Barefoot Research Paper

Now barefoot does have many pros to it, and I want to make sure I acknowledge them. If your horse is kept barefoot you will definitely save a large chunk of money over time. We pay $85 for re-shoeing a fully shod horse. We pay this amount every 7 weeks when our farrier comes out. That means we pay an average of $630 per year, per fully shod horse. A barefoot trim usually costs right around $20 dollars. Barefoot horses need to be trimmed every 5 weeks, the cost averages right around $210 per year. Another pro is that barefoot hooves are generally healthier. Being barefoot allows the hoof to constrict and expand easier which in turn helps circulation and health. While in the right situation a hoof can become healthier when left barefoot, it can also go the other way. A tender hoofed horse like Gunner will suffer immensely if I remove his shoes and turn him out to pasture. I wouldn’t even be able to think about riding him on gravel, that would be like telling you to go run on gravel without shoes, and for most people that would actually hurt. Barefoot and shoeing are not the only options for your horses’ hooves. There are many alternatives to metal shoes to help build up a horse to go barefoot. …show more content…
“As the name implies, hoof boots are temporary hoof wear you put on and take off as needed. Made of durable synthetic material, boots come in a number of styles and manufacturers. To work well and be comfortable for the horse, they must fit properly. Boots are useful for many applications, including long rides (many endurance riders swear by them), as well for therapeutic reasons, such as a foundered or sore-footed horse”(McFarland). While boots can be a good option, they are expensive and don’t last as long, and to wear them “you must make sure you’re on a good trimming schedule, anywhere from four to six weeks, so you don’t have issues with the boot not fitting right or rubbing the