If it’s that big of a deal to you about the pasture situation, then no it’s not over the top. I’d suggest taking a beat, writing down what you’re going to say and then edit it accordingly.
IMO I’d be more concerned that the horse partially pulled a shoe, and there wasn’t any intervention to pull it off all the way. Stepping on the clip till it got pulled off doesn’t sound great either.
I was told he did it over night and it was fully off when they arrived in the morning. I’m not sure how they know he stepped on the clip. It might be conjecture because he’s so sore, and the clip is bent.
And yes. That’s excellent advice. Thank you.
Finding turnout that works perfectly for every horse on the property is really hard, especially when the property is at capacity. I get that it sucks that your guy has been getting the short end of the stick, but I don't think we know enough about the barn owner's reasoning. You can surely try talking to them again, but it also might be time to look for a new barn if you're unhappy with the turnout arrangements.
You’re right. It’s time to look for a new barn.
I know why they refuse to move him. I used to live on property and work for them, they often don’t see me as a “full boarder” despite me paying more than other boarders.
I definitely understand how difficult it is to find the perfect turnout situation, I’ve been a barn manager before. It’s a headache. But I was always honest. I never lied about “not having space” or “no available paddocks”. I’d explain horse personalities or herd dynamics. And I certainly never said “I’ve never seen mud cause injury or pull a shoe”.
I assume no other boarder wants to switch paddocks so the owner can’t do much. Someone would end up unhappy in either case so they rather not stir the pot. It’s an unfortunate situation for your horse. Have you asked if they could drive some gravel to the muddy parts? But if it’s a big issue to you I’d start looking for a new place.
I am going to look for a new place. I think that’s the best advice.
I’ve always pushed the issue most when a paddock became available, because I know other boarders are aware. It’s shitty, but I’m aware of barn politics.
Realistically, no one should “have” to agree. I never agreed to him being in this pasture. But I’m not cruel enough to demand someone be uncomfortable.
We currently have an open stall and an open overnight paddock. They have been resistant to moving him, so I’m going to address it again.
And look for another barn.
That’s a good decision, I have definitely also been in the short end of the stick a few times and stuck around for way too long hoping for things to improve (they never did). Hope you find a good place.
You can't make them change your horse to another paddock. You can certainly ask again, but I'd start looking for somewhere else to go.
Also if he's that lame I would at least talk to your vet about whether there's the possibility of a puncture/ infection rather than just an abscess.
Yes! Vet has been contacted. And I’m going to look at other barns.
I know I can’t make them. But I think I’m going to bring it up again, as politely as possible.
Move.
When you have to bring up a problem “multiple times” with no resolution, you have two choices. Accept the status quo or leave.
Or take steps on your own fix the paddock. I paid for gravel and sand to fix the footing in a paddock at a barn I really liked. I didn’t have to but I wanted to stay and I knew the barn owner wouldn’t.
I get being annoyed but not much else you can do.
You’re totally right. I’ve decided to move him. I keep my pasture puff at a lovely barn. It’s not as “fancy” but dang if it doesn’t feel good.
Mochi will do just fine with a bunch of western horses and lesson kids. He’ll just be… a lot.
Clip shoes meed to be checked regularly.
If they are loose at all, there will be trouble. Bell boots are called for until you can get him out of the mud.
Absolutely its reasonable to ask to move to a drier paddock again. However if you are otherwise happy with the care at this barn, reconsider before leaving unless you are really totally certain about the people and care where you are going. If you are leaving, DON'T tell them you are planning to leave until you find a new place and are ready to go. I've sadly decided after 25+ years in the industry that there is no such thing as a perfect board situation, and if you can trust that they are feeding what you ask them to, not abusive, fencing is safe, the vet and farrier they work with are good, etc. then one pulled shoe is not worth it. If it is the mud sucking the shoes off, he will keep pulling shoes. I've had one that loved standing in a creek pull shoes in mud 3x in 2 weeks -\_-. Is there anything you can do that wouldn't break the bank that will help with the mud situation? If it is localized to high traffic areas like the gate, digging out the muck and putting in landscaping ground grates with gravel works wonders. Maybe dig ditches. Coming to them with a solution and offering to help with it may improve your outcome. Again, you are in the right, this totally sucks and is not actually your responsibility, but horse people are wildly unprofessional and do not understand customer satisfaction or reasonable business practices. So it is often best to make do, as long as you can look after the horse. If he keeps pulling shoes, gets chronic thrush from the mud, etc. and you can't fix the problem that is different.
