to shoe or not to shoe?

[zoon]

I've had Zoon barefoot since Feb to try and improve what were once appalling feet - long toes and no heels that crumbled away at the slightest touch! Now we have much nicer shaped feet and nice thick soles and they are definately stronger, but still crumble at the bottom quite easily.

At the same time I moved to an area with fabulous hacking - I could hack for 8 hrs easily along bridle ways and never see a single car or person ever and still have the journey home to do.

My problem is that zoon wont hack alone and no one will hack with me because he is unshod and I assume they think he wont cope. Should I get some shoes on him so we can out hacking? I'm finding it quite a struggle to get him really fit just in the school.

I tried getting him some boots when he first went barefoot and none of them fitted his hoof shape. But I'm thinking maybe they will now his feet have grown a bit and are a better shape.

They are having a trim tomorrow so maybe I'll ask Debs what she thinks

[florence]

I think it's very odd that people won't ride with you because he's unshod! Perhaps if you explained why you've decided to do this and that it's improved his feet they may feel differently. Why not suggest to just one other person that you go on a very short hack with them with aim of making your hacks longer until you're satisfied that he either doesn't need shoes at all or needs boots or shoes. Unless he's got sensitive or flat feet, he should be okay as long as you're not doing too much roadwork.

[finefilly]

why wont they hack with you cos he is unshod?! bit stupid really!!! explain to them that it is your choice to go barefoot and need some help to go hacking as he wont hack alone. if that doesnt work find some more hacking partners who dont worry about whats on his feet!

[kateflashy]

all mine are bare foot n ow what difference does it make to them hacking out with you unless they think he will be going lame on every stone you come across

[fleabitten]

Why should they be worrying about your horse???!! Very strange! Whats the point in ruining all your hard work of getting strong feet and puting shoes on just so people will hack out with you? Tell them to wise up and worry about themselves and their own horses!

Sorry for being so blunt btw..!

[zoon]

No worries - thats exactly what I think: they should just mind their own business! But it appears the majority of people around me are very against going barefoot. Think they assume Zoon will go lame or something. Spoke to Debs today about it and now his feet have improved in shape we think some old macs will fit. Might get him some boots just incase.

[haffyfan]

What an odd set!! Tell them to butt out or words to that affect

Hoof boots are the future though...I love my old macs

[brigadier]

I agree with Haffy- I really like the hoof boots- like you Ive now gone barefoot and am using the boots for hacking only and only on front (go barefoot in sand school which will encourage them to harden) because of the shape Im using boa and they really are fine to use and easy once you get the hang! Expensive initially but mine are already paid for from money saved for shoeing.