ADVERTISEMENT FEATUREThree years have galloped by since the SPILLERS Slimmers Club was formed and its time to reflect on how far we have come in our mission to help combat equine obesity in the UK.The club is run by horse owners for horse owners and its still growing rapidly. SPILLERS Slimmers Club now supports more than 11,000 of you, offering practical guidance and camaraderie to aid you with your horse or ponys weight loss journey.SPILLERS has had some great feedback from a recent survey, which shows that you love what we are doing to support you:84% of respondents to the survey said that they had achieved their horse/ponys weight loss goals or made progress towards them since joining the club.The average rating of 8 on a scale of 1 to 10 reflects that the majority of respondents believe the Slimmers Club is significantly contributing to reducing equine obesity by 2035.99% of respondents said they would recommend the Slimmers Club to other horse owners looking to achieve equine weight loss goals.Other ways SPILLERS is helping youSPILLERS Slimmers Club is our flagship project, but it isnt the only way SPILLERS is helping to combat equine obesity.We are also:Investing in scientific research to help improve our understanding of equine obesity and associated conditions including laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)Providing regular free nutrition webinarsOffering free online weight management resourcesFinding out more about equestrian industry views on equine obesity, with a recent survey that listened to feedback to provide even better ways to address healthy weight lossWinter weight loss checklistWinter is a great time to help your horse shift those persistent surplus pounds as nature intended. Horses and ponies evolved to burn extra calories to keep warm over the winter and because the grass growth tends to slow down its easier to slim them down.Heres a few tips to help you help your horse achieve slimming success this winter:Winter forageEven winter grazing can provide more calories than some good doers need and grass will continue to grow for most of the year (at a slower rate) if conditions are favourable.Remember, good doers may not need supplementary hay/haylage for the entire winter if they are living out 24/7.Rethink your rugsAvoid over-rugging to encourage your horse to burn off a few extra pounds keeping warm.Monitor weight Body condition scoring, weigh taping and taking photos are great ways to keep a check on weight loss and keep you motivated with your horses weight loss journey.Monitor droppingsCounting droppings is a practical way of monitoring forage intake. If your horse needs to lose weight, aim to reduce the number of droppings by a third initially and never by more than half.Use a balancerAn ideal way to address the shortfall of vitamins and minerals in forage over the winter is to use a balancer. Some are specifically formulated to balance a weight loss diet.Strip grazeResearch has shown a strip grazing system may be a useful tool for restricting weight gain.Muzzle upGrazing muzzles have been shown to reduce grass intake by an average of approximately 80% regardless of the season.Soak haySoaking hay helps to reduce the water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) or sugar content and this means fewer calories.Consider feeding strawClean straw (the hygienic quality is more important than the type of straw fed), may be useful for good doers and overweight horses to decrease the energy (calorie) density of hay.Exercise more!Where possible, increasing exercise will help to burn calories. However, a study has shown that even small amounts of exercise may help to support a healthy metabolism, even if it doesnt result in weight loss.Join us!Become part of our SPILLERS Slimmers Club community on Facebook and kick start your horses weight loss journey with support from like-minded horse owners.Join here todayFor friendly, advice on feeding your horse or pony you can contact the SPILLERS Care-Line on 01908 226626 or visitwww.spillers-feeds.com.Have you heard about Your Horses#FitNotFatcampaign? Equine obesity is an enormous welfare problem and were on a mission to provide owners and riders with the knowledge, skills and information you need to keep your horse in tip-top health. It could be life saving!Related contentThe science behind dieting: how much does a horse really eat?Is it best to feed hay or haylage to a good doer?Soaking hay: how to do it correctlyAd lib forage and other fundamentals of a horses dietThe post Combat equine obesity on your yard with SPILLERS Slimmers Club *PROMOTION* appeared first on Your Horse.

