Barefoot basics: What you can learn from Wild Horses…
I think everyone who sees a wild horse suddenly has a eureka’ moment.
Wild horses run 20-30 miles a day, across fields, deserts and rocks. They run pregnant, tired and often withered. They huddle through ferocious winters – notably on Sable Island, off the coast of Nova Scotia. How can there be such a healthy horse population on an island with almost no shelter where 60-foot waves crash against the shores?
But natural horse care doesn’t mean ‘wild horse care’. We trim and care for our horses so they can cope with the relatively sedate life we give them. Try finding a domestic horse that trims its own hooves by galloping 20 miles a day across hard ground.
So from here, we’re beginning a series on barefoot basics. It will help you keep your horse’s hooves healthy, without shoeing. And as you’ve probably gathered from our wild horse friends, the more you ride the less you will need it.
Always get help from an experienced rider/professional if you want to go down this route with your beloved horse.
And if you have any tips, send em in.
Al & Claire
Just have to say THERE IS NO SUCK THINK AS A BAREFOOT TRIM….
It’s a bunch of bull, just put shoes on your horse, end of story!
Couldn’t disagree more, Michaela. I started researching barefoot trimming when I met a barefoot trimmer, there are thousands and thousands of us, all with happy horses – and a lot more sure footed than your shod lot.
Al
Hey… Try reading a little bit!
YES there are reasons to put shoes on a horse, but bare-foot is always better for a horse that is not lame!
I have been trimming my own 5 horses for years. I get points from an awesome farrier who totally believes in natural trim. I also read alot about barefoot trimming by Pete Ramey. He man knows his stuff. I have been taught by experience too you can’t always trim all horses. 4 of my 5 you trim like any other horse doing it the natural way.My gelding you only rasp what needs to come off. You follow what the horse is trying to grow. I ride trails ,gravely hard surfaces at times. My horses are all sound without shoes and have never had shoes.
Michaela: Please learn to spell. You might get at least some respect. But your wrong- The barefoot trim does have its place -really.
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Good info and video now just need help on a horse that is not as co-operative
We got into barefoot because our mare could not cope with shoes. She has a chip fracture on P3. Now her feet have improved so much she is happy and functionally sound. We were so impressed that we took shoes off our other mare then my husband spent 2 years training. Our first trimmer was a farrier who did a proper mustang roll etc. Not just a pasture trim. Now my husband is a trimmer. Very very different discipline. As for the mares- they go over every terrain and the more miles they do the better their feet. To shoe or not is a choice dictated by circumstances but please don’t dismiss any of the alternatives because without recognising that choice our girl would not have the life she so enjoys.
This is awesome
I enjoyed your presentation on barefoot trimming. At the Polo
Fields where I was grooming horses , they all had shoes of course. But
I just want to ride, my shoes were required. I had horses when I was 12
But did not know anything , however I could put on a saddle a briddle.
Hopefully I’ll be able to have a couple Horses of my own in the next year or two.