Throughout the years of the ongoing points and counter points of shoeing vs. barefoot, we continue to support the pro's and con's of each side. The most important thing to remember is, what is right for one horse may not be the very best for another. One of the most interesting articles on this subject is found in the August 2008 issue of "The Horse Magazine". The article was written by Marcia King, an award winning -freelance writer, who specializes in equine, canine, and feline veterinary topics. She's schooled in hunt seat, dressage, and Western pleasure.
Present at the seminar held for farriers and veterinarians were Robert Cook, FRCVS, PhD, Professor of Surgery Emeritus at Tuft University and developer of the Bitless Bridle, and Patrick Reilly, Chief of Farrier Services at New Bolton Center. Patrick is researching on the development of a protocol for the use of an in-shoe force measuring system. These two gentlemen went head to head with questions from "The Horse". In many cases they agreed. For instance, when it comes to certain disciplines, terrain, climate or horsekeeping conditions, or whether a horse should be shod or unshod can be influenced either way. Many horses live comfortably without shoes no matter what the environment or use is. The structure of the horse's hoof is a result of all of the environmental factors.
As discussed, a barefoot program is not just about trimming, it is a total management program. A horse owner takes on responsibility to provide and manage conditions that are not harmful to his horse. During the transition period hoof boots can be worn to protect the hoof and to prevent excessive wear of a hoof with poor horn growth that has not completely recovered from having been shod. EasyCare can provide seven different models, the Easyboot, Epic, Bare, Grip, Old Mac Original, Old Mac G2 and Boa Boot.
Also mentioned in the article is the study and continuous research of Dr. Robert J. Bowker who believes that barefoot conditions are better and that one can have the same effects of a shoe in barefooted conditions, dependent on how the hoof is trimmed. If you remove plenty of sole and cut back the bars, trim the frog then you have acquired a peripherally loaded foot that is similar to a shod horse.
It is an excellent article you shouldn't miss reading. Happy Trails from EasyCare!
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