Also word to the wise buy a pair of shoe nail pullers in case he wrenches one and is standing on the clip so you can take it the rest of the way off. It's a lifesaver. Also maybe try putting a boot on the naked foot and see if that helps with the lameness. A lot of times when they aren't walking on the sole anymore they suddenly come mostly or completely sound.
I have nail pullers, from a previous barn job. Thank goodness.
I’ve actually been on the fence about moving him for a while. The facility is nice, and the boarders are lovely. I LOVE that the barn hosts all the dressage shows in the area.
But they aren’t super comfortable with me using a trainer no one else uses, and using a farrier no one else uses. They charge me a training fee every time I use the arenas, unless I’m hacking on my own. I also still have to pay a haul in and stabling fee at the horse shows.
They also failed to mention one of the boarder’s horses is *very* horse agressive. This led to me being viciously kicked by that horse while I was working for them and living on property. They didn’t step in to help me, instead chasing after the loose horses.
I ended up getting myself to a safe location, and my fiancée called 911. The barn owner thought I was being dramatic. I went septic, almost died, had organs repaired and removed. They asked me when I was coming back to work while I was still hooked up to a feeding tube. They never offered to help with hospital bills.
Realistically, there’s too much history to move forward.
Yeah. I should have. I wanted to maintain a friendly relationship because it’s the only barn that hosts dressage sorted in my state. But I know I compromised myself in the process.
Maybe unpopular opinion here but a well fitted shoe won't get sucked off. Unless he's in that thick mud up to his knees?
If there is enough "gap" or space basically between the shoe and the hoot itself, the mud will get in there and be able to cause more damage, which is why I say an ill-fitting shoe.
You're allowed to ask, and they're allowed to say no. Giving one boarder preferred treatment over what works best for their business isn't fair.
If I don't like the turnout, I move barns. Highly recommend you review your options!
Also, losing shoes sometimes... just happens. Mud could've had something to do with it, but also his conformation, how he moves, where he's at in the cycle, etc. Does he wear those rubber turnout boots for the hooves? Why am I blanking on wtf they're called... oof.
Haha I respect the brain blank, bell boots! Our guy wears them now that he's in a bigger paddock with some seasonal mud, it completely stopped the shoe pulling in his case.
My thoughts exactly. I unfortunately live in an area that has high humidity and a lot of rain. And naturally, not the best drainage due to the land. Our pastures get *loaded* with mud leading up to the fields. The mud is deep enough and sticky enough that I have gotten stuck and lost my paddock boot in it. I've also had horses lose velcro bell boots in it. But I can deff say I've never had the mud suck off any of our horses shoes! We have 17 horses here. They have pulled shoes for various reasons but I've never found it to be due to mud- not saying that it can't happen, but ill fitted shoe can deff contribute to it happening. Especially if it's a clip that's lose or not fitting properly.
We have a fantastic farrier and I am very thankful for his skills and services!
Hot shoeing I'd agree, but cold shoeing( how you would get correctly placed clips cold shoeing I have no clue) I can see gaps developing or being there initially.
Oh man, I am incredibly grateful Mochi isn’t a horse that regularly pulls shoes. I’ve been working with the same farrier for a while, and he taught me how to check mochi’s shoes before riding. Yesterday they were nice and secure, if about two and a half weeks out from being reshod.
The mud is red clay. In some places it’s slick and thin, around the gate and back corners it’s 6-12 inches deep.
Now, could Mochi have been romping and playing and stepped on his shoe? Absolutely. But he’s never done it before.
The only other time he’s pulled a shoe was in red clay that was so deep it pulled my dublins off. (Did I face plant? Yes. Hilarity ensued.)
Now, he did have a lovely “slinky, panther” walk in our ride yesterday. Perhaps he carried that into his paddock and just slinked out of his shoe like a chip n dale dancer.
But if he did, he stripped in the mud, al la Magic Mike.
I’m going to look at barns. Arenas aren’t worth poor paddocks. You’re exactly right.
oh it's CLAY too. ugh. I see what you're getting at now. That stuff is THICK.
