KATELYN AND JACK TELL THEIR BAREFOOT STORY....
This is Jack, a 22 year old registered Quarterhorse. He lives only a barefoot life. Jack is now mainly used for pleasure and trail riding and springtime mud on the trails is a big problem for other horses. But not Jack! He rarely ever slides. Also, the harsh winters provide a great deal of ice around the barn and on trails. He can confidently be walked on it, knowing that he will not have a problem as other horses are sliding around him. Jack will do almost anything that has been asked of him, and has never been lame.
Now, meet BUD
This is Bud The Spud. He is a 6 year old off-the-track thoroughbred. He enjoys flat work, starting to do small jumps and loves to go on trail rides. He is in training to become a hunter. Once we get into a higher level of jumping, there will be more impact on his from feet, which requires a good trim, and good strong hooves to stay healthy. I was told that he could not stay barefoot because he was a thoroughbred (which is completely silly). I have never had a problem with his feet; I can ride him on any surface without any trouble at all. He lives outside, and is in a stone based paddock. We have never had any trouble with him slipping of tripping.
JOLENE & SHY
This is Shyanne. She’s a 14 year old registered thoroughbred mare who has been living barefoot for 8 years now, since I’ve had her. Shy lives outside 24/7 with a big run-in shed that she shares with 3 other horses. She’s a hunter/jumper with dressage training. We show and occasionally trail ride, working all year round. Shy is one of the best lesson horses in the barn--she’s taught a huge number of kids (and adults) to jump, and she helps me teach our local college’s IHSA team. When Shy behaves herself, we clean up at the shows both on the flat and over fences. NO SHOES! We had two acute bouts of laminitis in the summer of 2009, due to being overfed where she was boarded. She lives at home now, and Sherri has her back to normal with no signs whatsoever of the laminitis. She’s on a better feeding program, customized to her needs, and she’s one of the soundest horses I’ve ever had. I’m so happy that we found Sherri--she’s great with my horses and they get along well with her.
