Equi Balancefor better performance and happier, healthier horses |
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Natural TrimmingCorrect Barefoot Trimming. No Horseshoes
The barefoot hoof is a very complex organ which is especially important to the horse's health. On weightbearing,
the hoof expands, allowing blood to flow into it. As the horse lifts the foot, it contracts, which pumps and squeezes
the blood back up to the horse's heart. In the presence of shoes nailed onto the horse's hoof, the hoof is unable to
expand and contract, reducing blood flow. This reduction in blood flow damages the internal structures of the hoof.In addition to this, studies have shown that this expanding and contracting motion makes up for 70-80% of the horse's shock absorption. When a shoe is applied to the hoof, the horse will lack 70-80% of it's natural shock absorption. This damages the internals of the hoof. (hoof of a wild mustang) 
Natural Hoof Care is hoof trimming to permit the entire hoof mechanism to function completely.
For example, the hoof is capable of flexing as needed depending on the terrain. The frog and heel bulbs perform
an important role in absorbing shock.
The lateral cartilages and digital cushion move blood through the foot and actually upward into the heart.
All these functions are compromised to some degree when a horse is shod. Natural Hoof Care is also,a lifestyle
for you and your horse. Ideally, 24/7 turnout on pasture or in paddocks will provide for the most healthy conditions, but I don't have that luxury and my horses are doing GREAT with day turn out and night paddocks. Feeding the right grass hay is important. As a rule, grass that is a little more mature has less sugar that the "Easter Basket" looking hay. Many horses suffer from mild chronic laminitis caused by the fructan (sugar) in lush grass hay and the owner doesn't even know. Reducing the alfalfa in the horse diet can also contribute to the overall improvement of the horses health and the quality of the hoof. There is a lot of information on hay at the Safer Grass website in the Goodlinks section. Eliminating sweetened feeds is important as well, molasses does have nutrition, but it can contribute to health problems such as Cushings Disease and Equine Diabetes which can cause laminitis!  If you like to feed grain, a little oats can't be beat. It is important to keep your horse at a proper weight if you want to be successful barefooted. Just going barefoot doesn't mean a horse will be healthier than a shod horse. A fat, neglected or improperly trimmed barefoot horse may not be as sound and healthy as a well kept shod horse. Naturally, the best situation for EVERY horse is to be properly cared for.  Watch 2 movies about natural trimming: Part 1 Part 2 Resourches: Natural Hoof Care The Horses Hoof Jaime Jackson Strasser Hoofcare And many more sites and own experiences | |