TRANSITIONS AND REHAB

--"After you pull the shoes, there is a rehabilitation period of several months to well over a year, depending on the amount of internal damage in the foot. Increased blood flow starts to rebuild internal structures that were damaged by the shoes. Until the rebuilding is complete, most horses are "sore on gravel" and will need hoof boots to ride on gravel roads, rocky trails, or frozen ground.

Transition is the reason why so many people have said, "Barefoot doesn't work for my horse." It is admittedly a time of inconvenience for the rider. However, once we understand that horseshoes do weaken the hooves, we can do certain things to make the horse rideable while it grows out a new, better hoof.

The transition period is over when the sole regains concavity (due to the white line tightening up completely) and the horse walks on gravel as if it were grass."  --Marjorie Smith, www.barefoothorse.com

"Hoof boots (see list below) are an important tool for the transition to barefoot; the comfort they provide will help your state-of-mind as much as they help the horse.

Another tool is your decision to be patient and trust the horse to heal. They do heal. They get better than you can imagine. I get email from people happily reporting on "my horse's rock-crunching hooves."

All the de-shod horses I know of became barefoot-rideable within a few days to about a year, given these conditions of care:

-- a non-invasive, "natural" or "wild-horse" trim;

-- "white line strategy" used wherever there is white line separation (flaring); stretched white line is painful;

-- a consistent trimming schedule so that the walls never get more than "the thickness of 2 credit cards" longer than the sole;

-- hoof boots used on front feet when riding on gravel, rocks, pavement, or frozen ground;

-- the most turnout you can arrange; 24 / 7 is most effective;

-- a lot of hand-walking (if unrideable) or riding on firm footing; many miles per day is most effective." --Marjorie Smith, www.barefoothorse.com



From Pete Ramey --

"When you pull the shoes off a horse with unhealthy hooves, it will often be less comfortable afterwards. That's what fixed shoes do best; they hide the pain caused by pathology (for a while) but they also generally cause the hoof to become less healthy and less functional, over time, which is why we do what we do. As the hoof gets healthier, with amazing consistency, it will feel and perform better while bare than it did when it was shod, but there is often an unavoidable "transition period" between the two."


"Generally, the overall condition of the hooves and the performance and soundness of the horse should begin a steady uphill climb, but the basic fact remains that the rehabilitation of problem hooves is a process that can sometimes take a while, depending on where you start and the level of performance expected of the horse . Often there are other factors involved, as well. For instance, if you have a laminitic horse and you refuse to adjust the diet and management, there is probably nothing that anyone can do to help your horse. Also, some problems are beyond repair and the best we can do is provide a bit of relief or support to a condition."

-- Pete Ramey, http://www.hoofrehab.com

From my own initial trim appointment agreements that I not only give to my new clients but go over, step by step and require a signature of understanding:

Do understand the following is needed for the rehabilitation and restoration or transition of my horses hooves and agree to provide the necessary requirements as stated below:


• 24/7 turnout with other horses in large area with varied terrain and shelter.
• Free choice grass hay provided for my horses at all times.
• Change in diet as discussed and recommended by hoofcare provider.
• Old Mac Boots or other protective boots for riding on harsh and rocky ground during transitional stage of rehabilitation.
• To provide an area of water or mud for the horse(s) to stand in daily.
• If pathology is present that adequate care and exercise is provided daily as recommended by hoofcare provider.
• Fresh, clean water to be available at all times.
• That adequate time is allowed for recuperation and transitional stage as discussed with hoofcare provider.
• I understand that it may take up to a year for full restoration of hoof health and function.
• To ensure correct and adequate maintenance trimming in no more than 4 week increments of time.     (Less if pathology indicates need.)
• To notify hoofcare provider of any changes in hooves, their appearances or function that deviates from that which is expected and has been discussed.
•  I understand that my horse may not ever be fully “recovered” from a chronic or acute condition but that PENZANCE will do whatever possible to help rehabilitate the horse to its highest performance and health level possible.