Bereaved mother Emma Webb, who has raised huge amounts of money for charity in memory of her daughter, was presented with a cheque for 750 from John Whitaker at Your Horse Live.Emmas daughter Brodie, a talented showjumper, died by suicide four years ago when she was just 16.Since Brodies death Emma has undertaken several fundraising challenges to raise money for two charities, Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide and Riders Minds, as well as raising awareness of mental health in young people.At Your Horse Live, Emma received the cheque from John on the Equine America Stand. John was at Your Horse Live, which took place at Stoneleigh Park earlier this month, to launch his new book John Whitaker the legend.For each copy sold, John is donating 50p to Emmas fundraising efforts. So far, 1,000 books have been sold so the cheque included 500 from those sales as well as the 250 he received for raffling one of the books.Walking with royaltyEmma has raised over 70,000 so far from the three endurance challenges she has embarked on since Brodies death.In 2021, Emma raised more than 10,500 by walking 285 miles a mile for each life lost to suicide in Wales in 2020, including her daughters.Last year, Emma pulled Miles, an 80kg life-size resin horse on wheels, from the David Broome Event Centre in Chepstow to the ExCel London. She completed the 160-mile journey in time for the start of the London International Horse Show.She garnered much media attention when Prince William joined her for a small portion of the walk, helping her to pull Miles for around 25 minutes.At the end of September, Emma walked 140 miles from Newport in South Wales to Birmingham while pulling Miles in a challenge entitled Hack to HOYS.She was my purpose for living. As a mum of an only child, we were so close. I have all this love inside of me but nowhere for it to go, said Emma ahead of her latest challenge.When you lose the most important thing in your life you can either give up or go on. This is a positive way for me to channel that love and make a difference.It means the world to me to raise as much awareness as I can.Those who wish to find out more about Emmas mission in Brodies memory, or looking to access mental wellbeing support, can visit doitforbrodie.co.uk.To buy a copy of Johns book click here.Further readingBrooke awarded largest slice of Spillers donation thanks to public voteArmy horse returns to Household Cavalry after London incidentNew Scottish vet school debuts at London Vet ShowThe post Mother who fundraises in memory of her showjumper daughter receives cheque from John Whitaker appeared first on Your Horse.

Topic Key Points Training and Preparation Replicate competition conditions, ensure grass surface adaptability, improve balance, position, and timing. Maintain independence in riding. Warm-Up Techniques Ensure a proper routine with longer, less intense warm-ups, gradual intensity increase, avoid initial high-intensity warm-ups. Equipment and Safety Use suitable equipment like close contact saddles. Utilize studs and shoes for better grip on grass surfaces. Managing Ground Conditions Control approach speed, maintain power through fences, ensure precise field maintenance. Mental Preparation and Rider Confidence Utilize visualization and relaxation techniques, set clear goals, convey confidence through practice fence heights. Dealing with Challenging Climate Conditions Monitor weather conditions, use index to manage heat stress, integrate cooling and rest periods. Conclusion Comprehensive strategies in training, equipment choice, mental preparation, and climate awareness for performance optimization. Strategies for Improving Your Horse's Performance in Show Jumping on GrassShow jumping on grass surfaces presents unique challenges that can greatly affect a horse's performance. Understanding and adapting to these challenges is essential for both horse and rider. This article will dive into training, warm-up techniques, equipment choices, and understanding grass surfaces to optimize your horse's performance.Training and PreparationAdapting to Grass SurfacesGrass surfaces vary significantly from indoor and all-weather arenas. Its important to replicate training conditions to mirror those of the competition as closely as possible. As two-time Olympic medallist Tina Cook suggests, horses can react differently to grass, with some becoming bolder, while others might struggle. Consistent grass surface training ensures horses build confidence and adaptability, crucial when rainfall alters ground conditions. [source]Improving Technique and ConfidenceImproving a horse's technique on grass involves focusing on its balance, position, and timing. Ground poles, gymnastic grids, and distance exercises are invaluable for honing these skills. Furthermore, achieving independence in riding, which entails maintaining balance