Barefoot and hard ground

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 5:52 pm

Does any one elses horses (who are barefoot) struggle with this damn hard icy ground?
Samson has had no shoes on for 6 months now which I suppose is not long but he is visibly in pain walking on the ground when its so hard. I have put him back on the devils claw stuff, hoping that will take the edge off.
I know they all struggle on the really rutted stuff but Samson is so hard to turn out he keeps stopping and just wont budge. Its horrible to have to force him when I know its because it hurts but he cant stay in all day! When he is actually out the main part of the field is pretty flat and there is a bit of grass but it is getting him there that is such hard work.
It s is stressing me out that I hoped to bring him back to work this year but when the ground is rock hard in the summer I will have the same problem

Master Friend Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 354

all 3 of mine are barefoot and they dont seemed to have any problem though each horse is diffrent some people put old macs (is that what they are called) on but i should think you will find any big enoph

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 7:32 am

Ruby is barefoot. She is coping with the hard ground. Samson must be more tender Very Happy

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 7:41 am

Dolly is also bare at the mo....but is prone to bruising of the sole if Im not carefull with her, so I dont really like riding her too much without shoes on hard ground. Must admit she's had no problem this winter though.....

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 6:15 pm

Good to hear there are some coping fine. Perhaps 6 months is to soon to be expecting him to be 'normal'. I am greatful he is sore on both fronts not just the dodgy one! just not holding out much hope to be riding in the summer Sad

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 7:03 pm

Tomas is barefoot on his rears only and is fine....tho was a knob this morning ! and dragged me ALL over when I was putting them out Mad

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 8:26 pm

Naughty Tomas Wink

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 9:43 am

rich helped me this morning, gave Tomas a carrot and I took them out he was a little star, he must be missin his daddy awww bless Cool

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 10:22 am

That is so sweet and they say horses are stupid - I don't think so. Laughing

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 4:36 pm

I wish Samson would drag me! Dragging I could deal with, its the statue impression that leaves me feeling completely useless!
He is fine on his backs, he has had them off for about a year. Farrier coming on friday so i guess I can ask him what he thinks.