As a compromise she suggested a pair of Epic Easy Boots to ride in if I knew the trails were going to be really rough that day. They made a huge difference to me and obviously my horse because they protect the sole far better than any metal shoe does and take about 2 minutes to fit once the horse knows what they are for. She explained that they were only a temporary thing because eventually the aim was to go completely barefoot but, if I’m totally honest after riding, in them for a few endurance courses I’d decided that it wouldn’t bother me if I rode him in them for the rest of his life. They were so much better at protecting his soles than normal horse shoes and if one did come off (not yet happened !) I could put it straight back on myself & carry on riding, not only that but they last ages before they need renewing.
Cannon has been barefoot for 6 months now with the boots being used less and less. Believe me, when I say that we ride some rough tracks we mean ROUGH TRACKS, not just walking but trotting, cantering & galloping on them! We even came first in a 15 mile endurance course over the Clee Hills. My horse’s hooves have completely changed shape with the frog that was almost non existent 6 months ago being broad & tough on all four hooves and his heels have widened massively, also his back seems to have broadened which a couple of people have commented on. An interesting bonus of being barefoot is that they don’t slip on roads or man hole covers anymore making them really confident when out. Gone are those very slow downhill descents too.
In conclusion I have to say that I can’t see my horse having shoes back on unless there was good reason why they should. Should I get another horse he’ll definitely go barefoot. However it really is hard to stick with it at times when everyone around you is shaking their heads, seemingly wanting you to fail so they can enjoy saying I told you so. If anyone reading this decides they’d like to try it, think hard and make a decision that you will stick with the plan & ignore all the other head shakers and when the going gets tough call your trimmer for a pep talk.
It’s working really well for both our horses so there’s no reason why it can’t work for you too.
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