separate him from his buddies) to avoid the track, or would it help speed up the foot hardening process?
One more thing, I was thinking of using a hoof supplement? Complete waste of money or do they really help?
Thanks!
I realise he's sure to be incredibly footie whilst he gets used to being barefoot. Obviously he's not going to be ridden again, but with the lack of rain we've had, and the ground being pretty hard, I'm unsure how long it might take him to acclimatise and how should I deal with it? Also, I bring him in daily for a feed/groom etc, which means leading him up a stone track. Should I feed him in the field for a while (I can separate him from his buddies) to avoid the track, or would it help speed up the foot hardening process?
One more thing, I was thinking of using a hoof supplement? Complete waste of money or do they really help?
Thanks!