Barefoot Reiners

[ilovereining]

Asked this in a previous thread, decided to make my own thread

Has anyone ever heard of barefoot reiners?

I'd like to do it, but I'm going to need plates, because I compete all over the province...

So i'm wondering, is it ok to stay barefoot in the front, and only use plates during the show season? what would be any pro's or con's?

Took the barefoot root about two weeks ago, working out great :)

[Jason Maki]

If a horse does not need front shoes, why put them on? IMO, very few horses have sufficient growth to maintain enough foot to train, compete and stay competitive. If you want, give it a try, but be reasonable: if the horse needs shoes to stay active--put 'em on.
Jason

[Ronald Aalders]

Hi who ever you are!

2 yr/o reiners almost never wear front shoes, just sliders on the hinds. There is no reason to not keep a reiner barefoot in the front. But like Jason said, 999 out of a 1000 won't be able to handle the pressure of training and competition without front shoes though.

But if you take it easy, or when you're lucky enough to own that one horse, you'll do just fine without front shoes.


Ronald Aalders

[ilovereining]

Name's Jill :)

Right now, all four of my horses feet have no shoes... and she's doing VERY well (i was worried about taking the shoes off, but not anymore). I'm riding her sort of lightly, and havent had a single problem. I really hope i can go without shoes in the front even through the show season.. but according to you guys, it's rare to find a horse that can... well, how will i know if my horse can handle it for sure?

[Jeanie Connors]

You won't be sure unless you try it, Jill ;) . Start out slowly and keep an eye on her feet and her responses, and go from there.