without relying excessively on reins, is essential. As per Cooks advice, finding a rein length that balances control with the horse's freedom is vital. [source]Warm-Up TechniquesA proper warm-up routine is crucial, especially when preparing for show jumping on grass. Research highlights that longer, less intense warm-ups may yield better performance outcomes. A well-structured warm-up increases both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal readiness. [source]Gradual Warm-UpGradually building up the intensity allows the horse's body to adjust without early fatigue, with trotting proving particularly effective for muscle loosening. Importantly, avoid high-intensity initial warm-ups, as these have been associated with performance penalties.Equipment and SafetySaddle and TackUtilizing the correct equipment can significantly enhance a horse's show jumping capability. A close contact English saddle offers both rider and horse freedom of movement, which is crucial for effective jumping form as it enables the horse to utilize its back and neck over jumps.Studs and ShoesStuds and shoes are crucial when tackling potentially slippery grass surfaces. They provide much-needed grip, preventing horses from hesitating or refusing jumps, particularly when the ground is wet and unstable.Managing Ground ConditionsMuddy Take-Offs and LandingsWhen encountering muddy conditions, controlling the approach speed to the fence is vital, allowing the horse ample time to assess and adjust. Maintaining power through a closed leg and backward shoulders prevents stumbles at the fence.Field MaintenanceProper field maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety. Activities such as precise line marking, soil preparation, and turf care should be regularly performed to maintain a healthy and even surface for competitions.Mental Preparation and Rider ConfidenceMental preparation holds equal importance as physical readiness. Enhancing focus through visualization, relaxation techniques, and positive affirmations can fortify a riders mental state. Clearly defined goals with a robust training plan help maintain motivation and objective alignment. [source]Conveying ConfidenceIn competition, it's crucial to exude confidence to the horse. Gradually increasing the height of practice fences ensures neither horse nor rider feels over-challenged, maintaining calm and control.Dealing with Challenging Climate ConditionsWeather conditions play a significant role in show jumping performance. Extreme heat can lead to fatigue or heat-related illnesses, necessitating close monitoring of environmental conditions. The FEI recommends utilizing the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index and integrating cooling pauses and extended rest periods to manage heat stress effectively. [source]ConclusionEnhancing performance in show jumping on grass requires comprehensive strategies. By modeling training to competition circumstances, honing technique, and choosing suitable equipment, equestrians can enable their horses to excel on grass surfaces. Combining mental preparation and climate awareness strategies, both rider and horse can face challenges effectively, ensuring a successful show jumping experience.For the latest horse riding jodhpurs collection, gloves, boot collection, and horse treats and gifts, visit Just Horse Riders today!```html```

The Mars Badminton Horse Trials have announced a multi-year partnership with ClipMyHorse.TV to become the exclusive streaming platform for Badminton TV.ClipMyHorse.TV are the leading broadcasters of equestrian sport streaming over 2000 events from around the globe including some of the most prestigious FEI Championships, Grand Prixs in both dressage and showjumping as well as several fellow 5* events including the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event, Pau and Maryland.We are thrilled to be partnering withClipMyHorse.TVwho will enhance the Badminton TV experience. Eventing fans worldwide will have the ability to follow the action via a Badminton Season Pass (21.99) or theClipMyHorse.TVPremium Subscription commented Event Director Jane Tuckwell.User enhancements such as multi language commentary, live stream rewind and jump back functions will provide a high-quality streaming experience on web, mobile devices and smart TV.It isClipMyHorse.TVs mission to promote equestrian sports by making it as easily accessible as possible, creating the best streaming experience on all devices. Through this new partnership,ClipMyHorse.TVPremium Members will also be able to access Badminton TV content. explains ClipMyHorse Managing Director Markus Detering.Existing Badminton TV subscribers will be contacted directly on how to activate their subscription on the ClipMyHorse platform.The BBC will continue to broadcast their Sunday highlights programme as per previous years.ENDS

