| Go Shoeless |
A NATURAL THING Clinician John Lyons hasn’t shod his horses in 10 years; other natural horsemanship advocates are also embracing barefootedness. “You don’t need shoes just because you ride a horse, and leaving shoes off is ideal for forming a healthier, stronger foot,” says Lyons. IS BAREFOOT BETTER A growing contingent of hoof-care experts says yes. Here’s what the natural-foot movement could mean for your horse. THE BAREFOOT OPTION You’ve heard of it, but you know it’s not for your horse, because (pick one or more): • it’s a fad. • he has bad feet. • you ride on rugged ground. • you show All agree that going barefoot is healthy for a hoof, and that pulling a horse’s shoes at least once a year to reestablish natural hoof growth is a good thing. But eventually those shoes must go back on, right? Permanent barefootedness is appropriate only for certain horses who already have tough, resilient hooves. Right? Research shows amazing things about how a horse’s hoof is designed to function. As a result, we’re beginning to understand why a growing number of natural hoof- care experts say barefoot is not just for horses with already-excellent hooves. In fact, judging by the evidence, the opposite is true. Going barefoot (as the result of a correct trim and combined with compatible living conditions) is the way to make bad hooves better, and even excellent. It also creates hooves capable of supporting a horse with rider over most all types of terrain. And (this is the most intriguing part) it will enhance a horse’s overall health, comfort, and longevity. What we learned, in fact, prompted us to change to the barefoot lifestyle on our own horses, who live and are ridden on hard, rocky ground. Why Go Barefoot All domesticated horses need regular hoof trims, regardless of use. Horses in the wild do not need hoof trims because they travel as much as 30 miles a day in dry or semi-arid grassland in search of forage, a process that wears their feet naturally. Domestic horses in light use are not subjected to such severe living conditions and hence their feet grow faster than they can be worn down. Without regular trimming, their feet can get too long, eventually flaring, splitting, chipping and cracking, which can lead to lameness. |
NATURAL FOOT - NATURAL HORSE Most natural hoof care practitioners agree that a barefoot trim works best on a horse living a more natural lifestyle, including as much turnout as feasible. Ideally, the horse should live on the same type of ground he’ll be ridden on. For example, if you ordinarily ride a lot on rough trails, your barefoot horse is best turned out on terrain that includes rocks and hard footing. “It’s something the AANHCP and the barefoot movement in general are working towards now,” says Mark Jeldness, a field instructor for the association. “We want to help owners find ways to create the right kind of environment for their horses, and to encourage their horses to move around on it as much as possible.” For owners who can’t provide enough turnout, keeping the horse well exercised under saddle during the transition period is critical. Boots make this possible, as well as frequent trims (every four to six weeks) that encourage the foot to remodel properly. In that this approach to foot care fits within the natural-is better movement at large, it’s not surprising that natural horsemanship clinicians are embracing the no-shoes option more readily than are mainstream trainers. John Lyons hasn’t shod his horses in 10 years, but he believes owners must use common sense when considering what to do with their own horses. “You don’t need shoes just because you ride a horse, and leaving shoes off is ideal for forming a healthier, stronger foot,” he maintains. “I put gravel in my pastures where the horses walk to help toughen their feet. But you have to use common sense, too. If I were roping all the time in a sand arena, I’d probably use shoes.” Clinton Anderson quit using traditional shoeing 2 and a half years ago, and now puts hind shoes only on his reiners. “You do need the shoes in back to be able to slide,” he says. “But other than that, with the right trimming, there’s no reason to shoe. The feet don’t change overnight—I’ve found it takes anywhere from six months to a year for them to fully make the transition—but when they do, they get hard and strong and tough enough for most any kind of riding.” Of course, not everyone agrees this is so, and there are any number of traditional farriers and longtime horsemen who’ll tell you the “barefoot thing” is misguided, plain and simple. But one undeniable strength of the natural hoof care movement is its emphasis on maximizing the health potential of every foot. “The key difference between traditional farrier care and the barefoot approach is that we’re zoomed in on figuring out how to make all horses grow good feet,” says Pete Ramey. “A vet I work with told me recently he used to look at a horse with bad hooves and say, ‘Wow that horse has awful feet.’ Now he says, ‘Wow that horse could have good feet if we do this and this and this.’ It’s a significant difference.” |
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IF YOU WANT TO TRY BAREFOOT... • Find a competent trimmer. A traditional pasture trim is not the same as a natural trim based on feral horse research. The American Association of Natural Hoof Care Practitioners is a good place to start. www.aanhcp. org. (Note: There are many descriptions of how to do a “barefoot trim” online, but never try this on your own). • Trim at frequent intervals. Work with your practitioner to determine a schedule, but figure on every four to six weeks for best results in remodeling the foot and avoiding soreness. • Ask about boots. Most practitioners recommend them if you plan to continue riding between the time of the first trim and when your horse’s feet have remodeled and developed thick calluses. Some even stock boots for your convenience. Many styles of boots are available online. Hoof rehab specialist Pete Ramey recommends the Easyboot Epic, a new model just out from Easy Care, Inc. • Keep your horse moving. Round the clock turnout is best, supplemented with increasing amounts of riding as his feet toughen up (and with boots as necessary). Remember, movement creates the blood flow that enhances foot health and helps the hoof remodel. Ideally, turn your horse out on the same type of surface you’ll be riding him on. Ask your practitioner about putting gravel and small rocks into your horse’s enclosure to help condition his feet. |
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