advice needed for barefoot on back

[TALSMUM]

hi. i,m pretty new to owning horses so advice good or bad would be welcome.
my newish horse (since november) is barefoot on the back and shod at the front.
when my farrier came for the first time he kept saying 'put shoes on her, its easier' and he says it every time he comes round.
he is not out to make money as he is a friend also, so why is it easier for shoes to be on.
spoke to previous owner and she has been barefoot for about a year.
i only walk and trot on bridlepaths a few times a week and it is easier to clean a shoeless hoof than a shod one.
what do other people think

[Bob's mum]

I would say if it ain't broke don't fix it ! So, leave the back feet as they are if they are causing no problems. :)

[Yann]

Yep, if your horse is happy and the feet are up to it there's no great reason that I can see to put shoes on. Not only is it cheaper for you, but you have the advantages of reduced concussion and superior grip on roads. Can't quite follow your farrier's logic :)

Loads of horses could manage without shoes all round, taking back shoes off is often no big deal.

[TALSMUM]

thanks. i am going to leave her barefoot:)

[MelanieD]

The only thing that's easier about having shoes all around is not having to worry about too much wear at all. But then if she's been barefoot for a while, is totally sound and isn't doing a huge amount of work you shouldn't be having problems with too much wear anyway.

[lachlanandmarcu]

and natural wear and no shows means less work for the farrier......if the horse is doing fine without shoes why on earth is he trying to push them!! grrrr. :)
hold the line with it !