The Barefoot Horse and Lifestyle
While my methods for each horse may vary, my main goal is to allow the hoof to flex and contract with each step which creates a steady blood supply to the hoof. The next is to have the horse land heel first which strengthens the back half of the foot including the digital cushion, which is the main shock absorbing mechanism for the whole limb and aids in perfusion. Keeping a short break over is extremely important as well to make sure there isn't any undue leverage on the hoof structure itself or the supporting ligaments, tendons, etc.
I always look to the "wild horse model" for inspiration (which is where the term "mustang roll" comes from which refers to the bevel that we apply to the hoof wall allowing the horse a smooth break over in all directions) when I trim. However, we do lots of unnatural things to our horses (like ride them, keep them in small enclosures, feed them grain, etc.) so I appreciate that there are times when we need to intervene and use boots and sometimes glue on measures as a part of each horse's specific hoof care plan to keep them comfortable.
The horses's overall lifestyle must be taken into consideration when crafting these hoof care plans. Lifestyle factors include but are not limited to turn-out time, diet, amount of training, style of riding, owner's willingness to make necessary changes, the horse's physical limitations, etc. With all of that in mind, once a horse owner knows what their horse needs, I expect them to do their best to provide as much of it for the horse as possible and make changes as necessary.
I will suggest changes to your horse's lifestyle to prepare him for a better barefoot transition and optimal comfort. I generally recommend a diet low in sugar and high in fiber with a mineral balancing ration to start and depending on what the horse's job is, grain and supplements can be added. I also suggest that your horse should get as much turn out as possible with other horses to increase the blood flow, allow them to experience some natural wear, and depending on the terrain they may develop better callous . Interaction with other horses and movement are some of the most overlooked components to a healthy lifestyle but are the most important!
Worth the read: Paddock Paradise -
http://www.all-natural-horse-care.com/paddock-paradise.html
Your horse's health is a team effort and we all have to do our part to succeed!
I consider my biggest responsibility, next to a proper trim and providing protection, is educating the horse owner. I am going to tell you everything I possibly can to let you know why I am taking a certain approach and I need feedback! I want to know how your horse reacts to a trim so that I can adjust it if necessary in the future. You are your horse's mouthpiece and he/she counts on you to speak up on their behalf. I also like to take before and after pictures, if possible, to track your horse's progress. Sometimes it's easy to forget all of the positive steps forward you make when somewhere along the line there is a blip and you take a step back.
In the end the horse is always right!
While my methods for each horse may vary, my main goal is to allow the hoof to flex and contract with each step which creates a steady blood supply to the hoof. The next is to have the horse land heel first which strengthens the back half of the foot including the digital cushion, which is the main shock absorbing mechanism for the whole limb and aids in perfusion. Keeping a short break over is extremely important as well to make sure there isn't any undue leverage on the hoof structure itself or the supporting ligaments, tendons, etc.
I always look to the "wild horse model" for inspiration (which is where the term "mustang roll" comes from which refers to the bevel that we apply to the hoof wall allowing the horse a smooth break over in all directions) when I trim. However, we do lots of unnatural things to our horses (like ride them, keep them in small enclosures, feed them grain, etc.) so I appreciate that there are times when we need to intervene and use boots and sometimes glue on measures as a part of each horse's specific hoof care plan to keep them comfortable.
The horses's overall lifestyle must be taken into consideration when crafting these hoof care plans. Lifestyle factors include but are not limited to turn-out time, diet, amount of training, style of riding, owner's willingness to make necessary changes, the horse's physical limitations, etc. With all of that in mind, once a horse owner knows what their horse needs, I expect them to do their best to provide as much of it for the horse as possible and make changes as necessary.
I will suggest changes to your horse's lifestyle to prepare him for a better barefoot transition and optimal comfort. I generally recommend a diet low in sugar and high in fiber with a mineral balancing ration to start and depending on what the horse's job is, grain and supplements can be added. I also suggest that your horse should get as much turn out as possible with other horses to increase the blood flow, allow them to experience some natural wear, and depending on the terrain they may develop better callous . Interaction with other horses and movement are some of the most overlooked components to a healthy lifestyle but are the most important!
Worth the read: Paddock Paradise -
http://www.all-natural-horse-care.com/paddock-paradise.html
Your horse's health is a team effort and we all have to do our part to succeed!
I consider my biggest responsibility, next to a proper trim and providing protection, is educating the horse owner. I am going to tell you everything I possibly can to let you know why I am taking a certain approach and I need feedback! I want to know how your horse reacts to a trim so that I can adjust it if necessary in the future. You are your horse's mouthpiece and he/she counts on you to speak up on their behalf. I also like to take before and after pictures, if possible, to track your horse's progress. Sometimes it's easy to forget all of the positive steps forward you make when somewhere along the line there is a blip and you take a step back.
In the end the horse is always right!
