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Natural barefoot trimming: shaping the hoof as God intended. |
| Barefoot trimming is becoming more and more popular as more horses are successfully coming out of shoes allowing form and function to return to their hooves. The barefoot mantra boasts: heels low, toes back quarters relieved and never par out the sole. (steps to trimming.htm) Keeping to this philosophy and trimming according to what the sole is telling us will allow for a balanced hoof that will keep the horse comfortable. |
| The wild mustang who roam our national wildlife refuges have been the model for learning how to naturally keep horses barefoot. (history.htm) By simulating what is happening in the wild, hoof exfoliation by abrasive wear, the trimmer is able to rasp the hoof to resemble the wild horse hooves. |
| Many horses who have been kept in traditional conditions are looking for alternatives that barefoot has to offer after battling problematic conditions (hoof problems.htm) such as lameness, founder and other problems resulting from poor hoof care. Horses can be kept in pasture situations to encourage movement and a more natural setting allowing the horse to graze. Diet also plays a big part of how to keep hooves healthy. Changing from a high carbohydrate diet to one that consists of mainly grass hays and staying away from concentrates will improve overall health and weight management. |
| By leaving the hoof bare without the metal shoe to impede natural movement, the hoof functions much like that of an additional heart by pumping blood down through the structures of the hoof and back up to the body as the horse moves. Barefoot is not only healthier but allows the horse to move more comfortably. Trimming by what the hoof is telling you will keep your horse sound and happy for many years to come. Hooves will adjust to the type of environment they live in and become rock crunchers. (Philosophy.htm) |
| This website has a list of case studies related to different horse aliments as well as some normal hooves that are doing well barefoot. (case studies.htm) There is also a link to some of the more popular websites that go into more detail about taking your horse barefoot. There are several certification programs around the United States that teach the barefoot method and there are lists of natural barefoot trimmers. (links.htm) |
*Case Studies - History - Hoof Problems - Links - Philosophy - Steps to trimming - Survey Results*
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Montgomery Barefoot Trimming
