Are shoes/boots compulsory for this event? I remember when I was researching LD rides a few years ago, I found a site which seemed to list whether barefoot horses could compete, but I can’t seem to find that website again! I’ve emailed the organizer but haven’t heard back yet. Is there a comprehensive list of events tied to whether boots/shoes are required?
No they are not required. I’ve done it with just front shoes and once with four boots. If it’s been sloppy out, a lot of the course will be over crusher run stone roads and, while you can go along the side for most of them, you’ll be a lot better off if your horse has hoof protection.
Thanks for the information–is this listed somewhere, or do I need to contact each event organizer individually for these details?
I looked through the Foxcatcher info site but didn’t see anything specific. IME, you will only see it listed if hoof protection is required or strongly recommended
There are other rides in this area (mainly the Old Dominion trio) that require hoof protection of boots of shoes, but that is explicitly stated in the the registration form. That form is where you will find the specific requirements of a ride vs. another.
I don’t think there is a mention of shoes required. However, wisdom would suggest you do have hoof protection on any ride you do for the first time, and then you can subsequently decide for yourself on any return rides. Foxcatcher has lovely rolling grassy fields, woodland trails, big creek crossings, and gravel roads. I rode it for several years starting the first year it was organized, and from my experience would recommend boots or shoes.
Fair Hill facility management has the ultimate decision over trail use. They can and have made last minute trail change decisions(due to wet conditions) which ride managers have to comply with. There are some routes that have heavier/larger gravel on them. So yes, Highly suggest using at least front shoes/boots up there. I had a fully shod horse stone bruise during a multi-day ride when roads were substituted for some of the trails.
