Top tips for newly barefoot!

[pistolpete]

I have been with a good friend today who is taking her TB barefoot. He’s had some difficulties along the way but getting stronger now. Just musing really about everyone’s main tips especially for TB’s with shallow soft soles.
I was lucky my horses responded well to minimal grass and working on smooth tarmac. Diet changes made too mainly avoiding sugar. What’s worked best for you?

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Pea protein. Sometimes when they are on a restricted diet to produce the best possible foot protein is lacking. It doesn’t take much to make a significant difference but you have to be careful with good doers for obvious reasons. I use it in the summer when my two are on a track with a small amount of hay and a chaff based mouthful of feed to carry supplements.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I found the "Barefoot Horse Owners Group UK" invaluable when I transitioned mine.

Are you using a farrier? Or an EP?

Hoof Boutique a good place to go for advice re. hoof boots.

 

[pistolpete]

I found the "Barefoot Horse Owners Group UK" invaluable when I transitioned mine.

Are you using a farrier? Or an EP?

Hoof Boutique a good place to go for advice re. hoof boots.

She has an EP have told her about hoof bootique.

 

[Orangehorse]

Putting on the thick pads and walking in hand every day certainly helps a lot. Described as physiotherapy for the hoof.

Its a bit of a faff to tape the pads on every day, but if you have the time it is worth it. Then put pads in the hoof boots, but they obviously can't be as thick.

I suppose they know the advice regarding diet and exercise. Feet take longer than muscles to get fit though.

 

[pistolpete]

Putting on the thick pads and walking in hand every day certainly helps a lot. Described as physiotherapy for the hoof.

Its a bit of a faff to tape the pads on every day, but if you have the time it is worth it. Then put pads in the hoof boots, but they obviously can't be as thick.

I suppose they know the advice regarding diet and exercise. Feet take longer than muscles to get fit though.

I think movement is key. Without it there can’t ever be any progress.

 

[Gloi]

Movement is important but if using boots make sure you use them before there is any soreness, you can stop using them later as the feet adapt.
I love hoof armour on bare feet to give extra protection and extra bare miles.

 

[pistolpete]

For me the trick is progressing from boots to truly barefoot. Some can’t of course if soles are too thin or balance not up to it. Once the boots can be dispensed with though it’s amazing how capable they can be.

 

[GypsGal1718]

I know it’s not permanent but keratex can help at the start, just make sure to follow guidelines, biotin is good too just make sure you have at least fifteen mg

 

[Melody Grey]

Take it slowly and hold your nerve- don’t panic and revert back to shoes the moment things look a bit tender!
Hoof boots all the way!