Many horse owners consider pulling their horses’ shoes in winter when there’s less ride time. If your horse’s feet can handle it, going shoeless can be a great benefit for your wallet and your horse’s feet. Some horses do very well shoeless; unfortunately, some do not. If you are considering doing so, you should keep some issues in mind.
Pulling shoes in the winter may prove even more uncomfortable for your horse as he tries to grow accustomed to being barefoot on hard frozen ground. You might want to consider trying this when the ground isn’t hard.
Plus, many experts feel that you should have a farrier who is accustomed to trimming unshod horses as they require a different type of trim. Some feel that farriers who trim for shoeing can cause horses that go shoeless to be uncomfortable.
Additionally, you need to ensure that your ground is fairly rock free and keep in mind that very sandy ground can often wear your horse’s hooves down so much as to make him sore.
Once you have pulled his shoes, expect soreness as your horse grows accustomed to the new feel. Also expect his hooves to crumble a bit as they harden up and take the shape they need to support being unshod. Once he doesn’t show signs of soreness, you can begin riding him again, but take it easy. Don’t jump or run or do things that would give him discomfort until you are certain his unshod hooves can take it and that the ground is appropriate for the type of work.
Don’t forget that your horse still needs trimming when unshod.
You should also seek opinions from your veterinarian and farrier. Does your horse have an issue that requires shoes for support or are his hooves healthy enough?
Keep in mind the type of riding and terrain that you will ride over. Riding at faster gaits or jumping may require the support of shoes appropriate for the job at hand. When your horses are shoeless and you plan to ride at higher speed or jump, ensure that the ground is appropriate for an unshod horse and that he won’t slip.
Many owners with horses that are unshod have had success with the shoeless way, with healthy solid hooves, but every horse is different. Some horses just don’t have good feet and can’t go without shoes.
