Horseshoes.

[missalex]

I just got shoes put on my 14 year old gelding last week. I've had him for almost a year & I'd assumed he'd had them put on before, since he's registered & has been trained in dressage.

Anyway, since I put the shoes on him, he's been harder to get going. He won't hold a canter for very long & its driving me insane. He's acting like hes got weights on his feet. I know they must be heavier, but a week would have been enough to get used to them?

I do alot of trail riding & the reason for the shoes was that he was driving his front feet alot. He was wearing down his hooves badly & when we were talking on the gravel, he was very sensitive. Therefore, the farrier suggested shoes as the best option. He doesn't tip-toe over the gravel anymore, but he's lazier than he's ever been!!

Any advice would be great. Sorry if I babbled. :) :cool:

[Savanna]

What breed is he? Sometimes people don't put shoes on certain breeds of horses, because they are believed to have tougher hoofs (ex:some ponies).

Next time you have your horse shod ask your farrier about aluminum horseshoes, they are much lighter than normal steel horseshoes. This website (http://www.anvilmag.com/farrier/usalsonq.htm) explains all the benefits of aluminum horseshoes, it's pretty interesting.

:)

[missalex]

What breed is he? Sometimes people don't put shoes on certain breeds of horses, because they are believed to have tougher hoofs (ex:some ponies).

Next time you have your horse shod ask your farrier about aluminum horseshoes, they are much lighter than normal steel horseshoes. This website (http://www.anvilmag.com/farrier/usalsonq.htm) explains all the benefits of aluminum horseshoes, it's pretty interesting.

:)

Wow, thanks. He's a purebread Morgan, btw. :)

[Lindsayanne]

I'd assumed he'd had them put on before, since he's registered & has been trained in dressage.


My dressage horse goes barefoot. :)

How often do you ride him on gravel? A friend of mine trail rides really rocky trails, but only once every month or two. She ended up buying a set of old macs boots and just puts those on when she's on sharp rocks and leaves him barefoot for arena work and such.

[CourtenkiWB]

Well, it may be that he is just not used to them. Or, even if he's NOT lame, he might be a little sore on them for some reason and not want to move forward. The above poster who said to try aluminums is correct, they are very much lighter than steels...they are also more expensive (don't know if that is a concern).

[EquineEventer3390]

Try aluminum shoes. I have those on my horses. They are very light. The horses move more naturally in them.

[Pinnacle]

I definately agree with trying aluminums. Just make sure you keep an eye on his feet.. they can be hard on softer hooves, but some horses move a lot differently in them. We put them on my horse the first season I had him to see if he'd move differently, but when we switched back in the winter, he moved just as well.. it just depends on the horse! After not having shoes on for a while, though, getting those heavy metal things back on IS going to feel awkward so maybe just give him some time and then if it's not better by the next shoeing, go for aluminums.

[ffasweetpea3]

i think the key is your farrier. i just had shoes put on my 4 year old for the first time because i was riding him on trails and pavement, but my farrier worked for a long time shaping the foot, especially the back ones. he fixed his breakover point and now vegas has alot more power in his lope and he stays with it better.

[missalex]

Thanks for all the great advice you guys. My horse has been responding alot better & I think was just being lazy. Although I will be researching the aluminum shoes & talking to my farrier to make sure its perfect. The last thing I want is for my horse to be uncomfortable. :)

[QHArabDonkey]

you could also try old mac boots , they protect the hoof , but are removeable and very light weight , less expensive in the long run to , all you need to do is get your horses feet sized by your farrier and hes good to go.

[lesley]

Sometimes shoes are put on too big.