To shoe or not to shoe.....?

[Tashamarie]

I have a horse on loan that doesn't seem to have ben shod for sometime........I have been advised that if that is the case and his feet are ok - then don't shoe him.......(unless you want to compete)..........how can you tell if his feet are ok and strong enough, not to be shod??

[Cobby]

It really depends on whether or not you will be doing a lot of road work, and the type and condition of his hooves. I would ask your farrier for advice next time he comes out to trim his feet.

[liz--y]

you can compete without shoes, it depends on the roads and ground are like around you, if he has been ridden for ages without shoes im sure he will be fine. im sure your farrier will dicuss it with you if you ask when he comes to shoe, he will know what his feet are like