I'm considering getting a horse It would live on 5 acres of grass and would be ridden there would it needshoes

Question

oh and i forgot to say only front shoes....or maybe not even any, mustangs i've read need none...

Also what type of turnout rug should i use...i wanna find the best..

People please do not get angry with me, i'm an advanced western rider(i've got pics) and haven't placed lower than 2nd in shows.

Will everybody just stop being snots! I've heard they need the shoes for grass from some and they don't need them for grass from others. I know not to ride on gravel or roads without them having shoes, and the ground where i live is full of moist green grass and when its plain ground its so soft i walk on it barefoot all day! So stop being snobs and help me with my question! I didn't ask for critics!

Answer 1

Shoes should only be required if your horse has bad feet/leg problems. They are used to help the horse maintain correct angles on his hooves to help with the turn-over of joints or if his feet tend to break apart easily.

Answer 2

If it is only grass, I would say no- but it depends on the individual horse. Some don't need any,even on really hard ground, but some can't go without shoes. Horses feet are as variable as a persons. Once you get your horse, have a farrier out to look at the feet and he should give you some idea. It's good to plan to pay for shoes, just in case.

As far as rugs go- it depends on where you are and the climate. Most saddlery shops will help to give you an idea of what rugs are required when, etc. you will need to change the rugs as the weather changes.

Cottons are only any good in summer to keep the flies off and to stop the hair from burning and loosing it's colour. Canvas' are good to keep the wind and rain off, but don't offer much warmth. Some people prefer the synthetics, as you can get various levels of fill to keep the horse warmer and cooler. you can get up to 300grams of fill where I am, but that would probably be different if it snows where you are. To get an idea of different rugs available you can go to the brands websites, I find they are helpful. One that I found good was www.weatherbeata.com

Answer 3

I would find the horse that you want to buy, and then have a farrier and a vet discuss what is best for that particular horse. Most horses that are ridden on grass or trails do not have to be shod, unless there is a medical reason for corrective shoeing. Horses are supposed to live on grassy plains, so their hooves are meant to handle trails, hard packed dirt, and even small amounts of pavement.

If you intend to do any showing, or riding on pavement, you may need at least front shoes. The best thing is to ask the vet and farrier, as well as what the previous owner has done.

Answer 4

Whether or not your horse needs shoes is not determined by whether it will be ridden or live on 5 acres of grass. It is determined by the individual horse. Horses all have different hooves, and some are more sensitive than others. And just because you felt the need to tell us you've never gotten below 2nd has nothing at all to do with owning a horse.

If you are going to own a horse, you are going to need to get over your ego. Really, it's too much to have a 1200 pound animal AND 1200 pound ego.

Answer 5

Babes I dont care what you say about your placings and western riding - you could be the best rider in the world - but if you need to ask the questions you're asking about basic horse care - I dont think you deserve to own one.
I mean come on - even the most basic of riders understands the need for shoes on a horse being ridden, be it on grass or road.
Please consider carefully before you buy this horse. ESPECIALLY if you go ahead and buy the blind mare you mentioned in your other question -if its only for a pet - yes, if you think you can ride her - ummm no.
Maybe go on a few courses in horsecare before you become an owner - and remember - once you own a horse - your money and time are no longer your own!
Good luck

Answer 6

Well that all depends, Does the acres have hills? lots of rocks or does it have not so much even ground? Mustangs are tough. You should really have any problems with barefoot. Just make sure you do regular trimming and the horse gets shod. Other then that if the land is pretty uneven has lots of rock ect.. then I would put shoes on.

Answer 7

In winter the horse will slip on the grass with shoes on and wreck the field i'd talk to a well established farrier about what he thinks. I personally would have a full set of shoes to protect damaged soles and i would be doing roadwork aswell think about how you would feel if you were told to walk on a hard floor with no shoes on how much your feet would hurt.

Answer 8

well, if you were only riding it on grass in light work then it wouldn't need shoes, but usually to have a bit of fun on a horse e.g: cantering and galloping and jumping, it would need shoes to prevent the impact from damaging it and casuing it to go lame. Shoes are not a must but would be better for both you and your horse. maybe you could only shoe him when you were considering doing a lot of riding on hard ground.

Answer 9

My horse at the mo only wears front shoes. I think you need to seriously do your homework b4 u decide. Some PPL are pro-shoes others are not. I personally am having shoes put on the back so he has a full set. They say the shoes cause more concussion injuries dont they? But I am a fan of its its not broke- dont fix it

Answer 10

Shoes are to protect the delecate areas of the horses hoof, even on grass the hoof wears away and causes the horse to limp. Be nice to the horse