Thoroughbreds can't go barefoot they have genetically bad feet ;-)

Early May 2011

Mid August 2011

Except time and again TB's are proving this common misconception just isn't true. 

This TB had 'typical TB hooves'. Just check out the bull nose in the May photo. By mid August same year the bull nose is halfway grown out. At this stage because the owner was otherwise occupied the horse was a pasture ornament, all that was changed was the diet (shoes had been removed shortly before May photo). If the horse had been exercising I'm pretty sure the bull nose would have grown out faster. The horse is now a competent barefooter, declared very sound by vets and turns his hoof to dressage, jumping and eventing.  Oh he hacks out on roads too...........

Speed of growth - how fast is fast enough, matching wear to growth

Rule of thumb, 1cm every four weeks.  Horses with compromised hooves may grow slower.  Some can grow a lot faster.

Photos below are six weeks apart.  Due to adverse weather horse has had virtually no exercise and limited turnout.

Note the event line on the side views and note the decontraction in the solar view.

Left hind 04 12 10

Left hind 09 01 11



Left hind 04 12 10



Left hind 09 01 11