The Barefoot Experiment

Today

In November I pulled Hampton's shoes for the winter.

Many people were quite supportive, and I got raised eyebrows from others.

And I will admit, I was a little worried for the first 2 weeks. His stride was shorter, he was a bit tender especially on rocks and pavement. But I stuck it out - helping him with Magic Cushion and hoof hardener. And after almost a month, you never would have known he wore shoes for a year and a half before that.

His feet never cracked, never broke up much.

I felt like he was much more sure-footed especially on trail rides. It was almost as if I could feel the ground beneath him. No more slipping on the road. I never worried about the mud. He self maintained quite well, only needing to be rounded off a couple of times. His work never suffered. Plus, I saved some serious money.

While I know it's not possible to try this with all horses, for Hampton I consider this a major success. I plan on pulling his shoes every winter. The nail holes grew out, and his feet expanded.

But, show season is rapidly approaching. So he has 4 new sneakers now. And his feet look FANTASTIC. He has never had bad feet to begin with but I'm just pleased with how nice they look now. And balanced. He is happy to have them back on, for sure. And I think it is only fair for him to wear shoes with the level of work he is doing this year, and you just never know what footing you will encounter at shows.

Previously unpublished photo of a tired (barefoot!) Hampton,
myself and Lainey Ashker.

But come October or November, off they come again.

Unless of course, we go to Florida. (plans still in the works!)

More updates to come on Hamps and Royale! Both boys are great, although this week has not been productive because rain. Then snow. Then more rain. And storms.

Spring is almost here though!