Section Details Event Name and Date 2024 Defender Burghley Horse Trials, September 5 to 8, 2024 Venue Burghley Estate, Stamford, Lincolnshire, UK History Over 60 years; originally 19 competitors and 12,000 spectators; now over 173,000 visitors yearly Competition Format CCI5* competition with Dressage, Cross Country, and Show Jumping phases Dressage Thursday and Friday, focuses on posture, obedience, and calmness Cross Country Saturday, features over four miles and 30 fences, designed by Derek di Grazia Show Jumping Sunday, designed by Paul Connor, tests precision and agility Competitors Caroline Powell (NZL) with Greenacres Special Cavalier, Ros Canter (GBR) with Izilot DHI, 66 participants Judging and Officials Ground Jury led by Christina Klingspor (SWE), Technical Delegate: Phillip Surl (GBR) Spectator Experience 600 exhibitors and additional attractions like the Defender Experience Viewing Options Live and on-demand streaming via Burghley TV, 20 subscription Tickets and Membership Available online, with exclusive benefits for members Conclusion Highlights the bond between horses and riders; offers a memorable experience Exploring the Exciting 2024 Burghley CCI5* Event: Competitor Insights and AnticipationsThe 2024 Defender Burghley Horse Trials, taking place from September 5 to 8, 2024, promises to be a seminal event in the equestrian calendar. Held at the Burghley Estate in Stamford, Lincolnshire, UK, this prestigious CCI5* competition stands as a pinnacle of eventing, attracting top competitors and spectators from across the globe.The Venue and HistoryWith a rich history spanning over 60 years, the Burghley Horse Trials began humbly with 19 competitors and 12,000 spectators. Today, it has transformed into a global phenomenon, attracting over 173,000 visitors yearly. The event features more than 600 exhibitors, providing a vibrant atmosphere for all attendees [1].The Competition FormatThe CCI5* competition is a robust test of a horse and rider's all-round ability, consisting of three distinct phases: dressage, cross country, and show jumping [4].DressageTaking place on Thursday and Friday, the dressage phase tests the basic training of the horse, focusing on posture, obedience, and calmness under the rider's command. It's a crucial phase that sets the tone for the competition [4].Cross CountryThe cross-country phase on Saturday remains the most demanding and popular part of the event. With a course designed by Derek di Grazia and his team, featuring over four miles and 30 fences, it challenges the endurance and skill of both horse and rider [4].Show JumpingOn Sunday, the show jumping phase takes the spotlight. Designed by Paul Connor, this phase tests precision, agility, and the partnership between horse and rider. It serves as the final obstacle for competitors aspiring for top positions [4].Competitor InsightsWith a field packed with seasoned competitors, the 2024 Burghley Trials will feature stars like Caroline Powell (NZL) with Greenacres Special Cavalier, and Ros Canter (GBR) with Izilot DHI. Despite some late withdrawals such as Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory, the competition remains highly competitive with 66 participants set to start [4].Judging and OfficialsThe event will be overseen by an esteemed Ground Jury, led by Christina Klingspor (SWE) and her team. The Technical Delegate, Phillip Surl (GBR), along with assistants, will ensure the event is conducted with optimal fairness and safety protocols [4].Spectator ExperienceSpectators at the Burghley Horse Trials are in for a treat, with a diverse lineup of 600 exhibitors offering a unique shopping experience. Additional attractions like the Defender Experience enhance the event's appeal [1].How to WatchFans unable to attend can stream the event live and on-demand through Burghley TV. A 20 subscription offers access to extensive replays and insights from previous years [4].Tickets and MembershipTickets are available online, with membership options providing exclusive benefits such as access to the Members' Restaurant. The official website offers more details on purchasing tickets and memberships [2].ConclusionAnticipation for the 2024 Defender Burghley Horse Trials continues to build. With its rich historical backdrop, challenging competitive phases, and a stellar lineup of competitors, this event is a testament to the incredible bond between horses and riders. Whether attending in person or via live stream, the trials offer an unforgettable experience for all equestrian enthusiasts.For various Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Horse Riding Gloves Collection, be sure to visit Just Horse Riders.```html```

Were hiring! Cafe worker wanted at Wirral Riding Centre Our cafe at WRC is looking for a new team member to help us serve smiles, snacks and drinks to our wonderful visitors, customers and young people!