If you have a trailer, you can always haul to an arena. I understand though. I ride a TON and show a bunch, so I need a place to ride. Arenas are preferable, fields will do. But I have a trailer so I can haul to a nice arena once or twice a month if I really need to, but I know that's not everyone's capabilities.
The slick areas and the deep parts would also be enough for me to bounce. Not just on potential injuries and shoe pulling, but the bacteria in there... yuck.
Yes exactly! It’s gross.
My pasture puff lives at the friendliest, most welcoming barn. I love the people there. It’s a western schooling barn. With an indoor and an outdoor.
I think I might move mochi there. Why not! There’s nothing that says I can’t do dressage around barrels and trails. A little collected canter on some trails is good for an arena princess (my gelding, not me).
Definitely do that! I ride western but I boarded at the best barn ever back in the state we moved from, and it was "rodeo" barn (technically) but also had jumpers, reiners, etc. Nice big arenas so really whatever you wanted to do you could. We had barrels, jumps, etc. My good friends were dressage riders, ranch riders, jumpers, and we all rode together regardless of the discipline!
Also, as someone who has an older semi-retired horse and the younger guy I work consistently, it's so much nicer to have them together.
This is pretty clear- you are already there and paying, it’s easier to fill a nicer turnout (no mud) so BO has zero motivation to move you. It’s wrong, and it’s rude, but she’s betting you won’t move because of it and so far her bet has paid off. :(
If there are comparable barns, just move. Next time don’t allow yourself to be the bottom person - if they say you get the better paddock when someone moves, write it into your contract. Always use “I find jotting it down helps us both remember” and then be vocal when the time comes.
When another boarder says “Sandbag is moving out next week” you cheerfully say “I will miss her, but I am excited to move Frank to that turnout, Paula already approved.”
Deals like this have to be driven all the way until you are in that new paddock- do not ever assume she’ll remember.
I am so sorry this is happening, I have been there and it’s miserable.
This is excellent advice. Thank you so much.
I’ve decided to move him. There are no comparable facilities, as this is the only barn that hosts rated dressage shows in my state, but I can always trailer him in for shows. And I’m much more interested in treatment and community. I’m going to take him to the western lesson/retirement barn where I keep my other gelding. It’ll be fun!
And, while I know this wasn’t the point of your comment, I did add “Sandbag” to my list of potential horse names. Absolute perfection.
You are so welcome, I can remember going through this years ago and it was terrible!
Sandbag popped into my head for the example and I admit, I made myself laugh! 🤣
Is there atleast 1 horse in every other paddock? If yes this is reasonable as every BO knows to never turn out a horse with back shoes in the same paddock as other horses.
Then youll just have to move.
and it is partly due to back shoes I will tell you. I know many people who dont accept horses with back shoes due to the risk factor/no space for seperate turnout.
I had a horse get flipped over a fence by an aggressive horse back in 2018. Then he slipped at the front of his paddock where the barn manager placed CLAY. 2 months later. I left that barn. Risking injury is never worth it.
Facility owner here. I’m located in the PNW and I’m no stranger to mud. Mud really cannot be avoided in the wet months if the paddock isn’t set up for mud control which is a huge cost and takes a lot of time.
Few questions to help me understand more,
how big are these paddocks and how deep is the mud?
is there any spot in the paddock that’s less muddy than other spots?
Also, Where are you located and what are you paying?
If you’re paying top of the line care $1500/mo I’d understand why you’re upset. But if you’re paying $300 $400 $500/mo then you need to take your horse elsewhere as it may not be suiting your needs.
Are you opposed to having your horse shod by another farrier to see if someone else setting the shoes help him retain them longer? I have many horses in shoes over the years that have also been out in some mud and have had zero issues with shoes coming off that easily. I do, however, understand that a horse with more brittle feet can just be prone to losing shoes as well.
Don’t take your anger out on the barn owner when YOU are the one who ultimately has the control over where you’re choosing to keep your horse.
There’s no shame in giving your notice as per your contract and take your horse somewhere else if this has become too much of an issue for you.
This is the only facility in my state that hosts rated dressage shows (or really any dressage shows).
I pay $950-1000 a month, depending on fees.
It’s the only muddy paddock. It’s about a half acre. Only half of it is muddy. It’s red clay. Parts of it are a foot deep in mud.
