[MJemison]

From my earliest days, hoof-care was pounded into us (horse-owning) kids: "no foot, no horse". Walking is life to a horse. I fear for this one.

[Razz Barry]

As a kid (have not owned a horse in thirty years) I was taught to keep the hooves picked out. Watching RFD TV I see farriers instructing to leave the dirt around the frog to support the hoof. Things sure change in thirty years. I feel so old.

If I ever have another horse, I think I'd leave it unshod and use boots in rough terrain. I think it toughens the hoof like when we go barefoot.