What Is A Natural Barefoot Trim

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 When  we talk about different barefoot trimming methods, we need to refer to  those that include natural living conditions as an important factor of  going barefoot and horses health in general.
 

A natural barefoot trim attempts to simulate the hoof of a wild horse –  that is one that is living in natural conditions. Barefoot trimmers  focus on the natural integrity of the equine foot, with its  physiologically correct hoof form.
 

Experts in Farrier Science study the wild horses' hooves for more  insight into how mankind can better simulate the ideal hoof in our  modern, captive conditions. However, it is important that the parameters  for a barefoot trim be developed from a wide range of feral equines,  and not be based on just one wild horse, in one small area of the world.
 

Wild horses live all  over the world, in various terrains, climates, and environment and their  hooves have adapted.  The most important parameters in common  throughout the wild species of the world are low heels, rounded toes and  functional, sound feet.
    Its not just about trimming the horses hoof! My Trimming techniques
are about the whole horse. Holistic hoof care adequate
turn out, nutrition, and exercise.
 

 Not all horses can go barefoot, I work hard to make sure the horse
is able to go barefoot in the most extreme level of performance.
I trim to the widest part of the weight bearing frog.
In doing this it helps to get a heel first landing which promotes
proper shock absorbing with in the hoof capsule.  One of the first things we need to understand that going
barefoot with a Natural Trim doesn't just mean going with out horse shoes!
It's a way of life in feeding, exercising, and giving them mental
stimulation every day for their well being. When we domesticate
them we now have a huge responsibility to take care of there daily needs.  I have made it my Focus to help Horse Owners transition
from Shoes to Barefoot where possible.
   

• TURNOUT 24/7:  Horses roam up to 20 miles daily when in the wild.   
• Some of our domesticated horses today don't even go 20 miles in a month! 
• Give  a horse the opportunity to move around freely helps to keep their  bodies healthy but also helps give their hooves a good, natural trim.  
• Domestic  horses NEED MOVEMENT to help also their keep body in optimum condition.  Even stalling a horse overnight will impede any hoof rehab that might  be needed and compromise the circulatory system.                                 

• LIVING IN HERD SITUATION:  For mental health and physical it is best if you can keep horses in a herd rather than pad docked singularly.  
• They look to each other for safety, warmth, grooming and move each other around for exercise. 

• CONDITION & TYPE OF GROUND FOR TURNOUT: As  varied type of terrain as you can find is the most preferable - rocky,  sandy, grassy, forest, wet, dry, soaked ... horses need to have their  hooves constantly exposed to natural terrains and environments for  ultimate health. 

• GRAZING:  Not only do horses prefer to be out in the open where they can see  what's going on around them, they graze in a natural head down position  which allows them to be calm and comfortable. The body actually is  hard-wired to send calming messages to the brain when the head is down.  
• It  also is the way that horses clear their sinus passages and bronchial  tubes from irritants and phlegm. Its best when horses can eat from  ground level at all times. 

• SHELTER:  If providing a man-made shelter in the field for the horse, allow the  floor to be a natural substance rather than shavings. Shavings dry out  the hooves in a matter of minutes and is detrimental to the overall  health of the hoof.  
• Sometimes when we are in a wet environment dry shavings are a great way for taking the extra moisture out of the hooves.