When is barefoot not Barefoot

[paulineh]

Following on from the "Broken Foot" thread and as the title says

"When is Barefoot NOT barefoot"

There does seem to be more horses going barefoot, but when it comes to competing do people continue to be barefoot or does the horse wear boots.

Do barefoot horses always do well.

 

[MissTyc]

I have both shod and nonshod horses. If they need boots, then they get shoes as a convenience to me & I freely admit this.
Most, however, don't need anything. Yesterady 4 hours ride across stony tracks inc hedge jumping - no probs for the barefoot guys.

 

[Laura1812]

For me barefoot is only truely barefoot when a horse can perform over all terrain without the need for boots.

Boots for me are temporary removable shoes!!

 

[AmyMay]

When is Barefoot NOT barefoot

When it needs something on its feet to work comfortably - like boots or shoes......

 

[rupertsmum]

Having recently switched to Barefoot having been diagnosed with navicular 9 weeks ago, I consider him to be barefoot as his natural foot growth, movement, distortion etc are not restricted by metal shoes. Due to his poor internal foot conformation the stones are uncomfortable for him and therefore he wears boots to protect his soles. They are no way working in the same was as metal shoes and are there as it makes him comfy. However he is able to work well on grass and smooth surfaces. So I class him as a barefoot horse all the time.

 

[cptrayes]

Mine hunt and event without shoes or boots.

 

[Ted's mum]

agree, ted has just had his shoes removed...he has collateral ligament injury...barefoot all the way....much healthier imo

 

[Oberon]

In my opinion it is when a horse can do it's job comfortably without shoes.

There are horses out there who are not totally comfortable and the owner makes the choice to use boots.

I think these people are being very responsible and I don't think it's right to sneer at them for that. I don't see how that helps the horse?

 

[helencharlie]

Charlie competes in showjumping very happily and comfortably barefoot and is usually placed. He only wears his hoof boots for hacking in.