Barefoot Horses

SHOELESS, NOT CLUELESS! WHY MY HORSES ARE BAREFOOT

Did you know a horse has five hearts? The big one in his chest and a smaller one in each hoof.

When a hoof makes contact with the ground it expands, reducing impact and allowing blood to enter the internal structure, the sole being concave to help this action. When the hoof is lifted, it contracts, expelling the blood, thus acting as a small heart. Unlike us, horses don´t have lower leg muscle to help the circulation of blood to the extremities. The shod hoof doesn´t allow this function, increasing impact and decreasing circulation. Peripheral loading caused be the shoe of the shod hoof causes far greater ´shock´to the hoof and leg with every step the horse takes, stopping the natural mechanism of the hoof.

Barefoot hooves themselves, should have balance. A nice, full shape with a prominent frog and concave sole that is dense and calloused. Thick, consistent wall around the perimeter with no flares, cracks or ripples. The hoof will also be resilient and flexible enough to absorb and dissipate shock. It will be at an angle that causes the least amount of stress on the tendons and ligaments of the leg, promoting good circulation that not only minimizes injuries but aides in healing as well. That is the real beauty of natural hooves, why I became an Equine Podologist and why my horses are barefoot.

A pasture trim is not the answer. Nor is going barefoot a cheap alternative to the farrier. The transition from shod to barefoot can take between 2 or 3 months up to a year or more. Consulting with a professional hoof trimmer like myself is just the beginning. When you love you equine friend and want to do the right thing by them a lot of patience may be required on your part, as well as maybe a period of no riding! I know for me that would be very difficult to bare, but certainly worth the sacrifice. Investing in a pair of hoof boots, which are now readily available, is a very viable option during this time. Trimming is just the start. Diet and husbandry are other important factors. A paddock paradise is just one of the answers to maintaining those hooves barefoot and sound, but it is a big answer.

Practising the WHOLE HORSE PROTOCOL, as prescribed in my capacity as a professional Equine Podologist, is the only road to truly healthy BFB´s.

The day will soon arrive when in order to stay competitive, competition horses will have to go barefoot.

For a small example of the work we do, and the fantastic results. Take a look at some of our Case Studies Clicking the words Transition to Barefoot is where you will find further information on going barefoot.

IF YOU WANT TO DO THE RIGHT THING BY YOUR HORSE AND MAKE THE TRANSITION TO HEALTHY BAREFOOT HOOVES WE OFFER TWO IN-HOUSE OPTIONS. PLEASE CONTACT ME, UNDER NO OBLIGATION, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CLINIC. Contact page

Unless otherwise stated, All editorial and photos are copyright of
Espiritu Del Viento
The Home of Endurance and The Barefoot Horse.
2007 - 2013


Home SPIRIT BLOG Our Stallion Our Mares Our Foals Facilities/Services Barefoot Virtual Consultation Hoof Boots PRODUCTS Endurance Foundation Appaloosa History Courses Case Studies ESPAÑOL Arctic Blast Album Horse Care CONTACT ME Links We Like Testimonials	Barefoot Horses SHOELESS, NOT CLUELESS! WHY MY HORSES ARE BAREFOOT Did you know a horse has five hearts? The big one in his chest and a smaller one in each hoof. When a hoof makes contact with the ground it expands, reducing impact and allowing blood to enter the internal structure, the sole being concave to help this action. When the hoof is lifted, it contracts, expelling the blood, thus acting as a small heart. Unlike us, horses don´t have lower leg muscle to help the circulation of blood to the extremities. The shod hoof doesn´t allow this function, increasing impact and decreasing circulation. Peripheral loading caused be the shoe of the shod hoof causes far greater ´shock´to the hoof and leg with every step the horse takes, stopping the natural mechanism of the hoof. Barefoot hooves themselves, should have balance. A nice, full shape with a prominent frog and concave sole that is dense and calloused. Thick, consistent wall around the perimeter with no flares, cracks or ripples. The hoof will also be resilient and flexible enough to absorb and dissipate shock. It will be at an angle that causes the least amount of stress on the tendons and ligaments of the leg, promoting good circulation that not only minimizes injuries but aides in healing as well. That is the real beauty of natural hooves, why I became an Equine Podologist and why my horses are barefoot. A pasture trim is not the answer. Nor is going barefoot a cheap alternative to the farrier. The transition from shod to barefoot can take between 2 or 3 months up to a year or more. Consulting with a professional hoof trimmer like myself is just the beginning. When you love you equine friend and want to do the right thing by them a lot of patience may be required on your part, as well as maybe a period of no riding! I know for me that would be very difficult to bare, but certainly worth the sacrifice. Investing in a pair of hoof boots, which are now readily available, is a very viable option during this time. Trimming is just the start. Diet and husbandry are other important factors. A paddock paradise is just one of the answers to maintaining those hooves barefoot and sound, but it is a big answer. Practising the WHOLE HORSE PROTOCOL, as prescribed in my capacity as a professional Equine Podologist, is the only road to truly healthy BFB´s. The day will soon arrive when in order to stay competitive, competition horses will have to go barefoot. For a small example of the work we do, and the fantastic results. Take a look at some of our Case Studies Clicking the words Transition to Barefoot is where you will find further information on going barefoot. IF YOU WANT TO DO THE RIGHT THING BY YOUR HORSE AND MAKE THE TRANSITION TO HEALTHY BAREFOOT HOOVES WE OFFER TWO IN-HOUSE OPTIONS. PLEASE CONTACT ME, UNDER NO OBLIGATION, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CLINIC. Contact page Unless otherwise stated, All editorial and photos are copyright of Espiritu Del Viento The Home of Endurance and The Barefoot Horse. 2007 - 2013	Read my articles published in The Horses Hoof. A fabulous magazine offering scientific information, great products and many interesting articles by professional´s like myself and others on the beautiful bare hoof. SPECIAL OFFER Purchase a "Trimming Kit" consisting of a Left-handed knife, Right-handed knife, 2 Double-ended 14" Rasps, Trimming Apron & Tool Sharpener and save €11.80 (normal price €256.80) SPECIAL OFFER €245.00