Prerequisites For A Successful Barefoot Experience For You And Your Horse.
1) A little extra time. "Natural" trims take a bit longer than an ordinary pasture trim, especially first time trims. The hoof is brought into balance, often measured and photographed, and given a good mustang roll. It takes about as long to do a "natural trim" as it does to apply shoes.
2) A good diet. A great diet is ESSENTIAL. Natural Hoof Care will not be nearly as sucessful, and may even be downright discouraging if your horse is not on a proper diet. Your trimmer can help you in this area, but in general, your horse should follow a low-sugar diet, meaning no sweet feed, or other prepared feed with molasses or other sweetners. No lush grass. Use a grazing muzzle or dry lots during periods of rapid pasture growth. For horses with higher calorie needs, plain beet pulp, oats, ground flax, and good quality vegetable oils may be used. A natural vitamin mineral supplement is also a good idea.
3) NO FULL TIME STALLING! This means your horse should be out and about 24 hours a day, every day, except for the most extreme weather conditions. Do provide good shelter, and feed inside the shelter when necessary, but movement is essential, and your horse simply cannot get the movement he needs when stalled.
1) A little extra time. "Natural" trims take a bit longer than an ordinary pasture trim, especially first time trims. The hoof is brought into balance, often measured and photographed, and given a good mustang roll. It takes about as long to do a "natural trim" as it does to apply shoes.
2) A good diet. A great diet is ESSENTIAL. Natural Hoof Care will not be nearly as sucessful, and may even be downright discouraging if your horse is not on a proper diet. Your trimmer can help you in this area, but in general, your horse should follow a low-sugar diet, meaning no sweet feed, or other prepared feed with molasses or other sweetners. No lush grass. Use a grazing muzzle or dry lots during periods of rapid pasture growth. For horses with higher calorie needs, plain beet pulp, oats, ground flax, and good quality vegetable oils may be used. A natural vitamin mineral supplement is also a good idea.
3) NO FULL TIME STALLING! This means your horse should be out and about 24 hours a day, every day, except for the most extreme weather conditions. Do provide good shelter, and feed inside the shelter when necessary, but movement is essential, and your horse simply cannot get the movement he needs when stalled.
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