Scotland: Shoes mandatory in horse v human race – for now

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Apr 17, 2012

A campaign to allow barefoot horses in the annual Man versus Horse race in Powys, Wales, has failed to persuade organisers to change the rules for this year’s event.

However, the organisers have promised to review the opinions of the equine and veterinary community and carefully consider the question for the 2013 running of the cross-country endurance challenge.

For now, horses entered in the 22-mile race on June 9 must wear metal shoes.

The course is steep and the terrain varied to make the contest as even as possible. Competitors race across farm tracks, footpaths, forestry roads and open moorland, with several short stretches over tarmac. It is very hilly, with a total ascent of 3000ft.

Green Events chairman Lindsay Ketteringham said the terrain covered meant horses must wear shoes...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/04/17/shoes-mandatory-in-horse-human-race/