Posted by Jay on April 23, 2004 at 14:09:47:
In Reply to: Barefoot trim posted by HDG on April 23, 2004 at 10:01:59:
: Hello. I have had my mares’ feet barefoot for about 6 years although they have only been under the care of a "barefoot trimmer" for about 1 year.
: I have noticed lately that their feet are very tender -they are pastured 24/7 & I live in New England - not rocky hard ground unless it is summer & it hasn't rained :-)
: How can I make sure that the trimmer is not making them sore -vs.- the environment?
anytime you remove sole, the horse can become "tender footed" as in changing from shooes to barefoot. The barefooter is to allow the horse to toughen up and adapt to the enviroment, and allow the hoof capsule to remodel to a natural type of hoof...
However...too much to soon and they can be "Ouchy" and you may require "Pads and shooes" The hoof capsule is remodeling and can cause havoc just as with being improperly shod/trimmed.
You will have to play it by ear on this one so to say. It is normal for a horse to be tender with this method untill the sole fills back in.
good luck,
as ever,
Jay