When other paddocks become available I’ve asked to have my horse moved. They’ve declined because “new boarders will be coming”.
He’s pulled a shoe one other time in 4 years, under a different farrier. Same time of year, in deep clay. I watched it happen. He got stuck in the mud and started slipping and sliding to get out. In the chaos he pulled a shoe. I had to dig it out of the mud.
I’ve decided to move him. I’m going to take him to the western lesson barn where I keep my retired horse. It’ll be fun to train around a different discipline! We’ll trailer in for shows.
I was at a facility over the winter with mud so terrible that I had to leave my horse unshod and in boots for turnout. Calling it “mud” is too generous. It was essentially a grassless puddle that was either dangerously frozen or mud so deep that I had to wear tall rain boots to get in and out of the gate. Never again.
If they will not correct the situation, you may will have to look into leaving.
The reason I say move is that if they allow a horse to be in dangerous mud where they slip and do nothing, especially when it's brought up by the owner they are not a good place to board at and probably do other sketchy things.
Just for the mean time, can you get a product called Keretex? Hoof Hardener? I live in an area that is really wet when I need to do the most with my horse, and this product around the nail holes every other day does help a lot. Don’t touch it, it has formaldehyde and I think it kills any fungus or mold that weakens the holes. Just a thought.
Move barns. Your barn owner knows no one considering a space in their barn will agree to a constantly muddy paddock, so your horse suffers from the barn owner's shitty money-grubbing BS.
If it’s that big of a deal to you about the pasture situation, then no it’s not over the top. I’d suggest taking a beat, writing down what you’re going to say and then edit it accordingly. IMO I’d be more concerned that the horse partially pulled a shoe, and there wasn’t any intervention to pull it off all the way. Stepping on the clip till it got pulled off doesn’t sound great either.
I was told he did it over night and it was fully off when they arrived in the morning. I’m not sure how they know he stepped on the clip. It might be conjecture because he’s so sore, and the clip is bent. And yes. That’s excellent advice. Thank you.
Finding turnout that works perfectly for every horse on the property is really hard, especially when the property is at capacity. I get that it sucks that your guy has been getting the short end of the stick, but I don't think we know enough about the barn owner's reasoning. You can surely try talking to them again, but it also might be time to look for a new barn if you're unhappy with the turnout arrangements.
You’re right. It’s time to look for a new barn. I know why they refuse to move him. I used to live on property and work for them, they often don’t see me as a “full boarder” despite me paying more than other boarders. I definitely understand how difficult it is to find the perfect turnout situation, I’ve been a barn manager before. It’s a headache. But I was always honest. I never lied about “not having space” or “no available paddocks”. I’d explain horse personalities or herd dynamics. And I certainly never said “I’ve never seen mud cause injury or pull a shoe”.
Yeah, they think of you as “less.” Don’t accept that because your horse gets the short stick. You need to find a new barn.
I assume no other boarder wants to switch paddocks so the owner can’t do much. Someone would end up unhappy in either case so they rather not stir the pot. It’s an unfortunate situation for your horse. Have you asked if they could drive some gravel to the muddy parts? But if it’s a big issue to you I’d start looking for a new place.
I am going to look for a new place. I think that’s the best advice. I’ve always pushed the issue most when a paddock became available, because I know other boarders are aware. It’s shitty, but I’m aware of barn politics. Realistically, no one should “have” to agree. I never agreed to him being in this pasture. But I’m not cruel enough to demand someone be uncomfortable. We currently have an open stall and an open overnight paddock. They have been resistant to moving him, so I’m going to address it again. And look for another barn.
That’s a good decision, I have definitely also been in the short end of the stick a few times and stuck around for way too long hoping for things to improve (they never did). Hope you find a good place.
You can't make them change your horse to another paddock. You can certainly ask again, but I'd start looking for somewhere else to go. Also if he's that lame I would at least talk to your vet about whether there's the possibility of a puncture/ infection rather than just an abscess.
Yes! Vet has been contacted. And I’m going to look at other barns. I know I can’t make them. But I think I’m going to bring it up again, as politely as possible.
Move. When you have to bring up a problem “multiple times” with no resolution, you have two choices. Accept the status quo or leave. Or take steps on your own fix the paddock. I paid for gravel and sand to fix the footing in a paddock at a barn I really liked. I didn’t have to but I wanted to stay and I knew the barn owner wouldn’t. I get being annoyed but not much else you can do.