Key Points Details Ethical Concerns The allure of profits can result in unethical practices that affect both traders and buyers. Culture of Deception Traders may use tactics to inflate prices or hide a horse's ailments. This leads to a "buyer beware" attitude. Legal Framework Legislation like Florida's Rule 5H and the Deceptive Trade Practice Act aim to ensure disclosure of medical and trade history. Common Schemes Issues include secret profits and non-disclosure of medical history, causing financial loss and mistrust. Ethical Implications Lack of trust is prevalent, and horses may suffer due to unsuitable care environments. Consumer Protection Laws provide pathways for victims to pursue damages, deterring unethical practices. Conclusion Transparency and honesty in horse trading are crucial, supported by legal safeguards. The Ethics of Horse Trading: Examining the Consequences of Misleading Sales Practices Horse trading, a centuries-old practice, is often enveloped in a fog of mistrust and deception. At Just Horse Riders, the focus is squarely on ethical trading. However, the allure of a lucrative deal can sometimes lead traders down the path of unethical practices, which can have profound implications for all parties involved. The Culture of Deception in Horse Trading The horse trading world is often seen through the lens of a culture where standard rules are often bent or ignored. Traders may employ numerous tricks to inflate a horse's worth or disguise its ailments. Shocking tactics, like presenting a blind horse only during night-time or concealing scars with a saddle, are all too common (source). Buyer Beware This environment cultivates a "buyer beware" attitude. Often, the stories told in horse trading turn against the buyer, reinforcing the stereotype that honesty is scarce among traders. Legal Frameworks to Combat Deceptive Practices Recent legislative measures aim to curb these dramatic practices through legal intervention. For instance, Florida has introduced Rule 5H to tackle unfair trade practices. This rule compels sellers to disclose a horse's full history, including age, health conditions, and past medical treatments (source). Certain states, including Texas, are using instruments like the Deceptive Trade Practice Act (DTPA) to hold traders accountable for not revealing a horse's veterinary history (source). Common Schemes and Frauds Fraudulent practices in horse trading often involve secret profits and incomplete disclosure of financial arrangements. A classic case involves an agent finding a horse at a lower price, purchasing it with the buyer's money, and then reselling it to the buyer for a higher price. Non-disclosure of Medical History One significant issue is the non-disclosure of a horse's veterinary history or physical condition, which can lead to massive financial losses for buyers and tarnish trust within the equine industry as a whole. Ethical Implications The ethical ramifications of these misleading practices are deep. Unethical horse trading can severely erode the trust between traders and buyers. Worse yet, it establishes an atmosphere where honesty is an outlier, not the rule (source). Impact on Horse Well-being Deceptive sales tactics also adversely affect the horses, which might end up in environments that fail to accommodate their needs, leading to either neglect or abuse. Consumer Protection and Remedies Consumer-protection laws like Florida's Rule 5H offer a pathway to remedies for victims of deceitful trading. Buyers deceived into fraudulent purchases can pursue extensive damages, including legal fees. Role of Legal Deterrents These legal remedies act as deterrents against unethical practices, thereby promoting fair dealings in the equine world. Conclusion In summary, while horse trading isn't inherently unethical, the *misleading tactics commonly used often lead to severe repercussions* for buyers and horses alike. With an understanding of the common schemes and a familiarity with existing legal frameworks, buyers can approach the equine market with confidence. As the equestrian world continues to develop, maintaining high ethical standards and ensuring buyer protection from misleading practices becomes paramount. Transparency, honesty, and enforcement of reliable legal safeguards will ensure horse trading remains a fair, credible, and trustworthy endeavor. To explore ethical equine products, visit our Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Horse Riding Gloves Collection.```html```

Do you want to try something new? Well now is the time! At Wirral Riding Centre we are always trying to be innovative and exciting with what we offer our customers. This month we have already introduced some new and exciting lessons and opportunities for you to trial60 minute Immersive lessons Winter Hack with a mince pie & mulled wine These are available for you to book via our app and a full description is available for you to understand each oneWatch this space because this is only the beginning of new and exciting opportunities

