>> When we're talking about evaluations, it's on a >> groomed track right? No need for shoes. > > Actually, I would disagree. We ride on a groomed track > A horse has to be able to live without shoes in their home terrain
>>>>presumably one is still riding one's horse on a usual basis, and usual reasons apply. Yes, I understand what you are saying, but for "testing" a horse's natural gaitedness, why not do it barefoot? It makes it a level playing field for everyone. Shoes can be removed for one day for the show, and put back on the next day if the home ground requires it. That certainly would not hurt the horse; no one is asking him to go barefoot for any length of time or in bad terrain. Just barefoot on a groomed track for evaluation of natural gaitedness. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
