| SOME CASE HISTORIES | A NOTE FROM A RI BAREFOOT CLIENT "Trigger's" Owner 12/16/03 |
|
| Illustrations
|
To shoe or not to shoe? I have two horses - a Quarter horse cross and a Missouri Fox Trotter. If your horse has a reason to need shoes, physical issues, foot or leg issues, that is one thing. As my farrier has said, "shoes are a necessary evil sometimes." If you decide to go barefoot - for your horses sake, get a "Barefoot Trim" - NO, A TRIM IS NOT A TRIM! A good barefoot trim will strengthen the hoof wall, stop separations in the wall, create concavity in the foot, and cause the hoof to be generally more healthy. Most important, the major positive of a proper "barefoot trim" is that there should be no cracks, breaking off the hoof. To the rider, you will enjoy the benefits of movement of the horse - great tracking, lift and stride. A horse that can go barefoot is a happier, healthier horse. My experience would seem to indicate that a lot of a horse's problems could be traced to the feet. A good and proper teime will prevent many a problem. Remember - "no hoof, no horse!" My opinion is give a hoof supplement, check with your vet - my vet supports the "barefoot trim" that my MFT gets - and call Gwen Santagate. Your horse will thank you! James P. Celico See Jim's horse's hooves HERE. |