Shod yearlings at the Spring Show

[admin]

I was shocked last night to hear that some yearlings had shoes on at the Spring Show.

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY???

How can they develop the wonderful open tough Dales hoof if it's being trapped in a metal shoe when it should be growing???

I honestly can see no good reason to shoe a yearling (medical reasons apart).

What is going on??

A very grumpy

Olivia

[harleydales]

I don't agree with shoeing youngsters either - H wasn't shod until he was 5. Their feet can't possibly grow properly if they are shod, unless, as you say, it's for remedial purposes.

[jakesmum]

Presume the weight of shoes exagerates the knee action

[bevbob]

I felt quite shocked at it too Olivia. It suprised me really.

[greydales]

I reckon it has to be a 'traditional' thing, and weighted shoes are often used to exaggerate the knee action - have seen it many times in Morgan classes! But at one year old the feet are still growing and changing shape, I wouldn't do it. None of mine are shod and I hope to keep it that way if I can!

[ponyfanlesley]

I don't think it's right either. I understand it's a traditional thing that some of the old farmers do to improve their trot. Far too young as yearlings to have shoes on. Mine won't ever have to go through that! I have to say though, there must be some very understanding farriers up in the north to manage the job of putting the shoes on! I would love to see my farrier's face if I presented him with a yearling to shoe - he doesn't like anything that won't stand still or behave itself! Or maybe the farmers do it themselves with brute force and a few burly men holding them down? I was amazed to see the thickness of shoes as well - like really heavy cart horse ones!!

[harleydales]

My farrier wouldn't do it, for all the money in the world. He refuses to shoe Clydesdales the 'traditional' way as it ruins their feet and hocks.

Maybe you're right Lesley, they do it themselves.

[Deleted]

I agree, babies shouldn't be shod. Nothing should be shod until it is of riding age unless it has leg or foot problems.

[shirlnjazz]

Aww thats just not right, I would'nt do it either till 4 or 5 but i want to keep mines as barefoot as possible, not sure though how it will work out as I like a lot of hacking

[bella]

I do think it is very bad and would never ever do it myself; however they are only worn for the show day, most people take them off afterwards.

[DalesLady]

Goodness me, its a lot of effort to go to for one day isn't it?
I wouldn't do it to mine by the way!

[dalesponyrider]

Even if it's only done on the show day, it can't exactly help them have a good experience at their first show can it?

Surely by "helping" the trot along like this, it can only encourage a more exagerated up and down movement rather than a ground covering movement?

Not something I would like to do or condone.

[manorian]

My blacksmith wouldn't do it either. It not only stops the feet growing naturally it also puts pressure on the tendons. Mischief had front shoes on at 21/2 because she was ruining her feet pawing at feed times. He wouldn't agree to do them until after he had seen what she had done. I think they should be sent out of the ring when shod as yearlings. How can anyone warrant ruining a ponies feet and legs for a 50p rosette.

[Daftmare]

Personally find it disgusting that any horse below riding age is shod! What irritates me even more is the judges allow it, I'm afraid if it was me judging it certainly wouldnt go in the ponies favour. It annoys me just as much that a shod pony will beat an unshod pony 9 times out of 10 when the unshod pony probably has much better feet. In a breed where the feet are all important why is this?

[khristyne]

That cant be right!! imagine the strain on their weak tendons and ligaments whilst they are still growing so quickly. I think they should be put down the line to discourage the practice.