Mountain Barefoot Horses

"In my experience the meaning of ‘barefoot’ does not mean modern day horses going without hoof protection – it simply means they are going without shoes." — Lane Moore

Shoeing began during medieval times, when stabling became more prevalent as many horses spent long periods confined during the castle sieges. This confinement created a lack of movement, and allowed exposure to manure and urine which caused these hooves to rapidly deteriorate.  Protective shoeing for these compromised hooves gradually became the norm for ALL hooves. Since shoeing began, it has been taught and written that – shoes must be removed often in order to return the hoof to normal, healthy conditions.

Here is just one example: In 1897 Captain Peter Spohr wrote in his ‘Leg and Hoof Problems of Horses’: “On the whole, going barefoot constitutes the quintessence of every correct hoof and leg conservation and will later be considered as an essential link in the healing of almost all hoof problems….”

Many barefoot horse enthusiasts believe a horse should go everywhere shoeless. We know this is possible when we observe both the domestic and the wild horses of Mongolia, Russia, Mexico, South America etc.   Today there are many very successful totally barefoot horse owners. These are folks who really USE their animals – check out some central Alberta Endurance and Dressage riders or ask some local Red Deer Three Day Eventers.

Except for those horses previously mentioned or in comparison to their working ancestors, most horses today get very light use.  We all know, come spring and summer, how often are horses brought in from their pastures, shod, taken out for a weekend or two of riding excursions, then turned back out to pasture with their shoes left on - for far too long!  It would seem a healthy alternative to have hoof protection available for use only in times of ‘work’ or ‘rehabilitation’; when horses are young and developing or when hooves are compromised for any reason.  In the past twenty years, horse enthusiasts and manufacturers believed in this theory - thus began the competition to develop good alternative hoof protection in the way of ‘boots’. Today there is a plethora of products to try for those who are casual riders or those who wish to go shoeless.  Going Barefoot or shoeless is a commitment which appears to be for those willing to take the time for self education and of course proper fitting and usage.

Just as many of us take care of our bodies – we assume we are healthy because we try to live, eat, sleep and exercise properly; suddenly a health issue arises – boy, then do we try and educate ourselves totally about what is going on! This is a bit like many horse people. Most of us are pretty knowledgeable on grooming, housing, tack, diet, supplements, medications, exercise and so on – but then we simply turn over hoof care and maintenance to someone else – in fact many of us have very little knowledge at all of the anatomy and the mechanics of one of the most important parts of our horses – their feet! We panic when hoof issues arise. In actuality, it doesn’t matter if we gain hands on training in hoof trimming and maintenance. It is however, important to gain knowledge and understanding of the hoof and how it works. Any passionate horse enthusiast will agree – learning about all things equine is a life long pursuit!  The more we learn the more intelligent our questions and understanding will be when we discuss complete horse health with our veterinarian, farrier or hoof care practitioner.

We believe, no matter WHEN or WHAT kind of hoof protection we use – it is important to remember the wisdom and recommendations passed on by horse-hoof experts since the middle ages -  whenever possible, barefoot horses out on pasture should have exposure to companions, an adequate diet and lots of movement, preferably over varied terrain. This along with regular maintenance will certainly develop and promote healthy, happy hooves!

There are many web sites, books, DVD’s, videos, etc. out there on ‘Going Barefoot’.  The following are just a few names that we can recommend:

• Pete Ramey
• Dr. James Rooney
• Jamie Jackson
• Dr. Robert Bowker    
• Dr. Hiltrud Strasser
• Dr. Pollitt

 Check out Lane's 'Bio' for MORE articles and information.

WATCH THIS SITE for a NEW LEVELS/CERTIFICATION PROGRAM coming in 2013

First and foremost a big THANK YOU goes to Margie.  Without Margie, a wife who is always OPEN to new things Equine, I might NEVER have become interested in the Barefoot Movement.

I learned from/with many 'mentors' - and would like to thank PAUL JACKSON of England who has been a Farrier for over 30 years.  Paul is one of the founding members of the UK Barefoot Association.  Paul still does his traditional farrier work and is also becoming more and more in demand as a Barefoot Specialist - working with Owners and Vets rehabilitating horses with hoof problems.  Paul is one of the Associations TOP Instructors for Students working on their Barefoot Apprenticeships.  Not only does Paul work on Hooves - he also competes in Jumping competitions, cross country competitions , coaches his youngest daughter and much more.  Paul, along with his adult daughter, recently helped a visually impaired woman win many ribbons/medals in jumping competitions both in the UK and Europe!!

I also did a 'tour' of the U.S.A. working first with J. Jackson in California and then on to work with other Barefoot Trimmers.  The time spent with the Landers, inventors/founders of RENEGADE HOOF BOOTS was VERY informative and FUN!!  Their Endurance horses  were AMAZING - the territory (a lot of Lava Rock) they covered BAREFOOT still brings goose bumps to me!!

There was a good opportunity to go to a Pete Ramey clinic - it was enlightening for sure.  Pete & Ivy certainly have done LOADS for Barefoot Trimmers and horses all over the Globe.  His new book, with a variety of contributors, is a MUST have for very serious barefoot people, vets, teachers, farriers - simply anyone keen on learning more!!  Their web site is constantly changing and being updated and is a great resource!

H. Strasser is I believe the Pioneer of Barefooting - especially in Europe.  Her 'Big Blue Book' is a Bible for Trimmers.  Her other 'little' books are easy to read and also contain LOTS of knowledge - thanks to S. Kells for translating all of this invaluable information into English.

Of course I learned much of the basics on general equine care and hoof care from the 'old timers' around Innisfail - these folks depended on their horses for WORK!  The Barefoot knowledge came much later.  The most I hope to carry with me from my mentors and through my experiences - are:

To remain OPEN  to keep on LEARNING and the importance of

Maintenance, Movement and Lifestyle!!

Lane & Margie recently attended a 4 day International Hoof Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.  It was most interesting, beneficial and fun!  Put on by the American Farriers Association it was GREAT to learn that more and more emphasis is being placed on general Hoof Care.

The primary focus of the Conference was on hoof structure, pathologies and how the WHOLE horse is affected.  Dr. Bowker was a speaker and of course ALWAYS interesting.  There was an EXCELLENT speaker - Blake Brown, from California, on Confirmation and Hoof Structures.  Think those two were the favorites.

It was interesting to find out and speak with hoof care practitioners/farriers from ALL over.  Amazing how many British/European Farriers there are in the U.S.A.  In ONE particular area around Washington, DC and Virginia there are over 100 Farriers and they are ALL busy!!  Not sure if there are 100 certified Farriers in ALL of Alberta?!!!

Lane is trying out some new products for diagnosing lameness issues of the hoof/legs plus a couple of other new products.  Will keep you posted as to what he finds out!

UPCOMING HOOF SEMINARS - May 26th and 27th Near Cranbrook, B.C.

June 2nd and June 3rd at LANE MOORE Ranch near Caroline, Ab.