The Healthy Hoof

I am a firm believer in the natural barefoot horse. There is alot of great work being done in the Natural Barefoot world today. People are learning the healthy aspects of keeping their horses barefoot. A barefoot horse develops tougher callaused hooves, a stronger hoof wall, a natural concaved sole, and not to mention increased blood flow in the foot by being barefoot. I believe barefoot horses seem to be healthier overall than their shod counterparts. Hoof problems impact the entire horse.  Hence the saying no hoof no horse.

There is a lot of comparison of our domestic horses today to mustangs when it comes to being barefoot. Wild mustangs do just fine barefoot as nature intended as they routinely travel over varied terrain and travel many miles each day. This is a lifestyle far from most of our domestic horses. Although our domestic horses will not obtain hooves as tough as the mustangs due to the environment we keep them in, they will certainly enjoy their healthy natural barefoot hooves.

I trim hooves to utilize their natural design. I listen to what the hoof is trying to do and guide it when I trim. I am certified in barefoot trimming after many hours in clinics and hands on practice. I have a following of clients who call me to trim their horses' hooves on a regular basis.

My horses do not wear horseshoes. If I take my horses over rocky terrain I place boots on my horses. This allows them to remain barefoot but still have an added level of protection on their entire hoof, not just the edges as most traditional horse shoe would do. The bottom of the hoof needs protection too. Shoes on the hoof wall will not protect your horse from a nasty stone bruise on the sole.

All horses are capable of going barefoot. If you are ready to transition your horse to barefoot be prepared to give him time to adjust and tougher up his hooves. You may need to boot your horse when you ride as he transitions depending on how soft his hooves have become from wearing shoes. It takes patience, time, and consideration for your horse to go from shod to barefoot. If you give it a try, I firmly believe you will see a difference in your horse and become a barefoot believer.

Call for prices on a barefoot trim.

Note: The distance I will travel to trim is a 3 hour radius from home.

Example of a Mustang Hoof during a Clinic

The Natural Barefoot Hoof	The Concaved Sole
	The Mustang Roll

Example of a Hoof Before and After a 1st Healthy Hoof trim

More pictures are coming soon of the hoof above to show you the progression of the hoof.