riding in snow better barefoot?

[susan in greece]

Hi, happy new year!

horse barefoot of course, not rider! we've had a lot of snow since xmas and i didn't go out because scared of underlying ice but today with the sun shining off the white stuff i was keen to go. did not even get on though as the snow and ice was balling up and it was obviously going to be a problem. or would it? my mare is really due to be shoed so there is a lot of space for ice to stick to and then it just gathers i guess. Are there any barefoot riders who ride out in snow? do they have this problem? we have a lot of snow forecast and i am toying with the idea of pulling the shoes off my mare and seeing if she copes better on the snow barefoot.

[Trouble]

Snip is barefoot, and although I've never ridden him in the snow (due to lack of opportunity to do so) when it is frosty/icy he's far more footsure than the shod horses. Same goes for generally muddy conditions as well.

[taklishim]

hi, there is no comparison between shod and barefoot in snow. Shod and they ball up and I find them, frankly, dangerous. Barefoot they start balling up and then about every 5th stride the balls drop out and the foot is totally clean. you don't notice this on top of course but riding behind a barefoot horse in the snow is very interesting watching the self cleaning feet.

[laura]

Are there any barefoot riders who ride out in snow? do they have this problem?

we have had the odd year with lots snow ..... and yes , it does ball up a bit ........ a good dollop of vaseline helps prevent it sticking to the sole. So long since ridden out in snow on a shod horse but I seem to remember it stuck in them too !

but I always have a hoofpick with me on every ride ..... cause you never know ... and you can always get it out if you are getting a few extra hands high ;D ;D ;D .....although I have never had to !

I think the advantage unshod is when the thin snow turns icy ,,,,, we seem to slip less than pals with shod horses.

[Azrael]

I've not ridden in snow but have had the horses turned out in snow a few times and its much better barefoot, the snow falls out before really compacting and making ice stilts. There are some pads that can be used if you want to ride in snow in shoes but never used them so don't know anything about them beyond they exist!

[KoLaTo]

Much better barefoot IME, plus i always slap a bit of stockholm tar in for good measure if we going to be out a while but it normally just drops out after a few strides. Don't forget the circulation is much better in a barefoot horse so the sole is usually a tad warmer as well which helps.

[susan in greece]

hello again,

thanks all for your responses. I've just been looking at Victoria's shoes off thread and wondering if i should whip off them shoes tomorrow. Trouble is i would have to do the trimming myself.

The situation is that my horse was last shod middle of October, 10 weeks ago so she really needs attention but i doubt whether the farrier will get through for at least a week, maybe more. I do have a good rasp and even a Jamie Jackson book as when Gina was first backed i kept her barefoot,until the circumstances beat us. I do not ride a lot at the moment but would love the odd hack in the snow. The horse is out in a paddock with access to shelter.

Part of me thinks 'how hard can it be?' but the other bit thinks i may get into deep water and wreck my lovely girl's tootsies. What would you do?

Removing shoes would not be a problem as i have someone who could do that.

[beany1]

Hi - are you really in Greece? I thought it was warm all the time No worries, I'm rubbish at geography...

Anyway, while riding in snow is easier, transitioning from shod to barefoot might not be - just to suggest this to you Does your horse have access to dry firm surfaces through the day, is she stabled? If she is standing in snow all day you might find you get other problems. Maybe not though! It's just sometimes it's not an easy step to take, and If it were me I would want conditions to be really favourable, especially if you want to ride.

As for trimming yourself, is there any way you could be shown the basics, and then use your book to guide you from then on? There are many DVDs available too, it depends on which barefoot 'guru' you decide to follow!!