Pros and Cons of "Natural" trimming methods and barefoot-only riding

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Janine Gerrand on January 12, 2010 at 8:17pm

Hi,

I have 5 Fjord horses that are barefoot and I am so glad that this method (science) is growing in popularity and the people are opening their minds to the possibility of a "natural hoof". Here in the Kootenays of BC, Canada barefoot has really caught on. I ride mostly on gravel logging roads and on trails that are rocky and rough with the occational grassy area. I have boots but only use them when needed (not often), I carry them in my saddle bags along with a hoof pick.

One of the most common arguments against going barefoot is "riding the foot off your horse". I don't know many riders that ride 20 to 30 miles a day, every day. But if you do, the boots on the market now are great protection and stay on well through all types of terrain.

Janine

Permalink Reply by Charlotte on September 6, 2010 at 8:12pm

As a barefoot trimmer I've noticed the biggest enemy to a hoofs health and soundness is incorrect trims (either by a traditionally trained farrier or a "natural" trimmer) and too long in between trims. Those who trim correctly and hunt our equine clients down by "harrassing" their bi-ped caregivers to make sure they stay on a good trim schedule seem to do very well.
That being said, what's so new about something we practiced with our horses hoof care before the middle ages? Shoeing horses is only about 700 yrs old and as far as I know was only practiced and introduced to the rest of the world by Europeans.