Pads provide protection against potential bruising. Pads may have extreme negative effects if put on an existing bruised horse. Interfering limbs can be helped with improved riding skill, conditioning of horse, and routine farrier work. Protective boots are recommended during these times of need. Most farriers recommend anywhere from 6-8 weeks varying among each horse each season.
Most healthy horses can be barefoot if they are in a controlled environment.
This choice can be hard. A consistently sound horse is a Farrier's walking billboard. 2000 Bryan Farcus. All rights reserved. Bryan Farcus, certified farrier and head of the Department of Farrier Science at Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre, has been combining the skills of horseshoeing, teaching and riding for the past ten years.