November 19, 2024 Wilmington, OHIO Join us this winter in Wilmington, Ohio, where the 2025 Winter in the Midwest Series will feature 16 weeks of hunter/jumper competition sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF) from December 4, 2024, through April 6, 2025, offering more than $4 million in prize money and awards. Each week of competition will feature family-friendly events, with special holiday-themed activities throughout[...]Read MoreThe post Spend December with Us! What to Expect at WEC Wilmington 2025 Winter in the Midwest appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Going barefoot can benefit hoof health, but consider management realities and athletic circumstances before pulling those shoes.Going barefoot can benefit hoof health, but owners must consider management realities and athletic circumstances before pulling those shoes. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett/The HorseWith todays hectic lifestyle, its no wonder many people pursue a return to a more natural statefrom the food they eat to the products they purchase. This desire for simplicity helps account for the back-to-barefoot trend many horse owners embrace, yet a one-size-fits-all approach rarely applies to hoof care. So what are the pros and cons of barefoot? How should owners best manage their barefoot charges? Lets take a look at the ins and outs of going sans shoes.To Shoe or Not to Shoe?To answer this question, well start by looking at how structures within the hoof are impacted. When the hoof contacts nonsandy ground, the footing that packs into the hoof (known as the dirt plug) stimulates the frog and sole and helps dissipate energy produced by the hoofs impact with the ground, says Robert Bowker, VMD, PhD, professor and head of the Equine Foot Laboratory at Michigan State University, in East Lansing.When barefoot and on a conformable surface, the dirt plug loads the solar part of the hoof, he explains, noting that biomechanics transfer the load directly to the frog, digital cushion (the soft tissue mass at the back of the foot responsible for shock absorption), and bone. In the shod hoof, on the other hand, the majority of the horses weight often (but not always) loads the perimeter hoof walls.Bowker believes only a small percentage of the load should be on the hoof wall, with the sole, frog, and bars bearing the majority of its force. The bone gets stronger by loading from (the) solar surface (sole, frog, and bars) as opposed to being suspended from the hoof wall, where the force is transmitted through connective tissues to the bone, he says. The exact loading, however, depends on the shoes applied and the footing the horse is standing on.Vern Dryden, DVM, CJF, APF, owner of Bur Oak Veterinary and Podiatry Services, in Lexington, Kentucky, explains that an additional physiological benefit of being barefoot is that the hoof capsule can expand naturally. With a shoe, there is some restriction of the normal expansion of the hoof capsule, depending on the type of shoe and the method of application, he says. When shod with a standard steel shoe, the hoof capsule is restricted in those areas where the nails are placedthe further back toward the heel, the less expansion of the heel will occur. He goes on to note that clips and glue-on aluminum shoes further restrict the hoof, whereas polyurethane shoes allow for more give and hoof expansion.So if barefoot offers many benefits, when are shoes necessary or preferred? First, our sources remind us that shoeing serves the purposes of protection, stabilization, and therapeutic applications.Both Dryden and Bowker note that certain disciplines might dictate shoes. So approach each horse as an individual, considering his job and his need for shoes to perform it effectively.The horse in work can wear down the hoof capsule quicker than the rate it is able to reproduce horn, says Dryden. A horse with a therapeutic need would call for some type of shoe application, such as a horse with an abscess in need of a treatment plate or some other hoof capsule distortion which would need stabilization. If a horse is compromised in some aspect, whether it be a laminitic horse, a horse with white line disease, or some other disease process, being barefoot is not necessarily the best thing.Dryden explains that many horses with laminitis (failure of the laminae, or tissues connecting the coffin bone to the hoof wall) can go barefoot if managed correctly, an approach that is routine in his practice; however, severe laminitic cases in which the coffin bone has penetrated the solar surface might require deep digital flexor tenotomy (transecting the tendon surgically to eliminate tendon pull on the coffin bone) and derotational shoeing (to return the coffin bone angle to