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First of all, Howard, I don't think you have interpreted
my comments in the past correctly. Or at least taken them as they were
meant. Do you recall my mantra? "Every horse is an
individual!". I have repeated it so often, I would think you would
remember that! :) SOME horses will do just fine barefoot, especially
if they have someone dedicated to keeping up on their hoof care. MOST
people are NOT. Nelson has been shoeing horses for over 30 years.
The endurance horses he shoes, mine included are 100% sound. All of our
horses start the year out BAREFOOT and only go to shoes when wear exceeds
growth. We have 15 horses. 3 wear shoes.
I am not going to argue with you whether shoes are good or
evil...sometimes they are a necessary evil and sometimes they are the only thing
that allows a horse to go sound. The MAJORITY of our clients have BAREFOOT
horses...Nelson is not a farrier who pushes shoes on horses so he can buy the
kid new school clothes. Horses only get shoes when they NEED them.
My problem with "barefoot" is when it is taken to the
extreme...remember the people who bring in rocks and gravel to toughen up their
horses' feet? I think that is ridiculous.
Much changes when you put on the shoe, yes, but when
applied properly, it should not hinder or damage but HELP. I am going to
consult with Nelson about your assessment about shoeing for his comments
as HE is the farrier...I am the lowly wife. :) I DO know that when a
horse is shod properly he will land flat or heel first, not toe first. It
has not been MY experience that this is so but then I have the best farrier in
Michigan (ok, I can have an ego, too!). LOL So I do not disagree
with you about that issue.
So, then you are saying that the "natural" shoe is the
abnormal shoe? That was your comparison and what I was asking to begin
with. You DID notice the smiley face, I hope.
But since you brought it up (and maybe I'm the stupid fish
taking bait), I shoe my horse because that is what is best for him. I pull
his shoes and allow him to go barefoot when THAT is what is best for him.
If what YOU are doing works for you, great and you seem to have the dedication
to keep up on it. You are the EXCEPTION.
I don't know that I agree with your method of trimming but
then I am envisioning a gal who recently called us after her miserable attempts
at trimming her own horse where she used the sole as a guide...Nelson could have
done a better job blindfolded with one hand behind his back using a
machete. It was pitiful and the horse was in a lot of pain. But she
was not trying to help her horse, just save money.
Anyway, is my mind open to change? We are willing to
try and learn most anything. We did our homework when it came to the
Natural Balance shoeing method and the four point trim and wild horse trim and
even checked out the Strasser thing. We have seen the results of some and
some we are not willing to try because we feel it is detrimental to the
horse. If that makes us closed minded, so be it. I believe in many
cases, these are fancy words and phrases meant to make someone money.
(Nelson has been using Natural Balance shoeing principles for over 30
years...Gene Ovnicek coined a phrase, made a funny looking shoe and I would bet
is pretty well off about now.) However, we try new products all the time,
not just shoes in an effort to build our knowledge and ability to help
horses.
If my past comments have seemed hostile, I am sorry you
took it that way...there are a lot of stupid people out there (and I am NOT
saying you are stupid, Howard!). I get VERY concerned when people hear
about something "new" and want to try it just for the sake of trying it,
especially when their horse is perfectly sound. My other mantra? If
it ain't broke, don't fix it! On the other hand, if it is, then break your
back to find out HOW. And that's all I got to say about
that....
Maggie
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