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Discussion on Barefoot or Shod on Winter Hills?
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Member:
kathrynr
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 3, 2008 - 8:18 am:
Good morning,
I wonder if you could all give me a little advice on wintering horses on property with hills? All of my paddocks have a slope of at least some kind unfortunately, the chute from the back to the front ones is quite steep. My farrier has strongly suggested that I pull their shoes for the winter to help avoid the slipping if there is ice. I also read in an article by DrO that pulling shoes can often be more of a problem. I do have stalls and a small pen attached for severe weather confinement etc. I did finally decide to pull their shoes for Jan-Mar and would appreciate any advice or helpful tips you may have on this. My farrier did tell me horror stories of horses splitting themselves open taking terrible slips and falls - that was all I needed to hear, but we can't move so I have to deal with what I have!
I have also been reading alot of past threads on dealing with a barefoot horse, mine have never gone without shoes as until July they were boarded at a large stable that made it too difficult.
So many things to worry about it seems
Thanks in advance for any feedback
Kat
KatR, you incorrectly state my position on pulling shoes in the winter. The article on wintertime care is in favor of pulling shoes in the winter with a specific caveat about horses having to go on ice. For more details see the article.
DrO
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Member:
tpmiller
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 3, 2008 - 9:45 am:
All our fields are steep/hilly and all lead severely down to the barn. Helpful, in that we are in the endurance discipline.
Shoes are always pulled over the winter months. When there is ice, we spread a small stone like product available from some hardware stores that melts ice and provides traction. Use it only on the steep declines coming into the barn.
Our babies did fine last winter, they learn quickly to slow down on ice.
We purposely spread rocks around high traffic areas, they quickly learn to negotiate. many of the competitive rides in our area are "technical", rock-filled with serious ups and downs. Living on hills and rocks is a plus for us.
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Member:
muffi
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 3, 2008 - 1:37 pm:
I too pull - the farrier is coming tomorrow to do so. we had our first 6 inch snow on Thanksgiving. the first time I did that I was concerned for their feet - they thrived.
as for the "hill" Tim has a good idea - additionaly try Non clumping Cat Litter. it turns to dirt and provides traction - or even kids Play sand. but no Salt.
don't worry those kids are smarter than we give them credit for.
Also I bought Boots for the Front feet when we go trail riding in the Snow & rocks. while their shoes are off. there are several out there
EZboots, Boa Boots etc etc take your pic. if your worried on the out ride those can comfort you and make the footing be better.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 3, 2008 - 4:22 pm:
Kat our whole place is hills...steep hills! Last year we had the iciest winter I can recall.(and I'm old) When the pasture was a sheet of ice I did lock them in their paddock and threw old used shavings all over...that helped. As far as snow they do fine barefoot, mine run up and down the hills in the snow...I cringe, but they do fine
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Member:
kathrynr
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Posted on Thursday, Dec 4, 2008 - 7:43 am:
Thanks everyone for your input, I do feel better about my hilly situation and will take all advice given. Sorry if I incorrectly stated your position DrO.
Confused I was, but not anymore - barefoot it is!
Thanks again
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