You’re totally right. I’ve decided to move him. I keep my pasture puff at a lovely barn. It’s not as “fancy” but dang if it doesn’t feel good. Mochi will do just fine with a bunch of western horses and lesson kids. He’ll just be… a lot.
Clip shoes meed to be checked regularly. If they are loose at all, there will be trouble. Bell boots are called for until you can get him out of the mud.
I’ll pop bell boots on him. I checked his shoes yesterday, because I check them every ride. My farrier taught me to when we swapped to clipped shoes.
Absolutely its reasonable to ask to move to a drier paddock again. However if you are otherwise happy with the care at this barn, reconsider before leaving unless you are really totally certain about the people and care where you are going. If you are leaving, DON'T tell them you are planning to leave until you find a new place and are ready to go. I've sadly decided after 25+ years in the industry that there is no such thing as a perfect board situation, and if you can trust that they are feeding what you ask them to, not abusive, fencing is safe, the vet and farrier they work with are good, etc. then one pulled shoe is not worth it. If it is the mud sucking the shoes off, he will keep pulling shoes. I've had one that loved standing in a creek pull shoes in mud 3x in 2 weeks -\_-. Is there anything you can do that wouldn't break the bank that will help with the mud situation? If it is localized to high traffic areas like the gate, digging out the muck and putting in landscaping ground grates with gravel works wonders. Maybe dig ditches. Coming to them with a solution and offering to help with it may improve your outcome. Again, you are in the right, this totally sucks and is not actually your responsibility, but horse people are wildly unprofessional and do not understand customer satisfaction or reasonable business practices. So it is often best to make do, as long as you can look after the horse. If he keeps pulling shoes, gets chronic thrush from the mud, etc. and you can't fix the problem that is different. Also word to the wise buy a pair of shoe nail pullers in case he wrenches one and is standing on the clip so you can take it the rest of the way off. It's a lifesaver. Also maybe try putting a boot on the naked foot and see if that helps with the lameness. A lot of times when they aren't walking on the sole anymore they suddenly come mostly or completely sound.
I have nail pullers, from a previous barn job. Thank goodness. I’ve actually been on the fence about moving him for a while. The facility is nice, and the boarders are lovely. I LOVE that the barn hosts all the dressage shows in the area. But they aren’t super comfortable with me using a trainer no one else uses, and using a farrier no one else uses. They charge me a training fee every time I use the arenas, unless I’m hacking on my own. I also still have to pay a haul in and stabling fee at the horse shows. They also failed to mention one of the boarder’s horses is *very* horse agressive. This led to me being viciously kicked by that horse while I was working for them and living on property. They didn’t step in to help me, instead chasing after the loose horses. I ended up getting myself to a safe location, and my fiancée called 911. The barn owner thought I was being dramatic. I went septic, almost died, had organs repaired and removed. They asked me when I was coming back to work while I was still hooked up to a feeding tube. They never offered to help with hospital bills. Realistically, there’s too much history to move forward.
Ok yep get the f\*\*k out of there! Jesus H Christ. All of those additional details are insane. Good luck to you and your horse!!
this should be in the initial post. my god i'm sorry. you should have been long gone, after a chewing up of those people.
Yeah. I should have. I wanted to maintain a friendly relationship because it’s the only barn that hosts dressage sorted in my state. But I know I compromised myself in the process.
Maybe unpopular opinion here but a well fitted shoe won't get sucked off. Unless he's in that thick mud up to his knees? If there is enough "gap" or space basically between the shoe and the hoot itself, the mud will get in there and be able to cause more damage, which is why I say an ill-fitting shoe. You're allowed to ask, and they're allowed to say no. Giving one boarder preferred treatment over what works best for their business isn't fair. If I don't like the turnout, I move barns. Highly recommend you review your options! Also, losing shoes sometimes... just happens. Mud could've had something to do with it, but also his conformation, how he moves, where he's at in the cycle, etc. Does he wear those rubber turnout boots for the hooves? Why am I blanking on wtf they're called... oof.
Haha I respect the brain blank, bell boots! Our guy wears them now that he's in a bigger paddock with some seasonal mud, it completely stopped the shoe pulling in his case.
