Thinking of going barefoot

[RobaDob]

Robbie has been shoed since the age of 2 years old, and we have decided that when his shoes ware down to make him barefoot.

Do you think that it would affect him in any way as he has been shod the past 3 years?
Also because hes a clydesdale x cob would it be better with or without shoes?
Should his feet be nice and strong because of his breed?
Or will they crack easily?

Sorry for all the questions.
Havent had a horse barefoot for 4 years now :o

Thanks in advance

[GeeJay]

Hi there, I've got a Shire X and took him barefoot last July at the age of 14. I'm touching wood as I type but he's had no problems at all, I don't think he's even realised that he doesn't wear shoes any more!

Talking with my EP and reading articles on the net, it does seem that the heavier types may be able to cope with barefoot more easily than the finer types but this may just be anecdotal evidence at this time. I did use boots and pads initially but soon gave up on them as he can cope with any terrain without them. He is ridden most days and we do a lot of road work and my EP has said that will have helped a lot to 'toughen' his feet.

If I were you I would certainly give it a go, having shoes for 3 years is nothing compared to most horses going barefoot. The only 'problem' I have come across is chips rather than cracks and these can be tidied up inbetween EP/farrier visits. Hope this helps.

[Yann]

Being shod so young can affect them, it's possibly one reason why so many ex racers often have shocking feet. Shoeing a baby may possibly restrict the growth of the pedal bone and will almost certainly affect the development of the important structures inside the hoof which deal with shock absorption. He's still young though so it's well worth a try.

There can be a lot more to making a success of it than just pulling the shoes and taking your time, it's worth getting as clued up as possible so you know what the pros and cons might be and what you might need to consider. A new hoof takes about 6 months to grow down, you need to give it at least as long as that to really judge how well it's likely to work. You do hear of people pulling the shoes and then saying it didn't work and putting them back on after a few weeks - the answer is of course it didn't in many cases :)

[RobaDob]

Thanks for that info both of you :)

I will go and surf the net to see whats what etc.

He is due the farrier in 4 weeks time, so will ask the farrier whats best to do with his feet.

[Roofio]

As Yann says it's worth doing your research. Ours has not been a 'typical' barefoot journey but as you know, J is a big lad and coping well. The physical changes in him and his feet since going barefoot have been fantastic.

Done well, I don't think there's much better you can do for your horse.

Good luck :)