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My Testimonial to the Barefoot Trim
Having been a passive horse owner for a number of years I was given an old horse of unknown heritage to retire on my 50 acres. Having kept a little contact in the equine world I was fortunate enough to have been introduced to the philosophy of the ‘Barefoot Trim’. I had listened to discussions on equine anatomy and how the horse’s legs are an integral part of the blood circulatory system. I understood that the movement of the horse’s hooves coming into contact with the ground acts as an auxiliary pump helping to circulate blood around the whole body of the horse. With my background in natural medicine this common sense approach must be of advantage to the whole being of the horse, compared to the horse with shoes on, whose blood cannot be pumped as efficiently through literally numb lower legs and hooves.
When we unloaded the lovely old mare off the float onto my property the first thing we did was remove her shoes. My natural hoof care provider and friend Jenny Lomas, asked me to feel the mare’s hoof and lower leg before and after she removed the shoes. Had I not experienced the difference I would not have believed it. The warmth in her hoof and lower leg after having removed the shoes was so profound, I knew I could never put shoes on a horse again.
My personal testimonial is that having cared for this lovely old mare using my new knowledge of natural hoof care for 18 months she has flourished. The shape of her hooves has changed over a period of months. I have watched the transition of hoof reforming as I maintain it within the natural hoof care guidelines. I now take an active interest in natural hoof care and am inspired by the amount of national and international interest from a wide variety of equine backgrounds and professionals who endorse this most common sense approach to our equine partnership.
Another most amazing thing is the ease in which an amateur like me can maintain my horse’s hooves with about 30 minutes a month of attention.
I have the privilege of being caretaker of horses - big hearted, beautiful and sensitive animals that have served mankind for thousands of years. As an intelligent and caring human, I now believe to shoe a horse is simply stupid and cruel. We must open our minds, educate ourselves and act responsibly, to do justice to these animals that have served us so well.
Regan Mayo
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