#horsesa #horse #horsecare Presented at a Horse SA education event, August 2017 by Jenny Austin http://www.jennyaustin.com.au/ Hosted by Horse SA https//www.horsesa.asn.au a non-profit organisation working with and for horse owners on common topics. Why not join, sponsor or donate today https://www.horsesa.asn.au/join-sponsor-or-donate or visit our website for more events, webinars or download free resources. Note: Horse SA has hosted this presentation only. It is up to individuals to seek their own advice. It is also the responsibility of individuals to familiarise themselves with laws relating to the provision of animal services which may fall under Acts or Regulations associated with veterinary services, animal welfare and related areas, which vary between Australian states, and in jurisdictions within different countries.

1. WHAT IS NATURAL
HOOF CARE?

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ABOUT JENNY
• Cert III in Agriculture – Equine Natural Hoof Care
• Cert IV in Training and Assessment
• CoA Equine Nutrition
• AHSA Panel Judge (13 years)

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NATURAL HOOF CARE - DEFINITION
“A lifestyle system to enable horses to work shoeless”

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NATURAL HOOF CARE - ORIGIN
The pioneers were Jaime Jackson & Dr
Strasser (70’s & 80’s). Originally based
on wild horses and a “natural” lifestyle.
THEN MODIFIED FOR
DOMESTIC SITUATIONS!!

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SCIENCE & RESEARCH
An increasing number of veterinarians are leading the push for
further research into the benefits to horses of being shoeless.
Robert Bowker, VMD, PhD
'for a veterinarian to say a barefoot horse cannot work is
akin to an engineer saying a bumble bee cannot fly.....'
(Professor Robert Bowker)
Drs Melanie Quick, Chris Pollitt & Bob Bowker

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EXAMPLES OF BAREFOOT
PERFORMANCE

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HOW DO WE DO IT?
1. We always aim to have the healthiest hooves possible
2. We follow the “5 Essential Elements of Barefoot Success”

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WHAT IS A HEALTHY HOOF?

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THE 5 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF
BAREFOOT SUCCESS
1. Education & Commitment – of owners
2. Movement – stationary horses do not have healthy
hooves, lots of exercise is crucial
3. Diet – high fibre, low-sugar, mineral balanced
4. Environment – grazing, type of ground, herd living
5. Hoof Trim – correct physiological, frequent

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ADVANTAGES OF BAREFOOT
1. Better Hoof Quality
2. Long Term Soundness
3. Surefootedness
4. Less stone bruising & abscessing
5. An overall healthier horse
6. Save money

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TRANSITION OUT OF SHOES – WHAT TO DO
Reactions vary from very sore to perfectly okay
Hoof wall, frog and sole might be thin and dysfunctional
Time off in the paddock is sometimes necessary
Health of hooves at time of shoe removal determines the
length of time to transition fully
Comfortable movement over varied terrain speeds healing
Use common sense – know your horses gait; do not force
it to work if uncomfortable; back off if sore
Build up gradually to faster work and harder/rougher
surfaces
Use hoof boots – eventually you won’t need to
Re-visit the 5 Critical Aspects of barefoot Success often
Discuss progress with your Hoof Care Provider
Be Patient! Your own goals might have to wait for the
long term benefits to the horse!

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HOOF PROTECTION
Hoof boots offer protection of the sole from
hard surfaces, rocks and other difficult terrain
when the horse is unable to be comfortable
without protection.
They also protect against excessive wear
when wear exceeds growth.
There are many types and brands and they
are improving all the time.

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HOOF PROTECTION

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MORE ALTERNATIVES
Other alternatives to nailed on metal shoes
Glue on shoes plastic or rubber
Hoof casting
Sole packing

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EXCEPTIONS….
If comfort isn’t improving , x-rays are required to identify any
internal issues causing pain.
Healthy pedal bone Pedal Oseitis
“Ski tip” remodeling of
Pedal bone

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TO SUM UP..
• Can your horse have a healthier foot without shoes?
• Does your horse really need shoes for what you do?
• Does your hoof care provider focus on healing the
hoof rather than patching it?
• Do they explain the cause of the hoof problem?
• Do your own research if you’re not sure
Think about this….

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RESOURCES
The Healthy Hoof Workshops – Jenny Austin
www.hoofrehab.com - Pete Ramey
Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot Textbook – Pete Ramey
Under the Horse 10 disc DVD series – Pete Ramey
www.scootboots.com/blogs/blog - great articles that cover almost everything
www.wildabouthooves.com.au – Tasmanian hoof care teachers and link to
the Trimmers’ Course
www.balancedequine.com.au – Nutritionist Carol Layton
www.easycaredownunder.com.au/serious-hoof-problems--new-solutions..html -
has links regarding Hoof Research
https://cvm.msu.edu/research/faculty-research/equine-foot-laboratory -
Prof Bowker’s team