Can a 29yo go barefoot?

[azhorselover]

I have a 29yo gelding that we have had for 2 years now. He is a retired rope horse and has been shod for probably his whole life. I am for barefoot horses but am scared to try with him. Does anybody have a sucess story to share with an older horse going barefoot?
This guy is my daughters horse and has mild arthritis and I know if he can make the transition he would be better but I am worried about making him worse at his age.

[Crookedblaze]

The pony that is boarded at my house is 28, ridden 2 times a week by a little girl and goes on trails barefoot. He's a little morgan and has feet as hard as rocks.

I'd talk to your farrier before doing it, but it can be done.

[arabiancowgirl]

My 31 year old has gone barefoot and he is just fine, but his feet are as tough as steel

[fishing_trex]

We bought an 18YO that had been shod all his life. We rode him for 8 years on some fairly difficult trails, all barefoot. We did make sure to give him a good, lengthy transition time. I doubt removing your gelding's shoes would affect the arthritis, but as CrookedBlaze pointed out, it's a good idea to talk with your farrier. Some farriers trim barefoot the same way they trim for putting on shoes, which, depending on the farrier, could be an issue. For example, I had one farrier that, in prep for the shoe, trimmed a lot of sole and frog. On a barefoot horse, this could result in tenderness. If your horse shows any signs of tenderness while being ridden, boots are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

This gelding of ours never had spectacular feet, due in part to having been shod 365 days out of the year for 16 years, with no breaks.. A good supplement plus a patch of pea gravel (which, IMHO, is awesome for any horse's feet) can help quicken the transition time.

[ToveroMom]

Depends on that particular horse and his feet.

[hunterjumpertrainer]

Of course they can go barefoot ,I think it is best to give the hoof a break,my mare is doing so much better even though she has some stifle,hock and minor arthritis issues.

[Range]

As Tmom says, it depends on the horse. Talk with your farrier!

[horselady]

Yes is my answer we get retired horses in that have had shoes on all their life.
we pull shoes and when starting to chip than trim, than 4 weeks later trim again. than we trim as needed.
We had one here that had shoes on until he was 22 and when he passed at 38 had the best feet, needed trimming 2 times a year.
also discuss with farrier and than go from there

[azhorselover]

Originally Posted by horselady

Yes is my answer we get retired horses in that have had shoes on all their life.
we pull shoes and when starting to chip than trim, than 4 weeks later trim again. than we trim as needed.
We had one here that had shoes on until he was 22 and when he passed at 38 had the best feet, needed trimming 2 times a year.
also discuss with farrier and than go from there

Thank you. We have already pulled his back shoes and he was sore but better now. Even when the farrier is resetting his fronts he is outchy till he puts the shoe back on so I worry he will be really bad. I am going to start putting some kerotex on and when he is due in 5 weeks I think we will try barefoot. I keep our barefoot horses done on my own with just a little tweak here and there. This poor guy has not only had shoes on his whole life but whatever farriers he had did a bad job!

[Range]

He's ouchy until he puts the shoes back on? Wow - it'll be tough to go barefoot.

Did the farrier know WHY he's ouchy? Did the farrier think it was feasible to go barefoot?

Some tenderfoots always need some sort of support.

[CatsTack]

I believe any horsey can go barefoot, but some take a lot longer than others. It sounds like your guy my take awhile before he completely transitions.

Somethings you can do to help:

--Keep him moving, hand walking is the best, moving in the pasture--24/7 turnout
--Fit him for boots

Good luck