DIY trimmin' and shoein'

[robby denning]

Hey all,
just posted a blog on trimmin' and shoein' for all you who've ever wondered if you can do it. If I can, I'd guess about anyone can. And no Richard Simmons' jokes!

http://www.rokslide.com/easyblog/entry/shoein-horses

 

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

Nice job, I do my mules trimming but I leave the shoes to the pros. Just 1 horse needs shoes. I run my mules barefoot.

 

[robby denning]

MP, yes, I've met more than a few unshod mules in the hills. One big advantage to mules. Once in a while if I'm just packing a horse and the country isn't extremely rocky, I've taken them shoeless. Kept the loads light and the miles low and so far no problem.

 

[squeekieslayer]

Do you guys ever keep easy boot or similar things for "emergency" backup on the trail? I have given in thought... but I have one horse that is 1/4 Belgian and I have to special order it for his huge feet. I have always been too lazy to do it but it sure is annoying when you throw one shoe and they get all weird about it.

Joe

 

[robby denning]

Hi, yes I used to carry an easy boot on every trip. Not so much now that I shoe them, although I do throw them in if one's in need of shoein' and I don't have time. I've ridden 10 miles on an easy boot. I always tie a piece of twine loosely around the ankle and back to the boot because at $30 bucks, it's sucks to lose them.

 

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

I carry duct tape for easy boot if needed. Every animal is different of feet. I am very lucky in that my mules can go through any terrain including non stop rocks without issues. I wouldn't walk them days on end like that but they have tuff feet and thick hoof walls. My horse needs shoes as his hooves wear too fast for barefoot. Easy boots do really well. I have a buddy who goes completely barefoot and always puts boots on front feet. He rides a lot of miles And they last years. I dont use them but I think they work great as an alternative to shoeing for most people.

 

[squeekieslayer]

that's great. thanks guys. I may have to order one for each of them yet. I only have 2 horses and try and keep my packing ultra light so adding the stuff to shoe them on the trail would be prohibitive.

thanks

Joe

 

[PNWGATOR]

Nicely done Robby! I'm learning and every bit helps. Certainly a skill worth mastering in order to insure the animals are well taken care of at home and in the backcountry.

 

[robby denning]

yes PNWGATOR, after learning to shoe, I realized how intimidated that I'd been trying to handle a horses feet in the backcountry. I wasn't helpless but certainly didn't know much. I'd recommend anyone with a good back at least learn how to trim. Plus it helps when you're breaking your own horses to be able to teach the horse the holds while they're young. One of my horses, Charlie-whom I broke from a colt- will lift his front foot for me if I just touch his knee.