Shoes or Barefoot

Question
Christopher:

Thank you so much for your insight about feeding my mare Arabel and her wood chewing. She has been off the track since June and her shoes are off right now. I notice her hocks are turned in a bit when she stands sometimes.  Will putting shoes back on correct this.  Its very subtle but I want whats best for her.  She is 4 and I was hoping to keep shoes off for a while.  Do you have an opinion on this?

Thank you

Karen

Answer
You are better off letting her stand in her natural position. Changing a foot angle may just sore her up. Depending on what the terrain is like, I would leave them off if I could. If the terrain, she will be treading, will chip her feet or cause bruising (such as rocky paddocks) then I would put shoes on. If you do keep her barefoot, then make sure her feet are well cared for. If you see any signs of severe cracking of the hoof wall then I would put shoes on her.

Christopher Crocker

http://CrockerRacingStable.com

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