Why Barefoot?
Horses were not born with metal shoes on their feet and nature has her own perfect design for them. Their natural function allows horses hooves to adapt to the terrain they are living on. Therefore a horse living on hard, rocky terrain will develop a hard, tough hoof that allows them to move over this type of surface without discomfort.
The horses hoof is designed to weight bear across the inner wall, the frog and part of the sole. The structures of the naturally functioning hoof act as a shock absorber, dispersing the concussive energy from every foot fall before it has a negative impact on the joints of the lower leg. The contraction and expansion of the hoof during movement also plays an integral part in the horses circulation through the limbs and body.
Putting metal shoes on the naturally functioning hoof impedes the normal movement of the foot structures, increases the concussion impacts and restricts the circulation throughout the lower limbs.
Being Barefoot is about growing a natural, fully functional hoof that is tough enough to carry the horse and rider across any terrain without causing abrasion or damage to the soft inner structures. This is done by conditioning hooves over a period of time to the surfaces they will be traveling across.
Hoof boots are a great alternative for horses that are not yet conditioned to travel across harder terrain. They can be fitted for occasions when riding on hard and rocky terrain, then removed when the horse is back on their usual ground surface. Thus allowing the hoof to function naturally without any permanent restrictions.
The Transition to Barefoot
The transition to barefoot is not a quick ripping off of the metal shoes and away we go….. It takes time to condition the hooves to the different terrains the horse will be walking across. At first they may be tender footed across hard surfaces but as the weeks pass by the feet will begin to adapt. Read about some of our client’s journeys on their horse’s transition to being barefoot.
I had been exploring the idea of barefooting Pete, my 13 year old quarter horse gelding, for almost 2 years before I took the step. After extensive research his shoes came off in June 2015 and he immediately galloped and cavorted about like a 2 year old. If ever I needed proof that I was doing the right thing there it was! The only regret I have now is why I didn’t do it sooner.
Raymond has been a marvelous mentor to me and a practitioner for Pete throughout the whole transition process. I elected not to ride for the first few months, not because I shouldn’t, but because I decided to allow Pete every opportunity to adjust naturally after years of being hot shod. I set up a series of laneways including hills and uneven ground where possible to encourage walking and used groundwork to supplement his exercise program to ensure good blood flow to his newly developing hooves. To my surprise Pete has never been lame throughout the transition and has only had some tenderness on occasions when walking on stony ground.
Fortunately I was able to attend a barefoot trimming clinic early in the process. This really helped me to understand the mystery of the equine hoof, which had always been secret farriers business! It also provided me with the knowledge to confidently tidy up between trims and to care for his hooves.
Pete has been without shoes for almost 12 months now and I have begun to ride him again. I cannot believe how amazingly different he feels under saddle. Now he moves so much more easily and steps lightly and confidently whereas when he was shod it felt like his feet were glued to the ground and heavy – every step was an effort. Again I ask myself why I didn’t do this sooner. Clearly I have a much happier and more comfortable horse.
Our next step is hoof boots, which Raymond fitted today after the 6 weekly trim. I’m looking forward to even more improvement and being able to ride further over every type of terrain. This will be his first of many, as his hooves will continue to grow and change as the new natural hoof grows out fully.
I cannot recommend Raymond highly enough. He’s patient and kind with both horses and owners alike and takes great care to ensure every owner is as comfortable as her horse! If you’re considering going barefoot don’t waste time like I did. Just do it – your horse will thank you for it.
Sue B – 13/05/2016
