Does Your Horse Need Shoes at Von Holten Ranch?

We get this question all the time — Does my horse need shoes when we come to Von Holten Ranch?

The answer? It depends.

Von Holten Ranch is considered the “Gateway to the Ozarks.” That means we’re just before it gets really rocky — but we definitely have some rock. In fact, a rock-bottom creek runs right through the middle of the property. And while those creek rocks are mostly smooth, they’re still rocks. There’s no way to fully avoid them unless you stay in the open field area.

So what do our own horses wear?

•  One of our geldings is tender-footed and needs shoes on all four feet.
•  Our mares do just fine with front shoes only.
•  And our mule? He goes barefoot without any issues.

We see all kinds of setups out here. Some folks use hoof boots instead of shoes, and while they can work well for some horses, they’re not always ideal. We've waited on plenty of trail rides while riders had to stop, readjust boots, or go back looking for one that fell off. We’ve even mailed a few boots back to their owners after finding them on the trail!

Here’s our recommendation: 

•  If your horse is tender-footed or has soft hooves, go with at least front shoes.
•  If your horse has tough, healthy feet, they may do just fine barefoot.
•  Keep in mind that our White Trail (which goes around the perimeter) is the rockiest.
•  The west side of the ranch (where the campground is) is less rocky than the east side.

The good news? Our ground dries quickly, so even after a rainstorm, it doesn’t stay muddy for long.

Whether you choose shoes, boots, or go barefoot, we just want your ride to be safe and enjoyable for both you and your horse.

We hope this info helps you make the best choice for your next visit.

See you on the trail,