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My recent research into aspects of the horse’s foot has included reading what different barefoot advocates say about different topics. This has highlighted the diversity of the advice provided by these groups.
The different groups:
There are a number of barefoot groups, each one relying on a figure-head, or ‘guru’. (guru = “influential teacher” or “popular expert”). These gurus must… Read the rest
The Ledge – Supporting P3
This article appeared in American Farriers Journal May/June 2014 pp 68-70
There seems to be some disagreement between hoofcare professionals as to the role of the sole in weight-bearing. To suggest that the laminar attachment of P3, with transference of the horses weight to the hoof wall, is not its major means of support seems… Read the rest
This article on EMS was written for the Natural Horse Magazine (Vol 16 Issue 1 Jan/Feb/Mar 2014 pp20-23)(Some aspects of EMS were covered in greater depth elsewhere in this magazine. (A Horse Guardian’s Guide to Feeding a Metabolically Challenged Horse. – Stephanie Krahl) + (A Lesson in Blood Chemistry Analysis and Interpretation for EMS/IR Horses – Joseph Thomas PhD)
A… Read the rest
This article was in the ‘web-exclusive’ content for the May/June American Farriers Journal
In physical medicine, ‘conditioning’ refers to an improvement of the physical state with a program of exercise and ‘work conditioning’ refers to a physical exercise program designed to restore specific strength, flexibility, and endurance for return to work following injury or disease. Work hardening’ includes activities designed… Read the rest
I am a barefoot trimmer by choice, but am not against horseshoes. I realise that there are a number of situations and reasons why horses may benefit from them and maybe circumstances where horses need shoes to effectively work. It is unfortunate that the reason some horses ’require’ shoes is because of the unnatural management and feeding of the domestic… Read the rest