Talo is now 24.5 years old. We are not riding anymore, just having fun together. His main occupation is eating. Same as it always was, really, only now he’s not really working, just loafing about.

During his last shoeing, the farrier and I decided to leave his back legs without shoes – for the first time ever. He’s had 4 shoes his entire life, so it was a big change.

I monitored his hind legs and hooves, and didn’t see an issue. The hooves were fine, no signs of cracks or damage. Great.

Yesterday evening, I took him to the turnout. The weather is getting cooler, and much to his delight, he was surrounded by beautiful young mares, which of course caused him to become super frisky and cocky, which was wonderful to watch.

After a short while of running around, he asked to go back home. It was then I realized he’s missing one of his front shoes. I was there in the morning, and he had both shoes, so either this happened during the running, or in his stall. It was dark outside, but I still tried to find the shoe in the turnout – to no avail. It wasn’t in his stall, either.

I checked again in both places this morning, and nothing. I have no idea what happened, or how did he throw the shoe. I’ve had him for 8 years, and he never ever threw a shoe before!

We removed the remaining shoe, and now Talo is completely barefoot. I’ll continue to monitor him, of course, but it seems he’s perfectly fine like that. Saves me some money on shoeing, too, so that’s another good thing to consider.

Maybe it was his way of saying that he doesn’t want or need shoes anymore, who know.

So, no shoes for you, Talo!