Current horse (Anglo-Arab) is barefoot and seems to be doing very well that way. Feet of iron and not worked much yet. He's got lots of rocks in his pasture and has never taken an off step (knock on wood).

Pony mare can't be without shoes for 10 seconds. She's also the biggest equine weenie I've ever met. A slight scratch on a leg is cause for full blown three-legged lameness, complete with standing by the pasture gate, waving offending limb in air, sobbing "Heeeeeelp me, my leg's been cut off!" On the other hand, there's never a need to guess if she's injured in any way, lol.

Morab gelding now gone over the Bridge was competed extensively; wore all 4 shoes during summer season, barefoot all winter.

Huge TB mare shod in front only. Tended to bruise in front barefoot, but never behind. ??

And long ago, purebred jet black Morgan never needed shoes, and was ridden everywhere. Needed a trim religiously every 12-16 weeks. My farrier HATED to trim him...swore his hooves were made of Kryptonite.

BO endurance rides her Quarab, and keeps him barefoot. Seems to be going rather well. She carries boots in case of emergency.

I used to trim my own who didn't wear shoes. Was pretty good at it, or at least I never had a problem. I CAN shoe, but I hate it...I'm always worried that I'll put a nail where it can cause injury - in the horse or myself, lol. Will probably call out the local "barefoot farrier" for new horse, as I know I'm not tough enough with him and he will give me sh*t, but will probably be good as gold for a proffessional.

Used to have quite a reputation as an excellent mini farrier, lol! Was trimming about a dozen minis a week; once the local guys found out I liked to do it, they all said they weren't doing minis anymore and sent the owners to me. They just didn't like bending down that far, rofl! Say, maybe I should get back into that on the weekends for extra cash!