What are your thoughts about...?

Question

Not having shoes on a horse. I'm looking to buy a pony and the owners didn't have shoes on her because they said she had strong feet. I intend on hunting her on fairly hard terrain and I am not sure if i should put shoes on her.

Please tell me what you think!

**I know that it would be easier if you knew the pony but I would still like to hear your thoughts

Thanks

Answer 1

Ask your farrier. My mare goes barefoot right now, she's only jumping up to 3ft, my farrier says she has great feet she just might need the shoes for she might need shoes for traction purposes if she starts jumping more seriously.  

Answer 2

I had one horse that needed four shoes year-round. My other horse had good hooves, and didn't need shoes. It all depends. Most people will say that with hard ground, you will need to put shoes on. I don't think so. Your best bet would be to call out that pony's farrier and have his/her opinion on the matter. That farrier knows your pony's hooves much better than we will.

Answer 3

It all depends on the horses feet...I have one mare w/ a full set of shoes, one mare w/ shoes only on front, and 2 w/ out anything! Talk to your farrier...and if you think her feet are sturdy test her out! If her feet get sore or she has any limping or other issues put them on! I personally like having shoes on just in case I need to be on a rough terrain..i live in az!

Answer 4

I think you should not worry about her feet unless you can't afford shoes.  If you get this pony, ride her barefoot on your trails, if she gets sore, put shoes on her.  

Answer 5

It really just depends. I recomend trying w/o shoes but if the pony becomes sore then it needs shoes. I had a horse that never needed shoes but then one day she was very sore. We put shoes on her and shes as good as new.

Answer 6

Well I do not use shoes on my horse, but I don't really ride on hard ground. I usually just ride in a sandy arena. If you are going to ride on hard ground put shoes on her. Better safe than sorry!

Answer 7

The ponies owners know their pony! My mare has never worn shoes in all the years that I have owned her.  We do rocky trail rides, ride long distances on pavement and she has never had any cracks, chips, and has never been sore! Out of the 30 plus horses at my barn only two need shoes.  One because she has tiny QH feet, and the other needs corrective shoeing and pads.  I am a big barefoot advocate. There are always protective boots like Macs and Davis boots to protect the horses feet.  Give her a try barefoot, I am sure she will be fine, and if not you can always add shoes later.

Answer 8

If you are going to be jumping her or riding her on rough ground she needs shoes, no doubt.

Answer 9

Some horses/ponies do not need shoes. Their feet are hand enough that they don't need the extra protection or they only work on soft ground. I event my horse barefoot as my farrier said 'it would be a shame to put a shoe on a hoof like this.'

The best person to ask is your farrier. He can evaluate your particular horse's feet and give a professional opinion on whether your pony needs shoes. If she doesn't need them then she doesn't need them.  

Answer 10

If you are going to hunt her over rough terrain, she will need shoes.

My theory is better to have them and not need them, than not have them and walk home with a lame horse.  

Answer 11

I am a firm believer that unless the horse has a serious problem requiring shoes to correct it, all horses should be kept barefoot.  I would add that more farriers need to be trained on proper barefoot trimming, which does require specialized skill.

Answer 12

I use the Simple Boot by Cavallo, There very simple and easy to use. I keep my horses barefoot all the time and theyre feet have never been in this good of shape. I only put them on when i ride my horses hard or on rocky/hard ground. People use them in everything, Jumping,eventing,trail riding ect.

Good luck!

Answer 13

I would leave your pony barefoot unless she develops problems along the way.  Most horses do fine barefoot if trimmed by a good farrier, and if they are riddden on terrain similiar to what they live on.  If you are going to ride her on ground that is very different than her pasture, then it will be tougher on her feet.  So if she lives on rough, rocky pasture she will normally be fine ridden on rough, rocky footing.  But if she lives on soft, spongy grass than the rocks will give her problems.  In that case you might want to consider hoof boots, they are simple to use, not too expensive and can be put on and off easily when needed.  If you start out barefoot, but your pony has problems you can always get a farrier to put shoes on.  But why do that if it isn't necessary?  Studies are now showing that shoes can actually be a problem to a horse growing a good hoof.  Just think about it.  God knew what he was doing when He made horses grow their feet - on average a wild horse moves 15 miles a day and it doesn't have shoes!  Metal shoes can help some horses, but they also hurt some and they are a hassle if you can get by without them.

I can say this from experience.  I show at both the small open show level, and the big breed Paint level.  I also trail ride my show horses.  They have done well going barefoot.  I do own horse boots which I use on gravel roads or riding on really nasty rocky areas.

Answer 14

If you are going to be taking her on rough terrain, she needs shoes. Barefeet are find if she is just in a pasture, but if you are riding her, she does need to be shod.

Answer 15

I have a pony that was ridden A LOT and in his 35 years he never had a shoe on except for me to practice or demonstrate nailing.  Take the pony out gradually and see how it does.  If you start to notice sole bruising, graveling, or if the pony wears hoof faster than it grows hoof - then you will need to shoe.  And you may be able to shoe only in seasons when you will be working the hardest.  But considering if it is a pony with good feet you may never need to shoe.

My policy is that I don't introduce the possibility for human error in my horse's life whenever not essential.  You aren't going to get a traction benefit from shoes if you are going to be in the forest - and a loose shoe can be a real pain if you are out hunting.  So try to avoid the shoe if possible.

Answer 16

I say get shoes, especially if your going to be on hard terrain. Even if she has 'stronge feet' after working on hard fround her hooves will end up widening, sorta like the edges of the hoove will open? really you should get a farriers opinion. But i think you should get shoes.