Hi Group,
I've been lurking for 18 months, with only a couple of posts, but now, as I am more comfortable with my Iceys, and I have both questions and comments, it seems a good time to butt in. I purchased 2 lovely horses from Robyn in 2006. They were shod for sale - as conditions at the farm dictated. I removed the shoes last winter with no problem. This spring one horse was fine, but the other was wearing her hooves down faster than she could replace them. Do to an unfortunate riding accident - rider error - they had about 3 months off, barefoot, and shoeing issues resolved naturally. This fall, the horses are putting in about 40 miles (65 km) a week. The mare, Bjalla is again wearing her hooves. The farrier says she is fine, but I do put her in boots once a week on her long 15 mile or more ride. It makes me feel better. She seems less ouchy too. I did notice gait changes in both horses when shoes were removed, and when boots are added. Most, but not all of this seemed to go away with time. It is somewhat difficult to assess as the horses developed in fitness and balance along the way. Sometimes, a question has more than one correct answer. I think if a horse is covering lots of miles or dealing with difficult terrain, shoes might be an easier solution that regular booting, also, some owners may not be willing to boot. In other circumstances barefoot is simpler, and less expensive. I find it very interesting that covering exactly the same trails, the 4 horses in my barn (all barefoot for the same length of time, all receiving similar (tailored) diets and supplements), show remarkably differences in sensitivity and hoof wear. Laura
