Shoes off, next stage, help please

J

Janah

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I took my boys shoes off a couple of weeks ago. I do intend to give him most of the winter off but would like to keep him 'ticking' over.

I have the use of an arena and riding on grass but would like to get him used to other surfaces.

I do realise that all horses are different and adjust at different rates. I would like to know where to start with riding out on the road, how long for the first few times. I don't want him to be footsore. I have thought of leading him out and going further each time. He is 20yrs old and been shod all his life. He has small feet for his size.

His paddock has a gravel area and he copes with that and coming in on the concrete yard, he likes to supervise his feeds being made up!

Jane
 
If he has been shod all his life, and as you say he has small feet for his size - they may well be contracted.

Easy and at his pace is the way to do it. Roadwork is excellent for improving hooves - so don't have a problem getting stuck into it. If he is not comfortable then give him a pair of boots in front initially - Gloves are good.

Arena and grass - no reason not to work on these surfaces - but for hoof development I don't think you can beat roadwork
 
I had my Arab's shoes off at age 17 and he was hacking out after 2 weeks.

Ensure he is getting a sympathetic trim (leaving the sole and frogs alone)

Ensure you treat any central sulcus thrush.

Start off with in-hand walks up the road and back and go from there. Just take it easy at first.

The more work the feet do - the stronger they will become.

If you were to get him some boots he would be likely to work straight away if you are in a rush.

http://www.easycareinc.com/

I know of someone who pulled the shoes from their endurance horse in the middle of the season and carried on competing in Easyboot Gloves with no issues.

If your horse continues to gimp on rough ground after a month or so - it's likely there's too much sugar in the diet or it's deficient in something your horse needs, the trim is too harsh or there's untreated infection.
 
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