Hi All: Just another point of view on the shoeing of the Classics. One of the reasons that Howard and I fell in love with the Classics was their beautiful, natural movement. The fact that they did not have to be shod to show had great appeal to us. We live in a remote part of N. California and finding a shoer even for horses ain't easy, so getting the show ponies shod will not be as convenient for us as it might be for others -- which is our problem, not anyone else's. It appears that there is a definite trend toward shoeing Classics these days (as well as some longer hooves) and for us, at Step-N-Stone, with all the increased costs associated with showing, if in order to be competive we have to shoe, our days in the show ring are numbered. I suspect that we are not the only ones who will face that decision. I believe that one of the reasons for the explosive growth of the Classics was because they were a more 'natural' appearing pony. Yes, I know they're conditioned and groomed to the nines, but it was something that anyone who was willing to put in the elbow grease and time could accomplish and still be competitive in the show ring. We have regularly shown 4 to 6 ponies a year, but if in order to win, we have to shoe, that number will drop to 1 or 2...maybe none. For me personally, I think it is an unfortunate trend, because as time goes on, I'll predict that soon enough you won't be able to tell a shod Classic from a shod Mod. Pleasure. I don't mean to be doom and gloom, nor complain about what others feel they need to do to win, but I thought I'd present the opposite side of the coin. Ta, Shirlee