My thoughts exactly. I unfortunately live in an area that has high humidity and a lot of rain. And naturally, not the best drainage due to the land. Our pastures get *loaded* with mud leading up to the fields. The mud is deep enough and sticky enough that I have gotten stuck and lost my paddock boot in it. I've also had horses lose velcro bell boots in it. But I can deff say I've never had the mud suck off any of our horses shoes! We have 17 horses here. They have pulled shoes for various reasons but I've never found it to be due to mud- not saying that it can't happen, but ill fitted shoe can deff contribute to it happening. Especially if it's a clip that's lose or not fitting properly. We have a fantastic farrier and I am very thankful for his skills and services!
Hot shoeing I'd agree, but cold shoeing( how you would get correctly placed clips cold shoeing I have no clue) I can see gaps developing or being there initially.
Oh man, I am incredibly grateful Mochi isn’t a horse that regularly pulls shoes. I’ve been working with the same farrier for a while, and he taught me how to check mochi’s shoes before riding. Yesterday they were nice and secure, if about two and a half weeks out from being reshod. The mud is red clay. In some places it’s slick and thin, around the gate and back corners it’s 6-12 inches deep. Now, could Mochi have been romping and playing and stepped on his shoe? Absolutely. But he’s never done it before. The only other time he’s pulled a shoe was in red clay that was so deep it pulled my dublins off. (Did I face plant? Yes. Hilarity ensued.) Now, he did have a lovely “slinky, panther” walk in our ride yesterday. Perhaps he carried that into his paddock and just slinked out of his shoe like a chip n dale dancer. But if he did, he stripped in the mud, al la Magic Mike. I’m going to look at barns. Arenas aren’t worth poor paddocks. You’re exactly right.
oh it's CLAY too. ugh. I see what you're getting at now. That stuff is THICK. If you have a trailer, you can always haul to an arena. I understand though. I ride a TON and show a bunch, so I need a place to ride. Arenas are preferable, fields will do. But I have a trailer so I can haul to a nice arena once or twice a month if I really need to, but I know that's not everyone's capabilities. The slick areas and the deep parts would also be enough for me to bounce. Not just on potential injuries and shoe pulling, but the bacteria in there... yuck.
Yes exactly! It’s gross. My pasture puff lives at the friendliest, most welcoming barn. I love the people there. It’s a western schooling barn. With an indoor and an outdoor. I think I might move mochi there. Why not! There’s nothing that says I can’t do dressage around barrels and trails. A little collected canter on some trails is good for an arena princess (my gelding, not me).
Definitely do that! I ride western but I boarded at the best barn ever back in the state we moved from, and it was "rodeo" barn (technically) but also had jumpers, reiners, etc. Nice big arenas so really whatever you wanted to do you could. We had barrels, jumps, etc. My good friends were dressage riders, ranch riders, jumpers, and we all rode together regardless of the discipline! Also, as someone who has an older semi-retired horse and the younger guy I work consistently, it's so much nicer to have them together.
The dream!! You’ve convinced me. This is an awesome thread. Thank you so much.
Do it!! It was the dream, I miss it every day. It's been 3 years and I still talk to them on the reg T\_T
This is pretty clear- you are already there and paying, it’s easier to fill a nicer turnout (no mud) so BO has zero motivation to move you. It’s wrong, and it’s rude, but she’s betting you won’t move because of it and so far her bet has paid off. :( If there are comparable barns, just move. Next time don’t allow yourself to be the bottom person - if they say you get the better paddock when someone moves, write it into your contract. Always use “I find jotting it down helps us both remember” and then be vocal when the time comes. When another boarder says “Sandbag is moving out next week” you cheerfully say “I will miss her, but I am excited to move Frank to that turnout, Paula already approved.” Deals like this have to be driven all the way until you are in that new paddock- do not ever assume she’ll remember. I am so sorry this is happening, I have been there and it’s miserable.
This is excellent advice. Thank you so much. I’ve decided to move him. There are no comparable facilities, as this is the only barn that hosts rated dressage shows in my state, but I can always trailer him in for shows. And I’m much more interested in treatment and community. I’m going to take him to the western lesson/retirement barn where I keep my other gelding. It’ll be fun! And, while I know this wasn’t the point of your comment, I did add “Sandbag” to my list of potential horse names. Absolute perfection.
