Apparently Cody has an aversion to his right front shoe – or at least to wearing it for longer than 7 weeks at a time. This is the second shoe job in a row that he’s pulled his right shoe off two weeks before he was due to have it replaced anyway. He did a real number on it this time, twisting it off in ways shoes are not supposed to twist. Luckily he didn’t hurt himself in the process.
My theory is that since he didn’t have a chance to do any Christmas shopping he decided to give me the shoe off his foot, literally. Our fantastic farrier was nice enough to squeeze us in on December 23rd and come by to pull off Cody’s other three shoes and give him a quick trim. He’ll be back January 4th to pull Whiskey’s as well.
While some horses can stand to be shoed year round, and others never wear shoes, our farrier recommends that we shoe our two in the summer to ride the often rocky trails and give their hooves a barefoot break in the winter. Our winter weather is hard on hooves with constant wet/dry cycles and mud to suck off shoes. Plus, barefoot time strengthens their hoof wall and is good for the soles of their feet (increased blood circulation).
Of course, it would have been better if he’d kept his shoes until after we did our holiday riding as when you pull shoes they need a week or two for their feet to toughen up before you ride them on gravel or other rough ground. So Cody’s Christmas present from me? New galoshes (way cheaper at the farm store) for his front feet so that he could go for a ride with us on Christmas eve (crappy phone pic below) and again on New Year’s day.
While I love riding in summer, I’m finding that I love riding on sunny winter days even more. Spending Christmas eve with the horses and good friends (hi Shelli & Todd!) was a great way to celebrate the year that we’ve had and the joy we’ve found in our new four-legged friends.
*****
Possibly Related posts (newest to oldest):
It sounds like Cody is quite a character. I’m glad he was able to go with you on your holiday rides anyway (which sound awesome and now I want a pony even more than I did when I was 5).
PS – I learned so much about horses and shoes just reading this post (I’m a city girl). Thanks
Nice iPhone pic~
It looks like a gorgeous day to ride. Hope the New Year’s ride is a good one!!
Merry Christmas
Dad
I so agree about the recent weather. We have taken lots of long hikes and it’s just been perfectly cold and sunny. No bugs, no dust, no sweat, just stunning views and fun bundling up in clothes. No mud even! Looks like the wet stuff is making a return so I’m glad we enjoyed the crystalline weather while we had it. Happy holidays! Bonnie
Patricia :: doesn’t every little girl want a pony? Cody certainly keeps us on our toes…
Dad :: Thanks! Love ya.
Bonnie :: yeah, I am definitely coming to prefer cold and clear over warm and rainy. Hope you had a great holidays!