From what I have been reading it is not disputed
that the hoof acts as a heart-supporting circulatory pump. By being
flexible (expanding on weightbearing, narrowing during non-weightbearing) the
hoof capsule acts as a circulatory pump in the area of the corium, supporting
the heart with each step by helping move the blood from the far end of the
extremities back up the leg to the body. So what happens when a shoe is
nailed onto this foot? Once a shoe is nailed to the hoof, the hoof
mechanism is largely disabled. Normal expansion is no longer possible as
the shoe has been put on when the hoof is non-weightbearing and in its narrowest
state. So when weightbearing only a slight amount of movement is allowed
in the shod foot. This leads to decreased circulation and
reduced bloodflow within the hoof.
Having said that, I will make a disclaimer.
While I am an advocate of the "barefoot movement" I am not preaching nor
judging anyone that chooses to shoe and don't want to get into any big
debate. I did want to make sure that the above information was
understood.
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