achieving hoof health
Written by: Lisa St. John ND.
As most of you already know I am known for allowing horses to self-trim. There are many equestrians, horse trainers and farriers that consider self- trimming to be controversial. So when I show pictures of horses that are self -trimming or share stories of clients who have horses that are noticeably performing at higher levels due to self- trimming it shocks the masses.
In truth those who are most skeptical of self- trimming are those who have little or no experience with it. However, those of my clients who are allowing their horses to self - trim are surprised at how well their horses are performing and how sound and sure footed their horses have become, and that in itself speaks volumes.
Allow me to clarify some misconceptions when it comes to self- trimming.
1. “Without a “ balanced” trim or proper shoeing horses will suffer injury or lameness.”
Most horses have “ imbalanced heels” and or “long break-overs” which many trimmers fear. Let us also add in media- lateral imbalances ( very common) , and over developed palmar hooves (100%). These are horses who have been regularly trimmed or shod, so it certainly has nothing to do with neglect that has led to these injuries.
I have worked with hundreds of horses all over the World over the past 25 years. I have also rescued dozens of horses that are on my own ranch and one thing that never happens here is trimming.
So what dreadful consequences occur? - None! - The benefits are overwhelming.
1. Even with modest amounts of movement due to injuries or lameness horses will self- trim no matter what soil they are on. It is the weight of the horse and how he stands and moves that aid in self trimming. Bear in mind the more the horse moves of course the better the trim but they still self trim.
2. All horses develop healthier hooves - particularly dorso-palmar and media-lateral balance and more robust digital cushings and frogs.
3. Long break-overs and imbalanced heels correct themselves at the horses pace in response to stimulus and loading and the internal structures strengthen at the same time.
4. Horses become steadily sounder as tendon and ligament injuries heal and every horse I have worked with achieved a higher level of performance ability than before they went lame.
The problem is trimming. A trim can only take away hoof wall or (heaven forbid) bar, sole or frog. Most horses don't go lame because of having too much of any of these and given even limited access to harder surfaces than a soft field - are more than capable of dealing with an excess very efficiently. This is why trimming as a tool for improving soundness has huge limitations.
Sure, horses with untrimmed feet may look untidy at times while they are in the process of self trimming, but it does not cause a problem with soundness. Over-zealous trimming, on the other hand, is a frequent cause of lameness.
2. “Most horses can’t manage in a domestic environment without trimming”
Many people believe if their horses are not ridden often or move around more frequently it prevents the ability to self- trim. This can not be further from the truth. Over the years I have had my horses in small dirt turnouts, acres of rocky soil, acres of moist ground soil and now we are on acres of sand. So trust me when I say no matter what condition the soil or how much they travel your horses can and will self- trim as long as they are free to do so. ( daily turnout is vital in the health of your horse on every level, no horse should ever be kept in a stall 24/7)
Hooves are incredibly dynamic. They grow in response to stimulus, not at a predetermined rate. This is mainly due to the increased healthy circulation which is triggered by the frog when the horse walks. The frog acts as a blood circulation pump if you will. Work levels and growth levels will change too - so self-trimming is possible both for hard-working horses and horses in light work. Nutrition plays a key role in the health and growth of the hoof. ( WHOLEify natural diet is a catalyst in achieving optimum hoof health making it much easier on the horse while transitioning and maintaining self -trimming).
Even horses who do not work at all will self-trim, as long as they have turn out and a well balanced natural WHOLEify diet. Even limited mileage and stimulus is enough for healthy hooves which never need a trim.
Hooves are equipped to cope with changes in stimulus and can grow at a fast rate, if they are doing high mileage over tough terrain, or very slowly, if they are doing low mileage on easy ground - but they cope best with steady changes, which a trim doesn't allow.
If you regularly trim your horse try tapering off the trimming and keeping everything else consistent - you may be surprised how well he/she adapts.
There is nothing wrong with trimming* but you may find its not as necessary or as beneficial as you first thought. Provided that you follow the golden rule: the horse must be as sound or sounder (over ALL terrain) after the trim as before and the way he lands and loads his foot must be as good or better after the trim.
When you allow your horse to self-trim you will soon find that your horse is healthier and has more freedom of motion and most importantly due to being more sure footed and steady on their feet, it is safer for both you and your horse.
Testimony
Denise has been a valued client for many years. She has all her ponies, horses and dogs on the WHOLEify wellness protocol.
“ The farrier came and said there was nothing to do ! I know you always said to leave the hooves but I always had him just tidy them up. He said there isn’t anything to tidy up ! Amazing ! “ Denise Chasin, Ca.