| Author | Message | ||
     Anne Dickens Member Username: Annedickens Post Number: 15 Registered: 01-2010 |
Thanks All My barefoot trimmer recommends easyboot gloves so think I'll try these. (I take the point about the Boas maybe just not looking good to us, as I've used them successfully occasionally on the other pony, but think perhaps they just don't suit this pony.) He is Welsh cross Appaloosa and is indeed prone to some of the appaloosa weaknesses (he is photosensitive if on legumes for example) but his feet have always been very good - and they still are. Or at least seem to be, as I also believe perhaps barefoot just doesn't suit some. But if he was lame or his feet were breaking up, I might think again, but that's not the case. I can't find a lot of info specifically about driving barefoot - except people asking similar questions to me and answers mainly saying - "not if driven seriously". I wonder about the different forces/abrasion? If I had to go back down the shoeing route, would I try fronts only - or backs only - first for example? Unlike my other pony who pulls from his front end, this one uses his back end, so maybe back feet first? And the same for the boots.... Anyway, I will persist for longer and just forgo my pairs outings. I'll keep researching and pondering and meanwhile thanks very much for your responses - it's very helpful to hear others' experiences. Anne | ||
| Carol Gillings Member Username: Carol Post Number: 19 Registered: 09-2010 |
My 14hh pony is barefoot and wears easyboot gloves all round on long or stony drives. It takes many months to harden them off and diet it very important too (molasses are bad news) as is weekly maintenance. Persevere it's well worth it. We can trot up or down any terrain with confidence that he's not going to slip and his feet are just beautiful. | ||
| Janet Pilling Member Username: Janetp Post Number: 74 Registered: 03-2007 |
Some horses/ponies just can't cope without shoes. I have a retired TB (24yo) and he just potters about the field. He has to be shod all round, 12 months of the year. He is crippled otherwise. His hind shoes have lateral extensions to support his hocks (works really well) and his front feet are dreadful with thin soles so need careful shoeing. If he loses a shoe he is hopping lame within two days - shoe back on and he is happy again. You could have a look on some of the barefoot forums - there is loads of info on t'interweb about condition hooves but it might just be that your pony needs shoes. | ||
| Sue Courtney Member Username: Calykins Post Number: 29 Registered: 07-2008 |
The only comment I can make is that I used Boa boots on my 12hh pony who couldnt take shoes for a couple of months and I thought they looked clunky but she didnt mind them at all so perhaps its us that doesnt like the look of them but the pony doesnt actually mind? I did have to put vet wrap round her pasterns though to stop them rubbing even with the gaiters , but with that done she was fine in them on all four feet | ||
| Vicky Brennan Member Username: Vicky_brennan Post Number: 15 Registered: 07-2012 |
Hi Anne - you haven't had much response so I thought I would add something unhelpful ;-) My spotties have always had feet like cheese (probably in line with not much mane/tail) and the only way I have kept any of them forward going is to work them on grass exclusively - or working them shod - working on tracks and roads has always been a non starter ... my black spanish mare (Alice) was fine with very tough feet ... just a thought xxx | ||
| Siobhain Fletcher Member Username: Kempshills Post Number: 5 Registered: 03-2012 |
Oh yes! Although I'm finding the more confident she is the faster she's prepared to go! She has had a very rough past though so I guess it's par for the course until she feels happier | ||
| Frances Collings Member Username: Victory Post Number: 47 Registered: 03-2007 |
Was she like this when she wore shoes in the past? | ||
| Siobhain Fletcher Member Username: Kempshills Post Number: 4 Registered: 03-2012 |
I drive my mare in back boots, did try and adapt her to allround but the weather scuppered our plans as she could never seem to harden off the fronts enough. When I get chance I will be trying again with it. It certainly helps them with boots on. I have a mare who likes to be economical with her poqer output and she's definitely better with boots than without! You might like to have a look at the easyboot glove or the swiss boots, they are less bulky. Hope that helps! | ||
| Anne Dickens Member Username: Annedickens Post Number: 14 Registered: 01-2010 |
Hello All Does anyone have any experience of working small ponies in barefoot boots. I have recently taken shoes off one of my 11.2hhs (the other has never been shod) for the second time. And for the second time he doesn't like it. His feet are in very good condition and he's been barefoot now for 12 weeks, but he does not want to go forward in his carriage. I've tried to work him in gently and he's only now being asked to pull a very light exercise cart with just me in it. He is usually fine singly (though lazy in a pair and I can't afford for him to find another excuse to shirk!). Not too bad at walk but after a few strides of trot he says "no more thanks". He is fine when I ask him on the grass, so he's not being unwilling. Am wondering if psychological or perhaps just takes a long time to adjust. Am in France and not found the farriery locally to be wonderful, so would like to persist if possible. I have BOA boots but they don't fit him well and are clunky on a littl'un. Has anyone other boot experiences/recommendations please, or comments generally on barefoot driving? (I am a pleasure driver - only 20 miles-ish a week when working ! mainly on lanes.) Thanks Anne |