As barefoot trimmers we base our trimming techniques on the proven model of the hoof of the wild horses living in central Australia. But of course you can’t just trim the hoof on the outside to make it look like a brumby hoof!
When studying the wild horse it is glaringly apparent that the hoof is just one part of the key. It is also a window to the soul of the horse. The old saying “No hoof no horse” holds so much more meaning when studying the horse and the hoof.
The hoof will show signs of the health of the horse, and this is dictated by the diet, movement and environment. We can trim as often as we like, encouraging flares to grow out, treating seedy toe, etc, however unless the other 3 keys are in place then nothing will change. The same goes for the other 3 keys – they all need to be in place for the health of the horse.
One very important thing to remember – a barefoot trimmed horse is not a horse with no shoes, in fact it is very different. The ‘natural’ barefoot trim allows the hoof to flex from toe to heel, build toe callous, frog density, connected growth, wall thickness, sole thickness, encourages circulation.
The study completed by Professor Chris Pollitt and Brian Hamson proves that the environment and movement of the horse shapes the hoof. The promo of the video is below, unfortunately the full 30 minute DVD is no longer available for purchase. Here are some links on Professor Chris Pollitts research Chris Pollitt’s Laminitis Research website, Chris Pollitt’s Laminitis paper, Improving the health of the domestic horse
One of the best ways to experience Brumby’s in the wild is by going on Wild Horse Adventure Tour