Freedom has now been barefoot since October and his feet keep looking better and better. Here’s the progression.
During the summer Freedom's hooves showed the effects of wet/dry cycling that we had in the spring. We had to patch his feet to keep his shoes on -- and I had to ride with my fingers crossed.
Freedom lost a front shoe out hunting in October. His hoof looked pretty good considering how long he galloped and jumped on it. In fact, he didn't take a bad step, even when we hacked back.
Two weeks later he lost a hind shoe so I pulled them all. The ground was soft and although there was some chipping, he was pretty comfortable. I used hoof boots when I rode.
Freedom's feet three months into the mission are looking much better. In the snow he doesn't need hoof boots, even for riding. I love not having to worry about the shoes coming off and the charge for a trim sure beats studs and snow rims!
It’s funny. I never thought that Freedom would be able to go barefoot because I’ve had so much trouble with his feet. My farrier was the one who suggested that I pull his shoes and see what happened. She’s pleased with how they look now too.
It’s great that you have a farrier that actually encourages bare feet. My old show farrier thought I was nuts when I wanted to pull the shoes from my show horse – but he was healthier and more sound after I did so!