Should I choose rim shoes or concave like eventers?
Ok, so here’s the dilemma. This summer I’m returning to work at a children’s summer camp, and this time I’m taking my personal horse along with me. The camp has no arena, just a fenced-off area of grass that is on a slight slope. Last year we had several horses stumble and even fall towards the end of the summer. In July they typically get little rain and the ground is like concrete. All the horses had 2 front shoes. Even at the walk I could see each hoof hit the ground and more often than not slide a couple inches before coming to a rest. It was dangerous. I want to keep my own horse in work and be able to use the camp’s horses safely.
My farrier suggested studs, which are going to be too expensive and time-consuming for camp. We briefly considered drive-in studs but I’m concerned about wear and tear on tendons and joints. Plus if we put the horses in hind shoes with studs in a group turnout situation, YIKES! My farrier said he’s had little luck with tungsten nails, so that’s out. Looks like my choices are to go with the eventers, or a rim shoe. My farrier had no preference- he said he’s order whatever I wanted. I have no clue! Which would you choose, and why?
Muddy conditions are rarely a problem. It’s hard-packed dirt and grass, and a slight downhill slant to the arena. Hind hooves seemed to be slipping more than fronts (maybe because horses were barefoot behind last year???). One horse did have 4 shoes and seemed slightly better off. HELP!
-Angela Rary
