I agree and asked the same question. They don’t want anything standing in the way of our “colts” having a smooth start, like sore feet. If we had been working them up to carrying our weight for 5+ hours a day, their feet may be ready, but since most of us haven’t been working then with weight on their backs, for hours for 11 days in a row, their feet will get sore. It only takes one sore foot for an animal to have to drop out, or for them to get a bad attitude about the work. Shoeing them for this clinic will help prevent problems. I talked to my farrier, (who appreciates that I keep our horses barefoot), about shoeing him and he said not to worry about it and go ahead. He said I wouldn’t have any problem going back to barefoot with him, since he has great hooves and health.
Evie
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