Posted by Jenn on December 08, 2003 at 15:22:19:
I am very grateful to have found this message board and equally grateful for anyone (farrier or owner) who might be willing to lend some advice. I am not new to horse care, but am new to ownership and making the decisions myself.
I've been caring for a 13-year old TB mare for several years now, and have recently taken owonership. An ex-racer, she's always had problematic feet and probably always will. Thanks to a wonderful new farrier who has taken the time to help us both, they have greatly improved over the past 6 months and are no longer brittle, and are keeping shoes for a full 5-weeks (a feat that was impossible a year ago). However, I'm resigned to the fact that they will always have thin hoof walls and be sensitive to hard surfaces.
I am very careful about working her on hard ground, and I fear that with the onset of winter, frozen ground, and snow, (I'm in Eastern Pennsylvania) I might not be able to ride her again till spring.
Some other owners at the barn suggested "snow pads". I don't know enough about them to know whether or not they are a viable option for this mare, and/or whether or not they'd be worth the time and (I'm guessing?) added expense?
I intend to ask my farrier as well, since I trust him, but I wanted to do some research on my own as well. Any info anyone can give would be greatly appreicated!
Thanks,
Jenn