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About Natures Trim
We want what is best for our horses.
How can we keep our horses sound and happy so we can enjoy them for
years to come? Too often we hear of horses "breaking down" way before
they even reach their prime. How can this be; we try to do everything
right to care for them properly.
Many times it can be as simple as an imbalance in the horse's feet. If
for instance, if the toe is too long, we are putting much more strain on
the deep digital flexor tendon which could lead to a bowed tendon or
even navicular syndrome. If the hoof is not correctly balanced inside to
outside or medial to lateral this can cause such an impact as to "pop a
splint" and can then lead to side bone and ring bone.
By properly balancing the hoof we are allowing the rest of the body
(muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, bones) to function in equilibrium.
To do so successfully the hoof must have all the proper structures
healthy and strong.
If we were to put our arm in a cast for 6 weeks and not use it, we would
be amazed at how much muscle tone we would loose in our arm. This is
true for the horse also. When horses are shod, the structure in their
feet is not allowed to function as nature intended so it weakens and
slowly but surely succumbs to a state of un-health. Cracks, white line
disease, thrush, thin soles, shelly feet, navicular disease and
syndrome, keratomas, corns, under-run heels, contracted heels, and
injury from interference just to name a few, are all products of a foot
which is not properly functioning.
What is Natural Hoof Care? Is it right
for me and my horse?
There is a lot more to Natural Hoof Care than just pulling your horses
shoes. It is more than just "going barefoot". It is a commitment to
return your horse to soundness no matter what it takes.
Depending on your horses hoof pathology, It may mean riding in boots for
a little while; it will certainly mean exercising your horse to build up
internal hoof structure. It puts you, the owner, in the position of
playing the role of physical therapist. There is a commitment in time
and effort to exercise your horse as well as a monetary commitment to
have them trimmed every 3 - 5 weeks to keep them growing properly and in
balance.
It is a commitment to stand outside of the "box" and allow your horse to
heal and return his feet to health; most times this means your horse may
be ouchy on rough terrain without boots for a short period of time while
rebuilding the internal structures of the hoof.
Is this something you can and are willing to handle? It has taken time
for your horse's feet to come to a state of un-health; it will take time
to return them to health. You should be able to notice a difference in
structure in as little as 5-10 weeks, if you are diligent about
following an exercise regimen - NO EXCUSES!!
In about 1 year you will have a horse with much healthier feet. Does
this mean you can't ride for a year? Absolutely not! all it means is
that in the beginning you will need to use boots or hand walk your horse
in order for them to rebuild structure in their feet. You may begin to
ride without boots as soon as there is an improvement in the structure,
if you feel the need to ride on rocky trails or terrain your horse is
not ready for, then use boots. It's really that simple. and the boots
have certainly come a long way. There is a boot to fit every need. From
simple to apply to boots designed for long distances. Look to the
Boots page for more
information.
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