Reading the article "Contemporary Hoof Protection" from Swedish Hoof School about reasoning behind using hoof protection can give you a fresh perspective on what you should be trying to achieve with your barefoot horse. The reasoning points to providing as natural as possible a life style along with the correct hoof protection, hoof boots, when needed.
It points out that through a horses life, it is born barefoot and can travel over the terrain it is born in with no problems. But, when we domesticate them, if we do not provide the most natural atmosphere, hoof trim and hoof protection we are cheating our equine companions.
The horses hoof maintains itself according to the terrain that it is used to, therefore, when we take it out of it's environment, we need to be responsible and protect the hoof. Restriction comes from attaching something unnatural to it and expecting it to remain healthy. To maintain this constant hoof health, the hoof needs proper trimming, natural life style offering movement, and protection when needed.
"We can only help the horse by not opposing the healing powers of nature, which mainly comes from blood circulation". What a powerful and true statement. Go to their website for much more information on the natural life style for your horse, feeding suggestions, hoof trimming and recommended boots. For further information and more articles about trimming and natural hoof care, go to this link http://swedishhoofschool.com/articles.htm You will certainly find some really great reading and helpful info.
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