Elsbells
Well-Known Member
Yesterday I posted my disapointment. It looked a possibility that my mare would be shod today and after all my hard work in taking her barefoot. She had sadly gone lame in trot in a circle, first time ever in two years quite a big shock for me to see.
My farrier found a nasty bruise today, a small depression and a raised digtal pulse in her left fore. On further investiation, his opinion is that her front soles in particular have become soft in all the bad weather, mainly the toe. That fact combined with less roadwork due to the ice and snow, she is now in need of her Renegade boots on whenever we hack out. He was really informative and talked me through everything, showing me just what I had missed, such as the depression. He dispelled all irrational fears and offered common sense instead.
As for putting shoes on? Well,she would still be bruised and it would be such a shame to lose the work I have done already if I then wanted to go back to barefoot. His words, not mine. So I am going to give it another try.
I must live by the mantra of "MUST PUT BOOTS ON!"
If this doesn't work and she is still uncomfortable, then yes without question, the shoes will go on, at least for the summer months.
What a fantastic farrier!
It's he that has convinced me to not give up! He is impressed her feet and appreciates that yes horses do, do better without shoes if managed and worked correctly.
My hero!
My farrier found a nasty bruise today, a small depression and a raised digtal pulse in her left fore. On further investiation, his opinion is that her front soles in particular have become soft in all the bad weather, mainly the toe. That fact combined with less roadwork due to the ice and snow, she is now in need of her Renegade boots on whenever we hack out. He was really informative and talked me through everything, showing me just what I had missed, such as the depression. He dispelled all irrational fears and offered common sense instead.
As for putting shoes on? Well,she would still be bruised and it would be such a shame to lose the work I have done already if I then wanted to go back to barefoot. His words, not mine. So I am going to give it another try.
I must live by the mantra of "MUST PUT BOOTS ON!"
If this doesn't work and she is still uncomfortable, then yes without question, the shoes will go on, at least for the summer months.
What a fantastic farrier!
It's he that has convinced me to not give up! He is impressed her feet and appreciates that yes horses do, do better without shoes if managed and worked correctly.
My hero!
