Benefits of going Barefoot &
Barefoot Trim vs. Pasture Trim
Simply put, God designed the perfect hoof, its when we force our opinions to change this design, problems arise.
Benefits of going Barefoot
Natural Hoof Care optimizes hoof mechanism, the expansion and contraction of the barefoot hoof with each step which, acting as a pump, increases circulation in the hoof and leg. Horseshoes prevent the natural flexing of the hoof inhibiting the ebb and flow of circulation.
Barefoot hooves grow in a natural conical form, expanding evenly as they grow. Shoeing restricts the line of growth so that the hoof can only grow in a cylindrical shape resulting in long toes and contracted, under-run heels.
The barefoot hoof can to some degree wear off excess growth naturally, whereas shoeing prevents any form of natural wear.
Studies indicate that a shod horse loses 70-80% of natural shock absorption and that a shod horse walking on pavement has three times more damaging percussion to the hoof, joints, and tendons throughout the entire body than the impact a barefoot horse experiences trotting on pavement.
Barefoot allows the interior structures of the young hoof to develop properly and naturally without becoming constricted by shoeing. The young horse’s hoof keeps growing until he reaches his full adult weight around age four or later.
Horseshoes reduce feeling and sensation in the hoof and can mask problems that shouldn't be concealed and allowed to progressively worsen.
Barefoot horses can feel the ground better, slip less, do less damage to trails and environment, and are less likely to cause harm or injure other horses and human beings if they kick.
Traditionally farriers recommended that horses be allowed to go barefoot several months out of the year to heal--barefoot natural hoof care extends that healing period year round.
Natural Hoof Care optimizes hoof mechanism, the expansion and contraction of the barefoot hoof with each step which, acting as a pump, increases circulation in the hoof and leg. Horseshoes prevent the natural flexing of the hoof inhibiting the ebb and flow of circulation.
Barefoot hooves grow in a natural conical form, expanding evenly as they grow. Shoeing restricts the line of growth so that the hoof can only grow in a cylindrical shape resulting in long toes and contracted, under-run heels.
The barefoot hoof can to some degree wear off excess growth naturally, whereas shoeing prevents any form of natural wear.
Studies indicate that a shod horse loses 70-80% of natural shock absorption and that a shod horse walking on pavement has three times more damaging percussion to the hoof, joints, and tendons throughout the entire body than the impact a barefoot horse experiences trotting on pavement.
Barefoot allows the interior structures of the young hoof to develop properly and naturally without becoming constricted by shoeing. The young horse’s hoof keeps growing until he reaches his full adult weight around age four or later.
Horseshoes reduce feeling and sensation in the hoof and can mask problems that shouldn't be concealed and allowed to progressively worsen.
Barefoot horses can feel the ground better, slip less, do less damage to trails and environment, and are less likely to cause harm or injure other horses and human beings if they kick.
Traditionally farriers recommended that horses be allowed to go barefoot several months out of the year to heal--barefoot natural hoof care extends that healing period year round.
Barefoot Trim vs Pasture Trim? Though they may look similar to the unaccustomed eye, they are in fact quite different. A pasture trim is what some call a barefoot trim, and this unnatural trim is the main reason some people think their horse can't go barefoot. And it's true, a "pasture trim" will not keep your horse sound, nor will your horse be able to carry you comfortably on a trail ride, and here's why: A pasture trim is a trim in preparation for a shoe, just minus the shoe. As such, the bottom of the hoof wall is rasped flat in preparation for a shoe, thinning the sole and leaving very little cushion to protect the coffin bone; it encourages flaring of the hoof wall; the heels are generally left long, provoking contraction, navicular pain, and an unnatural toe-first landing; and the calluses are removed leaving the underlying hoof structure completely unprotected. A barefoot horse should never ever have the calluses trimmed off! When the toe callus is left untouched and hoof is trimmed appropriately, most horses make the transition from shoes to barefoot quickly and easily. Consistent barefoot trims are absolutely vital to your horse's ability to be sound and comfortable in their bare feet.
Notice the picture to the left of a feral cadaver, having a rounded hoof wall at the ground, known as a mustang roll. In a Barefoot trim a mustang roll is applied to the hoof. This roll is to relieve peripheral loading stress on the laminar corium, the driving force that keeps pulling the hoof away from the coffin bone and leaving flares. The mustang roll also prevents splints and cracks of the hoof wall. The picture to the right is a trim applied without a mustang roll and with long heels, which defeats the hoof mechanism and puts unnatural stress on the hoof wall.
Joe Camp Story of rescued race horse
Sound Barefoot Hooves
