This is not meant as a flame. I just couldn't
resist playing devil's advocate!
Lori Cox
--- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2001 6:53
AM
Subject: RC: Re: barefoot
Nelson uses only 4-6 nails in each hoof and never
puts nails in the back holes....that's where the expansion is
needed.
Actually the whole hoof expands if it has been
properly trimmed. You would be supprised to see the difference in the
shape of my mustang's foot when it is in the air and the shape of her hoof
print on the ground. My 2 Arabs are getting there but it takes a long
time to fix what has been messed up from years of shoeing.
My horse goes barefoot in the spring until he
starts to wear more than he is growing.
So you admit that barefoot is better for the horse? Why
not use hoof boots if you have to?
Then he generally will get front shoes first and
hind shoes when he needs them. My only objections to going barefoot is
the idea that because horses in the wild go barefoot, all horses should be
able to go barefoot as well...what our horses go through for us and the kind
of life they live as domesticated animals is nothing like the life they would
live in the wild. The feet do not grow the same
Do you mean the hooves grow slower? I know my Arab's
hooves grow about 2 to 3 times faster now that they are barefoot and the hoof
quality is better than ever befor! This is all because of the increased
circulation. They are also more healthy and even sweat less on the
trail!
and for most of us who don't have thousands of acres of
mountains or hills with rocks, etc.
I only have one acer, I wish I had more.
the feet don't wear the same. You are right,
trimming is essential. However, not every horse can go barefoot
Are horses born with shoes on? Did God make a mistake
somewhere?
just as every horse will not respond favorably to the
Strasser method or natural balance shoeing or whatever the current fad may
be. EVERY HORSE IS AN INDIVIDUAL and must be treated as such. If
you find what works for your horse, count yourself lucky. Nelson trims
and shoes a lot of problem horses for the reasons I mentioned above...we
subject them to OUR wishes and desires and the environment in which they
live. Shoes are a necessary evil sometimes....no, they are not
ideal. But if shod properly, a horse can go many miles in comfort
and safety. I would advise people to find what works for THEIR horse
(and sometimes it takes some trial and error whether it's angles for trimming,
shoeing methods or whatever) and then stick with it. I would like to
caution people about trimming out too much sole and frog...they have a
purpose. There is a difference between trimming out EXCESS and trimming
out for looks. When people ask us about trying something new they have
heard about it we ask them WHY? If the horse has a problem, fine.
We can try something new. If it ain't broke, why try to fix it?
JMHO,
Maggie
And don't forget to read and study we owe it to our horses to try to give
them the best! : )