Claudia Waldmann

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022 600 6694 (mobile)

 

 

 

 

Hoof Lessons from Medieval Horses

Shoeing problems are as old as shoeing itself. Horse shoes are an invention of European farriers in the early Middle Ages. The medieval horse was the car, tractor and tank of its day and was kept in stalls to be ready at short notice when needed. Lack of exercise and urine-soaked floors weakened the hoof structure and as a consequence the horse could not respond well to its rider’s demands.

Barefoot trimming or shoeing? What's right for you?

Wild horses never visit a farrier. Bands of wild horses in many parts of the world travel on average 30 km each day and their hooves adapt to the demands of their environment. In Mongolia and parts of South America domestic horses remain unshod in the present day. Why do we shoe our horses? What happens to their hooves if we don't? What could be an appropriate regime for healthy hooves under New Zealand conditions?

Why Barefoot

Why you may consider going barefoot: It has been found, that shod horses put more pressure on the hoof wall, which interferes with blood circulating throughout the hoof. In particular, the lateral cartilage receives less blood in a shod hoof. Over time, the cartilage may lose some its cushioning ability. In the barefoot horse, all the structures on the underside of the hoof bear weight together.

What I Do

Barefoot performance strategy: The trimming strategy I use aims at shaping the hoof of the domestic horse as nature would do in the wild. It is a non-invasive method, which will achieve and maintain natural balance, healthy hoof horn, and resilient soles over time. The trim applied to each individual horse or pony will vary depending on the present condition and health of the hoof.

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