Going from shoes to barefoot?
Here's what you need to know
by Krit Lander
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For some horses, it may never be possible
to achieve a satisfactory level of comfort
and soundness without the use of hoof
boots; for example, in the case of a horse
with extensive prior damage, debilitation
or untreated metabolic disorders that
can cause perpetual low grade laminitis.
It is my personal opinion that not
all metabolic horses can be treated to
eliminate all traces of laminitis induction.
Nevertheless, these horses still benefit
greatly from going shoeless and should
be provided hoof boots to be comfortable
when ridden. The use of hoof boots is a
tremendous tool for the transitioning
horse and should be carried for use if
needed when out on the trail.
Hint:
All but the very best barefoot horses
should at least carry boots on the
trail in case of a stone puncture or if
unexpected bad footing is encountered.
Editor’s sidebar
Although abscessing is a natural
process, there are some things we
can do to help speed healing. Try:
• homeopathic silicea 6x, used for
cold abscesses and given three
times per day for three days to
help the body expel the material.
• homeopathic hepar sulph 6x for
painful, pus-filled conditions, given
three times per day for three days.
• soaking the hoof for 20-30
minutes in ½ cup of Epsom salts,
dissolved in 1 gallon of warm
water. Used once or twice, this can
help draw out the damaged tissue.
• applying a natural clay poultice
and covering with a hoof boot.
Let dry for one hour and rinse. |
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The myths and realities
of abscessing
Abscessing will sometimes occur during
the transitional phase, resulting in much
discomfort and lameness. A common
misconception is that abscessing is caused
by the recently de-shod hoof when in reality
the now bare hoof is merely facilitating
the process of cleansing and healing.
Why does this happen? Iron shoes can
restrict circulation, causing an accumulation
of cellular debris within the hoof
capsule. Removing the shoe restores
circulation and the body goes to work
removing the accumulated material.
Unfortunately, some of this accumulation
will not readily absorb into the bloodstream
so the body uses the mechanism of
abscessing to get the job done. (Think of a
festering sliver in a human hand.)
I don’t view abscessing in an overly
negative light but instead accept it as a
possible part of the transitional process.
This is not to say it should be ignored
or that I am happy when I see it, but I
don’t panic if it occurs.
Proper environment
goes a long way
Footing and movement have an incredible
influence on both the time for transition
and the eventual level of soundness and
durability in the barefoot horse. If your
horse lives in a box stall on wood shavings
and rarely gets out for exercise, then
transition will take a long time. Don’t
expect him to crush rocks on the weekends
without the use of hoof boots.
A horse that lives in a large paddock on
clean rugged footing where he can move
many miles each day on his own will
promote a quicker transition to barefoot
soundness and rock crushing capability.
A horse that is sensitive coming out of
shoes may need softer, more forgiving
footing in the initial stages of transition,
but he should never be swimming in
overly deep footing as this will reduce
hoof mechanism.
A combination of footing types, where
some areas are more aggressive than others,
is also helpful. This allows the horse to
pick and choose what is comfortable to
him, and is beneficial both physically
and emotionally. It is also very important
that the footing be kept clean and
is changed out when it becomes overly
contaminated with manure and urine.
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Published in the January/February 2007 issue of Equine Wellness Magazine
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