Hoof Boots or Barefoot?

[Samigator]

Hi guys,

I’m new to the concept of hunting, but going to try a Hunter’s Pace with my gelding this weekend (riding third field, so shouldn’t be too strenuous).

He had some foot problems this spring (navicular-type symptoms, but no final diagnosis from the vet) so he had been in corrective shoes and wedges/pads on the fronts since April. Usually he goes barefoot, gets typically one set of shoes in the summer time then back to barefoot the rest of the year without problems, but this year has been quite different. He’s been sound now for a few months and doing great. I had planned to have the shoes taken off the day after the Pace, when he was due for a re-set anyhow. Problem is, he pulled a shoe this week.

His foot seems to be in good shape and not sore. The farrier is coming out tomorrow and our plan is to just pull the shoes and trim him up to get his feet ready for winter. My question is, with the shoes recently pulled and him having been in pads/shoes for so long, will his feet likely be tender and should I ride him barefoot in the pace this weekend? Or, I have Old Mac G2’s that I’ve ridden him in in the past, but not for over a year. What would be best- barefoot or hoof boots?

The event organizer said that shoes aren’t necessary, the ground isn’t rocky, but there is some riding next to gravel roads. The ground at my stable is probably more rocky than the ground on the course. Thoughts??

Thanks in advance!

[didgery]

If you go out in boots, you’re going to want to be 100% sure that they’re secure and well-fitted. Test them (on freshly trimmed hooves, as his fit may have changed over the years) before going out. If you go barefoot, you should probably make sure it isn’t your first serious ride after a trim. Can you go for a couple of gallops over similar footing after his trim but before the hunter pace?

[Samigator]

thanks didgery,

I really can’t go for a few gallops before then, as there’s no safe place to do so. The barn where he’s at has got millions of rocks, even in their arena, and I’m nervous riding him out there barefoot at all, let alone at a gallop. The only other option is down the gravel road with really no shoulder. I can probably get a few rides in in the Old Mac’s before I go though, I’d feel more comfortable doing some hand galloping around the arena or road riding in those.

[5chestnuts]

If this was my horse, I would not go barefoot after so much time spent in pads and shoes. He is used to protection now - his feet will be tender for a while before they toughen up again. It will take longer than this weekend.

I would outfit him with a set of hoof boots that have ankle gaiters, and go enjoy the Hunter Pace.

[Petstorejunkie]

hoof boots or no riding.
anything else would be asking for trouble

[Ben_Dover]

In the circumstances I’d suggest you shoe him or not ride at all.

Hoofboots can be tricky and you can’t be 100% sure there’ll be right so its really not worth the risk

[didgery]

I’d agree that riding barefoot would be dangerous after time in shoes and pads, so can you get one more set of shoes before winter? Pull them in a month or so?

Otherwise, I’d say the boots with gaiters is a good idea. I’ve ridden in Old Macs and Easyboot Epics and I’d have no problem galloping and jumping my mule in the latter. I wouldn’t jump in Old Mac’s, but that’s just a matter of fit and personal preference.

[Samigator]

oh my. well not riding is not an option. We’re going to do it. He’ll be fine, even if we do nothing more than walking and trotting. It’s not a fox hunt, and we’re riding 3rd field, so I think it’s supposed to be a more relaxed trail ride pace, and all of the jumps are optional. so they say, I’ve never been there, but I’d imagine it’s not too strenuous. And he’s done fine in some shorter, less intense rides with the Old Macs no before.

Maybe I’ll see what my farrier thinks about the fit of the Old Mac’s today when he’s out there. He did also suggest putting on one more set of shoes, which we could do. . . but I wanted to give his feet a little time to adjust before the ground freezes. I suppose if we just go back to plain plates without the wedges or pads that would be an option as it would allow his feet to toughen up some, yet allow some protection. If my farrier feels more comfortable with that, we can do that. Otherwise I’ll probably try the old Mac’s. I can always take them off during the ride if they’re causing trouble, but it’s only an hour long ride.

thanks for your opinions everybody! Some good ideas in this group!

[Samigator]

Farrier was out today, we decided to put some plain plates on him for another month or so until the ground freezes. So, it’ll help give him some protection, yet help the transition to barefoot and help his sole harden up (pretty mushy under the pads).

We hacked down the road today, trotting and cantering and he seemed perfectly comfortable in the shoes. So I think we’re on! thanks for the suggestions everyone!

[didgery]

A great compromise. Have fun!