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08/19/08 |
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Barefoot Experiences These are the honest experiences of barefoot horses and their loving owners; the good, the bad and the reasons they decided to do it! Click On the horses name to read about their transition to barefoot. Liz's experiences of transitioning her three horses,
Donatello, Spot and Rufus.
I choose to go barefoot with all my horses because I wanted them to live a more "natural" life. I couldn't stand the thought of nails being driven into their hooves. It's not about money...I've spent plenty on various types of boots, broken boots, etc....it's about what can help my horses best navigate and decide how to proceed through any terrain. My teammates will look to me for guidance about the footing. Their horses can't feel what's underneath them, but all three of my horses know only too well what precautions need to be taken to keep everyone safe and healthy. And my horses have suffered NO abscesses or stone bruises despite the demands I put on them. I of course haven't been denied a ride on a beautiful day because I am waiting for the farrier to put on a shoe! And my horses haven't been denied a day out in the field to play and just be a horse because they lost a shoe on the ride the previous day. The transitions haven't all been easy and quick, but I know my horses have the healthiest feet in the barn, and I haven't compromised my riding in any way to accommodate this decision. I might go a bit slower in some places, but is this a compromise, or safer riding? I might go around an obstacle rather than cross it, but is this a compromise or "sanity?!" My horses tell me what's safe because they feel it. And, ironically enough, my horses are always leading the pack aggressively as they feel their way across the countrysideDeciding to go barefoot with your horses requires strength and conviction on your part. The best trainers, barn managers, and riders will question your decision and challenge your choice every step of the way. If you horse slips and falls on the ice, it is because "he is barefoot!" If a shod horse slips and falls on the ice, it is because "the footing is treacherous!" When your horse chips, you may find yourself surrounded by critical scowls. And if your horse misbehaves, he is most certainly trying to avoid the footing because "he is barefoot." Everyone believes they are doing the right thing for their horses, and unfortunately you will be in the minority with your barefoot horse. So, a word of caution, Don't make this decision hastily, especially for those of you who compete and board their horses rather than keep them at home. Believe in the benefits you will be providing for your horse and know you have made a great decision. I have never regretted, for even one minute, my decision to pull off all three of my horses' shoes...they are happy, very healthy, and living like horses....and that makes me happy as well.
More Coming Soon!
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This site was last updated 08/19/08
