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THE BAREFOOT REVELATION!
These two lovely ladies called in at my place one day to buy some bits.
They were really buzzing - been on a Barefoot Clinic - had I heard about it, it was really great etc.
They were so enthusiastic but I didn’t have a clue what they were on about but many photos of laminitic wrecks later I started to get the idea. 2
Would it help my poor old pony that I was about to (like that day) call the vet to have put down?
He had been on his last legs (literally) for quite some time - lame in three legs, immobile and very unhappy.
He had been part of our family for about twelve years and I was finding it very hard to make THE decision.
Well the ladies - Jenny & Paula actually - had the rasp & knife out in a flash and got stuck into the old bloke right there in the paddock.
He had always been a bit of a lad so I was really delighted when he did a runner on completion of the job.
Jenny & Paula made regular visits in those early days and Paddy thrived and continues to do so. He is now able to be ridden and teach a few more children to ride he is happy and interested in life again.
This was the start of a whole new way of life for me and my horses.
Jenny & Paula have been so enthusiastic, supportive and generous with their knowledge that they have given me the confidence to take the shoes off all my horses and to try my hand at trimming them myself.
This has been really rewarding both in terms of the knowledge I have gained and in the improved health and soundness of my horses.
I really enjoy trimming my team that includes as well as Paddy, Tyke (my grandson’s pony), Viktor (my daughter’s young warmblood) and Maddy (my 5 year old warmblood).
I have had other members who have been successful ‘converts’.
Cracker, a nine year old Clydie cross dressage horse had developed tendon strain on his hind legs, he also used to trip a lot particularly over little jumps & trotting poles.
After having his shoes off he became well balanced and his tendons returned to normal. He could be ridden over any terrain without discomfort.
When I sold him the vet tried to find him lame as he wasn’t impressed by this horse being presented unshod for his Vet Check.
He had me trot him up on the side of the road, on the gravel & uneven ground, again and again.
Then he had me lunge him on the gravel on a 5m circle - still no problem - he passed with flying colours!
I have also had two thoroughbred horses barefoot and in spite of their reputation for tender tootsies they could both be happily hacked out on farm tracks and on the sealed road.
The condition of their hooves improved greatly.
For me and my horses Barefoot is without doubt the very best option available.
Judy Alderdice
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