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Natural Horse Care and Hoof Care

Barefoot horses must be trimmed in 4-6 week intervals for optimum performance.

It's important to remember that "barefoot" doesn't simply mean "no shoes". Barefoot hooves require strict maintenance in order to be healthy. Frequent trimming simulates the natural wear a hoof would experience in the wild or natural terrain and lifestyle. Since most of our horses don't have access to thousands of rocky acres to meander on, we must simulate the wear nature would have ideally provided. By doing so we create a very strong hoof wall, strong laminea and prevent any chipping or cracks from weakening the structure.

Why must the trim be so frequent?

When we allow our horses to go too long between trims, the walls grow out too far.   This begins the process of “flares” and “mechanical separation” caused by leverage.    Since the walls are too long, every time the horse steps he is essentially pulling his hoof wall away from the inner hoof capsule, like pulling on your fingernail.   It is quite painful. The horse eventually gets a lowered coffin bone due lack of suspension and support inside the capsule. The sole then drops and becomes too low, causing the “ouchy” pain over rocks and gravel that we all know so well. Frequent trims stop this road to destruction. We must trim every 4 weeks to keep the walls in check, the heels and bars in check, and the toes rolled to allow for easier break over and to prevent and stop leverage in the toes.This allows all new hoof growth to grow straight down with good inner attachments. Once the walls grow back down straight with good lamellar attachment, the coffin bone and sole can pull back up into place.This is usually the point when horses become almost instantly sound over any and all terrain.   

My horse is going to by ouchy without shoes, how will I be able to ride?

Rubber hoof boots.

Today’s technology has provided us with many alternatives for metal shoes for horses that still need protection. I personally use Old Macs Hoof Boots, but there are many brands and styles to help you find a pair that both fit your budget and your horse. Most horses will only need one pair of boots to get them past the ouchy stage.    Boots are very tough, and most will last several hundred miles of riding. Boots have a rubber sole, which not only aids in shock absorption and traction, but also protects the still sensitive sole from stone bruises.

Why did my horse abscess right after pulling the shoes?

Most shod feet have necrotic (dead) tissue built up inside. Because of the decreased blood flow and temperature, the body is not able to remove and flush it out. That is what an abscess is: the body’s way of removing dead tissue and starting the healing process. Most abscesses will clear up within a week or two and do not require veterinary attention, but if lameness persists and the owner is concerned, a vet may be able to help dig out or apply medication to the site. The best treatment is to soak the hoof in epsom salts or diluted apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes once or twice a day to help clear out the infection.

Be warned: some veterinarians do not completely understand the barefoot movement. They may tell you what you are doing is cruel, and you need to put shoes back on. I can assure you:  You are not being cruel! Cruelty is nailing metal shoes on a horse for it’s lifetime and simply numbing it’s feet to the destruction going on inside.  It’s like putting a band aid on cancer, and saying it’s better because you can’t see it. The first month may be the hardest, but your horse will thank you in the long run and will be the happiest and most comfortable he’s ever been.

What are the benefits of a natural barefoot horse?

You’ll never have to cancel a trail ride for losing a shoe, first of all!

Barefoot horses, due to their improved blood flow, tend to live longer.There’s less strain on their heart.They have more energy and enthusiasm.Better joint movement and less strain on the joints. Many times arthritic pain and heel pain are greatly reduced. On horses started barefoot from a young age, many don’t ever develop the debilitating effects of arthritis.The benefits are endless.

Do some breeds do better barefoot than others?

A hoof is a hoof, regardless of breed or color. ANY hoof can be rehabbed barefoot, but the trim is critical. The trim is the same no matter what breed or discipline.    Whether a gaited horse or a barrel horse or a racehorse, the hoof must be individually shaped to match the inner structures to create soundness. If the proper trim is performed and maintained, any horse in the world can be rehabbed to rock crushing barefoot soundness.