22/04/2024
Barefoot farriery will always be the first choice as far as I am concerned, for all the reasons that we know so well. However, my first thought is longevity and soundness for the horse. For some horses, being barefoot isn't a good fit at a certain time.
I love that even though 'I' think that barefoot is the way, nature sometimes says "not for this horse, not in this situation, Tom. Try harder, think deeper". I love that nature doesn't obey! :-)
I fitted these shoes recently ( I know, you read right!) I fitted a pair of fronts for this dear boy, due to his laminitis. I believe this was the best thing for him at this time. These shoes are plastic with no steel insert which means that they flex with the hoof despite being nailed on. The great thing about these shoes is that they are like the 'Nike trainer' of the horseshoes, instead of the 'rigid clog like' steel shoes that we are used to. I nailed these on as I didn't think epoxy glue would cope for long, in our current climate. The plastic even absorbed the concussion of the nailing process. His Bute is being reduced as we speak and he looks much more comfortable.
