Taking shoes off and turning away for winter

[Frans]

Hi, we've decided to give one of our horses the winter off and plan to take her shoes off whilst she is living out. I've never had a problem doing this with other horses or ponies but she has rather thin soles and underrun heels and worry she may have more problems than the others. On the other hand, I'm also hopeful that that time off without shoes could be helpful in improving her feet. Does anyone have any advice? I haven't spoken to our farrier yet as I want to be properly prepared for any discussions with him.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I think she should be ok if it's just being in a field, my thin sole horse is fine on grass can't cope on stony ground.

 

[tallyho!]

That is the very best thing you can do for a horse that has those exact problems. Just make sure that when you do take the shoes off, the farrier does not leave the toes too long or else this won't help the heel issues.

 

[Ranyhyn]

It’s done my tb x the world of good having regular periods without shoes.

 

[splashgirl45]

my loan horse had very thin soles . i stayed with the owners farrier while i had her on loan and he said that he always took all of the hunters shoes off for the summer and it did their feet the world of good and my loan horse never had any problems....

 

[onemoretime]

Ive done it every year for many many years. Always does them good.

 

[Sasana Skye]

I wholeheartedly believe that taking shoes off is the best (frankly only) way to improve a horses hooves long term. I would expect her to be comfortable while living on grass. Mine didn't know any different in the field after I took her shoes off this year. She has thin soles too.

 

[Frans]

Many thanks everyone, that's what I hoped you'd say!