I agree with the others, the horse must have good feet, but feet can improve barefoot and contrary to some opinions, the road is very good to use to condition the feet as it is smooth and stone free, so soles that aren't used to working won't get bruised.

The soles & walls have to be given time to adjust to the amount of work done and if you tried to do too much too soon you will end up with a foot sore horse, so just take you time introducing more work. If your horse does start to get a bit sore, cut back the amount of work for a while and then slowly build it back up.

The most important thing, is you must be very thorough when you pick them out, it's not like picking out the feet of a shod horse, as they do pick up tiny stones in the white line and they need to be removed immediately.

Feet will grow at the same rate that they wear out but you must give them time, it won't happen overnight.

If your horse has any foot balance problems, your farrier may advise that she should be shod, so have a chat with him.

I'd consider the type of feet your horse has. If they're softish and prone to get sore over hard ground or extensive work, I'd get your horse shoed. My old horse became very sore over gravel. My new one however has very hard, good non-brittle healthy feet and there is no need for shoeing.

If there's really no need to, don't waste all that money every six weeks! :) x

Hi i have a Highland gelding who we have had for 5years and he has been barefoot the whole time,our woods are stoney so he sometimes picks his way through,but we have managed without any problems,however we bought a irish draught / thoroughbred for our daughter last year and her previous owner kept her barefooot for financial reasons, we intended to keep her that way, after the 1st week of riding out she started to get sore feet,she was hobbling and wouldn't go in to trot, when the farrier came he shod her and we haven't had and problems, speak to your farrier but listen to your horse, she'l tell you what she wants, good luck with your new horse xx