hoof care Pulling Shoes
for the Winter? Know the benefits and risks
by Ellen Haight W
hen it comes to discussing the “shoes vs. barefoot” aspect of horse care, avid proponents of
each approach eagerly tell you that their way is the best way. No matter where you stand on the issue, you can’t help but acknowledge that a large number of horseowners fall into the gray area between the two viewpoints. We shoe our horses when circumstances call for it and let them go barefoot the rest of the time.
If you’re considering removing your horse’s shoes for the upcoming winter months, timing is key. To ensure your horse enjoys a relatively seamless transition from shoes to barefoot, know the benefits and risks,
and don’t wait until the ground is frozen to have his shoes removed.
WHY PULL SHOES? Te biggest reason horseowners pull their horses’ shoes for any length of time is the simple fact that they won’t be riding as often as they would during warmer months. Other sound reasons include: - safety concerns pertaining to snowy or icy footing - desire to let the hoof “breathe” - financial savings
Pennsylvania farrier Dave Duckett FWCF suggests, “On average, when removing shoes, good strong feet will be resilient enough to sustain the occasional hour
of work or a little enjoyment on the weekends riding. Even with good strong feet this does not guarantee that your horse can go barefoot and perform with comfort. Tere are no clear cut guidelines any professional can give – it’s an open and subjective debate.”
D
an important element of concern when considering removing shoes and going barefoot. “Te Toroughbred, for example, suggests a light and fragile foot structure which is inevitably vulnerable to the uneven terrain that may be encountered on an average trail ride.”
Don’t let the latest trends sway you, Duckett warns. “No matter what is promoted through the media or what is in vogue, the welfare and comfort of the horse should be paramount. If your horse or pony is in any form of distress through foot-related issues associated with going barefoot, the feet need to be protected, followed by a thorough evaluation by an appropriate professional.”
BENEFITS OF BAREFOOT Discuss the seasonal (and potentially permanent) barefoot option with your farrier. A big wintertime advantage is
uckett explains that the hoof structure of certain breeds is also
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Holistic Horse™ • October/November 2010 • Vol.16, Issue 69
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