This is a great read and useful information for those of us competing in endurance…or for just about anybody that is managing a barefoot horse or two.
You’re horses are what they eat!
I learned a long time ago how what I fed my horse affected his hoof sensitivity. It also affects a lot of other things. I love that this article covers how exercise is recommended to normalize metabolic function.
Check out the 2nd photo of Bo and Chief playing and romping about. If I chase them around in the acre field, they’ll cover 4 or 5 miles in anywhere from 25 to 40 minutes depending upon how fast they are going. I know this from putting a GPS on them. They’ll go up to 12 miles in the time it takes for the GPS batteries to die (usually about 12 to 16 hours). It is a real good thing to have active horses that move about a lot. Chief is a “herder” and is always moving the other horses around. It is good for all of them.
I have always put a lot of effort into making sure my horses get regular exercise and work.
Even when my horses have been doing high mileage seasons they get regular, consistent work.
I think that when you keep your horses barefoot that some of these things become magnified, and even more important. Especially what you feed. I really think that you can get away with knowing a lot less when you keep your horse shod. I’m not saying that means that somebody that shoes doesn’t know as much as somebody that doesn’t – that is hardly the case as it can work in reverse just as many times too. I’m just saying that *for me* I had to learn more, know more – and apply it properly…..in order to keep a barefoot horse competing at the same level as a shod horse. That’s just my experience and somebody may have a different experience. For me, keeping my horses barefoot requires more work and knowledge and education on my part. I enjoy that though, because it brings me closer to my horses. They are worth the extra effort.
Excellent information (as usual)
i’m learning so much as a barefoot e-rider. I LOVE it. I think one thing that I have is a better sense of humor when things go “wrong” (I put in quotes because like you entry to ridecamp – I try to not think of them as problems or issues, just an opportunity to fix something!). I don’t know if you have gotten to my blog lately…but did you see had like 40 boot failures during American river? INSANE. and you know what I was never frusterated with the boots. I was actually LAUGHING. I was frusterated when she didn’t stand still etc, but I was actulaly making JOKES about my boots. LOL. Being barefoot builds character….
Sorry this comment was a bit off topic. I’m in alabama (like 3 am CA time) and I’m a bit loopy.