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| The Barefoot Horse |
There are thousands (maybe even millions!) of people who successfully keep their
horses barefoot and still participate in all sorts of disciplines: show jumping, Western
pleasure, endurance riding, driving, trail riding, etc. So, why do we insist on shoes?
Quite simply, tradition and fear of the unknown have dictated that horses need shoes.
But do they really?? Many renowned natural hoof care advocates like Jaime Jackson
and Pete Ramey support the belief that shoeing a horse actually perpetuates many of
the more common hoof related issues a horse owner faces. Issues including but not
limited to navicular syndrome, weak soles, hoof contraction, founder and poor hoof
growth. These issues are the result of horse shoes interfering with the natural workings
of the hoof - which completely contradicts the thought that shoeing our horses is a
best practice.
All hooves can be trimmed based on the wild hoof model. Of course results will vary
based on the individual horse, environment, diet and genetics. Immediate results are
not guaranteed. The reality is that many horses can and do make the successful
transition to a barefoot life quite easily and will be comfortable immediately.
horses barefoot and still participate in all sorts of disciplines: show jumping, Western
pleasure, endurance riding, driving, trail riding, etc. So, why do we insist on shoes?
Quite simply, tradition and fear of the unknown have dictated that horses need shoes.
But do they really?? Many renowned natural hoof care advocates like Jaime Jackson
and Pete Ramey support the belief that shoeing a horse actually perpetuates many of
the more common hoof related issues a horse owner faces. Issues including but not
limited to navicular syndrome, weak soles, hoof contraction, founder and poor hoof
growth. These issues are the result of horse shoes interfering with the natural workings
of the hoof - which completely contradicts the thought that shoeing our horses is a
best practice.
All hooves can be trimmed based on the wild hoof model. Of course results will vary
based on the individual horse, environment, diet and genetics. Immediate results are
not guaranteed. The reality is that many horses can and do make the successful
transition to a barefoot life quite easily and will be comfortable immediately.
| Once the shoes are removed the natural trimming method is used to set the hoof up for optimal ground contact (i.e. a heel first landing) and the hoof will begin to “remodel” itself. All of this can be done without invading any live tissue and without unnecessary discomfort for the horse. If, however, your horse is sore in shoes, he/she will no doubt need some protection provided by hoof boots for a short time until the sole has built up enough natural protective callusing. |
The best way to speed up this process is to see that the horse
is turned out as much as possible on a surface ideal to
promoting hoof growth like firm, dry ground or terrain similar
to what you normally ride on. Hoof boots can be used to help
the horse during the time of transition while riding or for turn
out (when used according to manufacturer directions). The
newer boots on the market are designed with the barefoot
horse in mind. “Easyboot Bare” or “Easyboot Epic” are two
boots we really like and the “Boa Horse Boot” works great too.
Boots are more often needed on the front hooves and seldom
on the hind hooves. Be sure to ask your hoof care provider for
more individualized information regarding the needs of your
horse.
is turned out as much as possible on a surface ideal to
promoting hoof growth like firm, dry ground or terrain similar
to what you normally ride on. Hoof boots can be used to help
the horse during the time of transition while riding or for turn
out (when used according to manufacturer directions). The
newer boots on the market are designed with the barefoot
horse in mind. “Easyboot Bare” or “Easyboot Epic” are two
boots we really like and the “Boa Horse Boot” works great too.
Boots are more often needed on the front hooves and seldom
on the hind hooves. Be sure to ask your hoof care provider for
more individualized information regarding the needs of your
horse.
Please contact us anytime to schedule a consultation or a working session, or if you have any questions at all! We look forward to hearing from you. |
The information
provided within is not
intended to medicinally
prescribe or diagnose in
any way, nor is it meant
to be a substitute for
professional medical
advice or treatment.
We suggest you consult
your veterinarian before
pursuing any form of
treatment for your
animals.
provided within is not
intended to medicinally
prescribe or diagnose in
any way, nor is it meant
to be a substitute for
professional medical
advice or treatment.
We suggest you consult
your veterinarian before
pursuing any form of
treatment for your
animals.
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The Basics of Keeping Your Horse Barefoot
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| "And God took a handful of southernly wind, blew His breath over it and created the horse." ~ Bedouin Legend |