Shoes on dales in the show ring?

[cheekycharlie]

Hi,

I just wondered if any of you have your dales with shoes on for the showering and if it helped the more upknee action?

[colmworthdales]

I believe some of the 'old-timers' used to put shoes on quite young animals to try to improve action, but not many people shoe youngsters these days. In my view it is a waste of money on expensive shoeing, can cause accidents in the field when the young ponies are playing, shoes are often left on their feet too long so cause problems with overgrown hoof wall, and it probably does not help their knee action!

If it is a ridden pony and you normally ride it without being shod, I would not bother to put shoes on just for showing. On the other hand, if the pony is shod, then that is fine.

Down to individual preference in the end.

[yanny]

I don't show so I Can't help with show experience, but I personally don't see why anyone would shoe a horse that doesn't need it (it's more expensive, hurts more if they tread on your foot, causes more damage if they kick, can make the hoof more susceptible to infection, makes the hoof wall weaker, takes away the shock absorbany of the frog...etc.etc. the list goes on!) especially a young horse, and Dales ponies are known for having good feet!

I may be biased as I'm a barefoot fan! But seriously don't get why people shoe horses when it's unnecessary!