Information

Natural Hoof Care

By: Jeanine Lowry
Submitted: 2008-04-21 00:16:51
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Natural horse hoof care involves more than just taking off the horse shoes. Natural hoof care is part of a balanced diet and exercise routine, and is influenced heavily by the natural terrain in which a horse lives. Natural hoof care integrates attributes of hoof shape and development of wild, or un-domestic horses into practices that help domestic horses. 

Wild Horses

Wild horses live for decades without shoes, and are perfectly “sound” or capable of traveling long distances. Horse hoofs are composed of many different types of tissue, all working in tandem to support the horse. Hooves are combinations of bone, fleshy tissue and “fingernail-like” substances. The correct position and ratios of each type of tissue depends on the horse’s natural environment.

In the wild, horse hooves shape themselves based on the terrain. Horses living in rocky, abrasive and hilly terrain have much differently shaped hooves than horses living on sandy, flat and marshy areas. Each portion of the hoof performs specific duties, and the terrain influences the growth and shape of individual parts to work together as a whole, in a manner best suited for the environment.

Modern Hoof Care

Traditional, modern hoof care calls for routine trimming and shoeing of domestic horses in order to keep them sound and moving well. Too often, shoes are seen as the “cure all” for any lameness, or difficulty with mobility, when in actuality, many factors contribute to foot health. A horse’s diet strongly influences its circulation, and thus the health of its extremities. As the hoof is composed of living tissue, any problems with circulation will eventually affect overall health of the hoof. If a horse has hoof problems, it is important to look at its overall routine.

Natural Trimming

An integral part of natural hoof care is trimming. In the wild, horse hooves are naturally filed and trimmed by the terrain over which they roam—some as much as 20 or 30 miles a day. Domestic horses often do not have the luxury of unlimited travel over varied terrain. Trimming the hooves in a specific way mimics the way hooves naturally wear in the wild. As previously stated, the terrain makes a big difference in development of hooves. When artificially simulating this natural wear and tear, the person trimming the hoof must develop a plan to trim the hoof in a manner that will benefit the horse in its current environment.

A naturally trimmed, “barefoot” horse will develop hard, callused feet that can stand up to wear and tear, and protect themselves against bacteria, fungus and infections. The naturally trimmed hoof, when maintained correctly, and in balance with the rest of horse care, provides a more authentic stance for the horse, thus reducing its risk of debilitating lameness due uncomfortable conditions and compensation. 

Benefits of Natural Hoof Care

Natural hoof care is beneficial to horse and owner. When properly practiced, natural hoof care makes the horse more “sound” and better in the ring, at pasture, and on the trail. Natural hoof care reduces fees for shoeing horses, and for vet bills to treat lame horses. It can extend the working life of a domestic horse, and will increase comfort of the horse.

Jeanine Lowry is founder and President of the American Association of Natural Horsemen. For more information on natural hoof care and natural horsemanship, please visit http://www.aanh.net

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Pets & Animals category

  • Canine Arthritis Proves Problematic for Older Dogs - By: Rex Magnum
    Canine arthritis is more likely to strike older dogs. It comes on as the joints experience years of stress during which the joints just plain wear out. Due to the fact that dogs live shorter lives than humans do, their arthritis symptoms will develop much earlier in their lives.
  • Is Your Family Ready for a Pet? - By: Veronica Scott
    They are cute, fluffy, and adorable in the pet store, but is your family ready for a pet? Your children may beg and plead to get a dog or cat, but are they willing to help with it? They might say "yes" but is that really the case? Consider these things, before jumping in...
  • Arthritis Afflicts Older Dogs - By: Rex Magnum
    Keeping your pet comfortable in his twilight years should be a high priority for you. Your vet will be able to advise you in the best ways you can help your pet. Keep in mind, though, that because pets don't live as long as humans, your dog is getting old long before you will.
  • Homeowners Insurance - Avoiding the Pain of Dogbite Liability - By: Bradley Steffens
    With nearly forty percent of Americans proud to call a dog part of the family, dog bites are an infrequent, but unfortunate reality to be considered. Dog bites are the second most frequent cause of visits to the emergency room, which in turn raises the question of dog bite liability. It is crucial for dog owners to be prepared for this risk.
  • The Symptoms of Illness in Your Animals Could be Easily Misdiagnosed by Your Veterinarian and What - By: Val Heart
    Have you ever called in the vet only to discover that, try as they might, your vet doesn't have a clue what's going on? That's often because it's not the animal's issue, it's the persons, their rider's or caretaker's issue. OR, it's because no one took the time to listen to the animal first so they can tell us what we need to know.
  • Do Animal Communicators Work - Discover Why the Answer is an Emphatic Yes! - By: Val Heart
    You know that your animal tries to tell you things every day. However, what if you don't know how to spot a bad habit that comes from a reaction to emotional trauma, or whether they are experiencing physical pain, illness or discomfort? Even the most caring, loving owners mistakenly do things all the time that adversely affects their animals.
  • The Dangers Of White Boxer Dogs - By: Jason Rusch
    Do you know what a boxer dog typically looks like? They are usually a stocky breed, medium-sized with a shiny, smooth and short haired coat that can be fawn colored or brindle without any markings. However, there are some that have been found with white bellies and markings on all their paws. White markings are known as flash because the coloration can appear on the dog's neck and face. These dogs are known to be "flashy" dogs.
  • Things You Should Know When Buying A Boxer Dog - By: Jason Rusch
    If you are looking for a pet whose has the ability to be faithful, has loads of energy and a loving attitude, then you may want to consider getting a boxer dog. Boxer dogs are very friendly and loyal especially to and with children. Their playful nature makes them a wonderful companion for younger children. If you have other animal family members, boxers are very adaptable to these pets too. Should you want a pet that will listen to your orders and can be taught, you should get a boxer dog. Remember that these dogs need all kinds stimulus, both mentally and physically. Take them for a run or jog in the early morning hours when it's cooler. This is especially important during the summer months when temperatures soar in the 90s in many places. If you cannot bring your pet inside for any reason, then be sure he/she can stay out of the sun, has plenty of food and water.
  • The Loving Boxer Puppy - By: Jason Rusch
    Many people want to have a pet and they usually go with the pet when it is only a baby. The same holds true for any boxer dog. You can find these puppies at a local pet store and a trustworthy breeder. You may be able to find one through backyard breeders, too. If you want to know the kind of boxer you are getting is genuine, then your best bet is to find a highly known and quite knowledge breeder. They have the homework down when it comes to the different boxer pedigrees and all their loving and not so loving traits. Boxer dogs are quite popular to own. For that reason, there are many people getting into the breeding process who lack the necessary knowledge. These people have no inkling the dangers of insufficient knowledge as on the breeding process.
  • Thinking Of Buying A Brindle Boxer Dog? - By: Jason Rusch
    When you look at a boxer dog, you typically see shades of fawn and brindle. The shade of fawn ranges widely from yellow to light tan. It is possible for them to have a reddish tan, deer red, mahogany and dark honey blonde. When a boxer dog has rich color looking coat, it can be referred as "red". However, brindle boxers can have a coat that includes black stripes. If you want to find a reverse brindle, it won't be too hard.