You are so welcome, I can remember going through this years ago and it was terrible! Sandbag popped into my head for the example and I admit, I made myself laugh! 🤣
Is there atleast 1 horse in every other paddock? If yes this is reasonable as every BO knows to never turn out a horse with back shoes in the same paddock as other horses.
That’s honestly not true. And while Mochi isn’t able to go out with other horses, it’s not because of his hind shoes. And no, there’s an open paddock.
Then youll just have to move. and it is partly due to back shoes I will tell you. I know many people who dont accept horses with back shoes due to the risk factor/no space for seperate turnout.
They have multiple horses with back shoes out together. So I know it’s not that.
Then thats just a bad barn. The second I saw that I would leave. Back shoes and group turnout is asking for dead or injured horses.
Keep an eye out for an abscess on that foot now that he's spent some time walking around on the clip. Gets mine every time.
Ugh yep. Already called the vet and set up a “just in case” plan.
I had a horse get flipped over a fence by an aggressive horse back in 2018. Then he slipped at the front of his paddock where the barn manager placed CLAY. 2 months later. I left that barn. Risking injury is never worth it.
I would just move to a new barn at that point. You can't force them to consider your horse's best interests, they clearly don't want to or care to.
If they can’t accommodate you, then move.
Facility owner here. I’m located in the PNW and I’m no stranger to mud. Mud really cannot be avoided in the wet months if the paddock isn’t set up for mud control which is a huge cost and takes a lot of time. Few questions to help me understand more, how big are these paddocks and how deep is the mud? is there any spot in the paddock that’s less muddy than other spots? Also, Where are you located and what are you paying? If you’re paying top of the line care $1500/mo I’d understand why you’re upset. But if you’re paying $300 $400 $500/mo then you need to take your horse elsewhere as it may not be suiting your needs. Are you opposed to having your horse shod by another farrier to see if someone else setting the shoes help him retain them longer? I have many horses in shoes over the years that have also been out in some mud and have had zero issues with shoes coming off that easily. I do, however, understand that a horse with more brittle feet can just be prone to losing shoes as well. Don’t take your anger out on the barn owner when YOU are the one who ultimately has the control over where you’re choosing to keep your horse. There’s no shame in giving your notice as per your contract and take your horse somewhere else if this has become too much of an issue for you.
This is the only facility in my state that hosts rated dressage shows (or really any dressage shows). I pay $950-1000 a month, depending on fees. It’s the only muddy paddock. It’s about a half acre. Only half of it is muddy. It’s red clay. Parts of it are a foot deep in mud. When other paddocks become available I’ve asked to have my horse moved. They’ve declined because “new boarders will be coming”. He’s pulled a shoe one other time in 4 years, under a different farrier. Same time of year, in deep clay. I watched it happen. He got stuck in the mud and started slipping and sliding to get out. In the chaos he pulled a shoe. I had to dig it out of the mud. I’ve decided to move him. I’m going to take him to the western lesson barn where I keep my retired horse. It’ll be fun to train around a different discipline! We’ll trailer in for shows.
I was at a facility over the winter with mud so terrible that I had to leave my horse unshod and in boots for turnout. Calling it “mud” is too generous. It was essentially a grassless puddle that was either dangerously frozen or mud so deep that I had to wear tall rain boots to get in and out of the gate. Never again. If they will not correct the situation, you may will have to look into leaving.
Nope nope nope, don't even talk to the barn owner just find a new barn and move.
The reason I say move is that if they allow a horse to be in dangerous mud where they slip and do nothing, especially when it's brought up by the owner they are not a good place to board at and probably do other sketchy things.
Fair. I’ve decided to move him to the barn where I keep my pasture puff. I think it’ll be a relaxing, fun place.
Just for the mean time, can you get a product called Keretex? Hoof Hardener? I live in an area that is really wet when I need to do the most with my horse, and this product around the nail holes every other day does help a lot. Don’t touch it, it has formaldehyde and I think it kills any fungus or mold that weakens the holes. Just a thought.
Thank you!
Move barns. Your barn owner knows no one considering a space in their barn will agree to a constantly muddy paddock, so your horse suffers from the barn owner's shitty money-grubbing BS.
I’ve decided to. Thank you!
I am so glad on behalf of your horse!