its original position).When dealing with a hoof disease such as laminitis (without coffin bone penetration of the sole), says Bowker, The horse must be maintained on a conformable surface, such as pea rock or deep sand. You want to unload that portion of the hoof where pain originates.Trimming and TechniquesOne of the downsides to maintaining a horse without shoes, cautions Bowker, is that the horses feet require more frequent management. With the barefoot horse, a lot of people misinterpret it as meaning that the horses foot doesnt need to be trimmed or attended to as frequently, he says. It means just the oppositethe foot should be looked at more frequently. I trim my horses every four to five weeks.If owners dont trim their barefoot charges feet for eight to 10 weeks, the hoof will grow too long. Then you get different structures loading at different times of the cycle; thats when you start to have problems with the hoof, says Bowker.Dryden also encourages owners to maintain a four-week trimming schedule for barefoot horses. But getting the right trim requires an individual approach. There are multiple ways to trim; you have to read the foot, taking knowledge from each methodology and applying it to that horse, Dryden remarks. I dont think theres any one hard and fast rule; not every foot is going to respond the same way every time.Environments EffectExternal factors also play a role in whether your horse can go barefoot successfully. Dryden notes that a sandy or rocky environment can wear a horses hooves down to the point he becomes foot sore and cant withstand the rough terrain. Conversely, in a wet climate, cracks caused by moisture can develop into white line disease, abscesses, or capsular distortions.In order to keep a horse in work and barefoot, the (arena or riding) footing needs to be forgivingfree of rocks and not too abrasive, says Dryden. Otherwise you wont be able to maintain the horse barefoot. You have to be cognizant of your environment; you may need shoes or some sort of application to keep the foot protected. For owners that choose to keep their horses barefoot yet need temporary protection, a wide variety of boots are available.Stabling surface is just as important as riding terrain. Bowker explains that standing barefoot on hard surfaces, such as asphalt or cement, causes discomfort. And while not as obvious, diet is another consideration when horses are barefoot.Owners have to be aware of diet, Bowker remarks. In humans, for instance, diets with high sugar levels can cause secondary diabetes. The same is happening with horses: A diet that is too rich influences the overall health of the hoof (e.g., leading to conditions such as laminitis).Transitioning From ShoesA best-case scenario for barefootedness is a horse that hasnt been shod previously, notes Bowker. But if your horse is shod and youd like to transition him to barefoot, he recommends removing the shoe and beveling (rolling) the hoof around the perimeter. Keep the horse on comfortable surfaces, such as grass or dirt, which hes likely to seek out naturally. The hoof will strengthen and adapt over a period of a few weeks, notes Bowker.Dryden allows a horse to make the barefoot transition when the hoof has adequate sole depth and wall quality. After applying a hoof-hardening product to toughen the solar region, he advises his clients to introduce barefoot turnout first with boots, increasing turnout time without hoof protection gradually.On the other hand, if a horse cannot handle being barefoot and continually comes up lame, Dryden suggests providing protection via shoes as opposed to making him tough it out. When transitioning back to shoes, if the horse does not have enough substantial hoof wall to nail to, you can apply alternative means such as glue-on or synthetic shoes, he says.Take-Home MessageRecent barefoot research includes a 2011 study by Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, Dipl. ACVSMR, MRCVS, in which she evaluated a specific barefoot trims efficacy on horses with underrun heels and found improvements in hoof shape; and a study from the University of Queensland in which scientists evaluated environments effect on feral horses foot morphology. More research, however, is needed to prove the precise benefits of barefoot hoof care.So whether you choose to shoe your horse or have him go barefoot involves answering a variety of questions central to your horses own situation. Bowker notes that horses will run into the same problems whether barefoot or shod if they are not managed properly.Be a knowledgeable horse owner, he says. Be proactive, ask good questions of your veterinarian and farrier. By being knowledgeable about the environment and having an idea of the functional physiology of the foot, you can use these aspects of foot care to your advantage during severe disease conditions, including laminitis and navicular syndrome.