Curly Horse Resource: Hypoallergenic Curly Horses, Bashkir Curly Horses, American Curly Horses & Curly Sport horses.

The 2007 BAREFOOT Challenge!

UPDATE! OCTOBER 2007 - I was compelled to try the barefoot trim on my horses! READ MY STORY!

If you use the new "barefoot trimming" method and claim your Curly Horse can be ridden hundreds of miles without shoes - I would like to challenge you in 2007. So far, I have "heard" your horse "can" do unlimited miles barefoot using this trimming method, but so far I have not seen proof --- so it's time to "show me the proof" or is it "show me the Hoof!!" LoL.

Make me a believer as well as many others Curly Horse Country readers!! I say this, because I have been a long time advocate for a barefooted curly horse. I have owned curlies for more than 10 years and have never had to shoe any of them, BUT I also never put many lots miles on them either --- that is, until 2 years ago. I started riding aggressively (approx. 150 miles per month - all trail miles) and found within 6 weeks, I had no choice but to put shoes on my gelding Reese. He was never sore or tender...his toes just filed right down to nothing. I fought it like a pro to think of a way I could avoid shoes, let me tell you! I even tried boots but because they didn't fit properly I worried about pulled tendons and sores. With much decision, I opted to put shoes on him. The past two years he gets shoes in June and they are removed in September. He can go barefoot all winter long without any problems. When the farrier removed his shoes last fall, Reese had wore down the toes of his metal shoes -- so I can't imagine any horse going a full season of riding hard without having something on his feet to protect them. I will be watching this challenge closely!

I will keep this page updated for anyone participating and any notes that the riders wish to post along the way.

SO, here is your Challenge:

1. You must ride your horse a Minimum of 100 miles per month and at least 3 consecutive months. (How many hours in the saddle moving forward X 4 = miles logged. Example: 2 hours on the trail X 4 = 8 miles.).

2.. Take pictures before and after to document wear of your horse's feet.

3.. You can not use boots of any kind. And riding in the snow is also not an accurate test as it is protects the feet as well. So, for this to be accurate, spring, summer & fall months are preferred.

4.. Arena miles and trail miles are not created equal, so please document where your miles were logged.

Trail miles for a true assessment.

Cindy Chaney and her BAREFOOT Gelding Braveheart....on the trail. I love this video. She is showing the rough terrain her gelding has to ride on as well as the condition of his feet. I must say, this is the strongest case I have seen for barefoot riding....there just may be hope for me becoming a believer. lol.

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