Why Our Horses Are Barefoot: Everything We've Learned About The Health And Happiness of Hoofed Friends

For centuries, humans have relied on horses as loyal companions and efficient means of transportation. However, as time has progressed, so has our understanding of how to best care for these magnificent creatures. One particular aspect that has received a great deal of attention in recent years is hoof care. While traditional horseshoes were once the norm, a growing number of horse owners are opting for a different approach - keeping their horses barefoot.

At first glance, the idea of horses going without shoes may seem unusual. After all, don't horseshoes protect their hooves and provide support? In reality, the answers to these questions are far more complex. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why our horses are barefoot, exploring the wealth of knowledge we've gained about the health and happiness of our hoofed friends.

The Benefits of Barefoot Horses

1. Natural Hoof Function:

WHY OUR HORSES ARE BAREFOOT – Everything We’ve Learned About the Health and Happiness of the Hoof (eBook Nuggets from The Soul of a Horse 3)

by Joe Camp(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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One of the main advantages of keeping horses barefoot is allowing their hooves to function as nature intended. The hoof's complex structure is designed to absorb shock, provide traction, and promote blood circulation. Traditional horseshoes can interfere with these natural mechanisms, leading to a range of issues such as decreased hoof flexion, compromised blood flow, and reduced shock absorption.

2. Enhanced Hoof Strength:

Regular use of horseshoes can weaken the hooves over time. When a horse goes barefoot, their hooves are constantly stimulated, promoting healthier growth and increased strength. This natural strengthening can have a significant impact on the horse's overall soundness and performance.

3. Improved Balance and Posture:

A barefoot horse has the advantage of being more aware of its surroundings and environment. Without the constraints of a restrictive shoe, horses are able to feel the ground beneath them, adjusting their weight distribution and footing accordingly. This increased awareness often leads to improved balance, posture, and overall movement quality.

The Transition Process

Transitioning a horse from being shod to being barefoot is not an overnight task. It requires careful planning, monitoring, and collaboration with an experienced equine hoof care professional. Here are a few key steps involved in the transition process:

1. Evaluation and Trimming:

The first step is to have an equine hoof care professional evaluate the horse's hooves and create a customized trimming plan. This helps to address any issues that may have arisen from past shoeing practices and prepares the hooves for the transition.

2. Gradual Increase in Barefoot Time:

To ensure a smooth transition, it is essential to gradually increase the horse's time without shoes. This allows the hooves to adapt to the new conditions while minimizing discomfort. Initially, the horse may wear boots or protective hoof coverings to provide additional support during this adjustment period.

3. Regular Monitoring and Maintenance:

Throughout the transition, frequent monitoring and maintenance are crucial. Regular trimming sessions help maintain proper hoof balance and address any emerging issues. It is essential to keep a close eye on the hooves' condition and seek professional guidance whenever necessary.

Common Concerns and Misconceptions

When discussing the topic of barefoot horses, several concerns and misconceptions often arise. Let's address a few of them:

1. Lack of Protection:

Some horse owners worry that without horseshoes, their horses will be more susceptible to injuries and foot ailments. However, with proper hoof care and regular monitoring, barefoot horses can navigate different terrains safely, often with greater awareness and surefootedness than their shod counterparts.

2. Limited Use for Working Horses:

Contrary to popular belief, barefoot horses are not limited in their potential uses. Many working horses, including those involved in dressage, endurance riding, and ranch work, perform admirably without shoes. However, each horse is unique, and factors such as breed, conformation, and workload should be taken into account when determining if barefoot is the right choice.

The well-being of our horses is of utmost importance, and their hoof health plays a significant role in their overall happiness and soundness. By embracing the concept of barefoot horses, we are tapping into centuries of natural wisdom and adapting our practices to support the needs of these magnificent creatures.

With proper hoof care, a gradual transition process, and ongoing monitoring, we can confidently provide our horses with the opportunity to thrive and enjoy a life free from the confines of traditional horseshoes.

So, let us continue to explore the world of barefoot horses, leaving behind outdated practices and embracing a new era of hoof care that prioritizes the well-being, health, and happiness of our equine companions.

WHY OUR HORSES ARE BAREFOOT – Everything We’ve Learned About the Health and Happiness of the Hoof (eBook Nuggets from The Soul of a Horse 3)

by Joe Camp(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	917 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	74 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

From best selling author of The Soul 0f a Horse: "All of our horses came to us with shoes nailed to their feet. They lived in stalls, ate from bags, all the things everyone told us to do because that's the way it has always been done. Two things changed everything. First, on the very first day our first horse, my Cash, came to us I took him to the round pen and attempted a Monty Roberts Join-Up. When I felt his moist warm breath on my ear, his nose on my shoulder tears came out of nowhere and streamed down my cheeks. I had spoken to him in his own language, and he had listened... and he had chosen to be with me. He had said, I trust you.

From that moment I was no longer just a horse owner. I was a partner, a friend, a responsible leader and with that went the obligation and the desire to give him the very best life I could possibly give him. The problem was I didn't know what that was... so I immediately went about the business of finding out.

Cash had shoes on his front feet but none on his back feet. Yet I was being told that bare feet on concrete and asphalt (which we had plenty of around our house) would cause the hooves to crack and chip and fall apart. So I better get shoes on his back feet and pronto, right?

Wrong. Come with us as we struggle through the information and mis-information to get to the truth about our horses' feet and ultimate health. What we discovered and what we did. And why."

With free Kindle apps, download this book to your computer, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, iPad, Kindle, or all of the above for one teeny little price of 99 cents! The stories you love and the information you need will always be with you.

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