> i think that scorn and derision should be reserved for hoof manipulation > (whether barefoot or with shoes) that results in pain or long-term > unsoundness for the horse. and i would call that something like "bad > farriery" or "bad trimming" rather than "manipulation for gait". > > --vicka >
i agree with that, but also believe that you can't take the gait out of a sound naturally gaited horse even if you try, it will always return. I have said it many times before, but my Fox is so naturally gaited that when he had thrush and his feet were cut down to almost nubs he gaited smooth, has gaited smooth no matter what length his feet, shod or not shod, no matter the bit, the saddle, none of it. I believe he would gait if he was walking on his coffin bones... Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
