Brena iron-free

Yesterday Helen the trimmer paid a visit. Brena's shoes were removed and barefoot hoof care commenced.

It was an interesting exercise on a very windy day when gusts scurried down the length of the barn, leaves blew, doors banged and people came in wet from the rain.

Brena fidgeted, leant on the trimmer, snatched feet away and generally behaved like a bit of a punk. Then the big mare realised that the lady removing shoes and trimming was quiet and kind. Once this realisation sunk in Brena's demeanour changed. She began to lift her feet nicely and behave well.

 In fact Brena's feet rated fairly well for those newly barefoot. My impression was that her feet look appreciably better than when I first met her in October last year. Her toes are a little long but not unduly so. (Front feet measured 17cm long by 15.5cm wide, that's 6.7" by 6.1". These may be expected to shorten slightly in which case Doru's Old Mac G2 boots - size 10, the largest - will fit.) Her heels are not collapsed and her frogs are not contracted.

After trimming we walked Brena about outside. She walked quite happily across the gravel yard suggesting that recent trims had removed relatively little sole. (The trimmer thinks that she may gain a little sensitivity as she becomes used to being barefoot.)

Of course in this foul weather I haven't managed to take any fresh pictures. So here's a shot of Brena in Tuscany. I shall have to promise her warmth and sunshine for next year. (I'd like to promise myself these things!)

So my new horse and I are forging ahead. We're learning about one-another. Her feet are being transitioned to the best possible health. I'm getting back into the habit of riding. Indeed I am getting used to a horse who is both kind and energetic, affectionate and egocentric.

I have a sense that Brena and I really are a good match.

Comments

[funder]

Wow, she is SO drafty!

Dixie's feet are just over 12 cm wide and long - maybe 12.3 wide and 12.7 long? And lordy mercy does she look like she has huge clunkers next to an Arab. 17 cm long is IMPRESSIVE.

[Jess]

great news Julian! Im going to try and get our remaining horses barefoot now, have found a barefoot trimmer at Montaione (next town), which should also help with the dramas of getting Dali shod. I always wanted to keep him barefoot as he had lived 7 years semi wild without ever seeing a hoof pick let alone shoes... so now will try and get him back to that condition.
Brenas farrier for the last year (since we moved) was very good compared to the average Italian hoof specialist. He was tried many different things with her feet, which the last guy was always too lazy to attempt, but even he said she would probably go better barefoot... so good luck :)

She can be a rascal with shoeing, I often would laugh at Paolo cursing at her for leaning on him while he was trimming etc...and shes no lightweight either :)

Very very happy alls going well, I will forward your blog to Jana so that she can pass it on to Brenas former owner (who wont understand a word, but will like the pics anyhow).

Give her a big cuddle for me... theres a brena size whole in the stables without her!!

[Mikey]

She looks great! I think you found a really nice horse. Can't wait to read more about your rides.