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.
I keep thinking of the song I posted for Barbaro when it first happened - picturing him as a tiny colt, just learning to stand up - and fall down - and stand back up - "on wobbly knees". He really was born in western Kaintuck, too.
Now it's wobbly feet, but man, he sure got to "join in the dance" for a few brief shining moments!
A big thank you to Dan Fogelberg ...
~~~~
RUN FOR THE ROSES
Born in the valley
And raised in the trees
Of Western Kentucky
On wobbly knees
With mama beside you
To help you along
You'll soon be a growing up strong.
All the long, lazy mornings
In pastures of green
The sun on your withers
The wind in your mane
Could never prepare you
For what lies ahead
The run for the roses so red --
And it's run for the roses
As fast as you can
Your fate is delivered
Your moment's at hand
It's the chance of a lifetime
In a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined
In the dance
It's high time you joined
In the dance --
From sire to sire
It's born in the blood
The fire of a mare
And the strength of a stud
It's breeding and it's training
And it's something unknown
That drives you and carries
You home.
And it's run for the roses
As fast as you can
Your fate is delivered
Your moment's at hand
It's the chance of a lifetime
In a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined
In the dance
It's high time you joined
In the dance --
~~~~
Love you, Dancing Barbaro!