The Barefoot Specialist

20/10/2024

🌟 Attention Horse Owners! 🌟

I am thrilled to announce that I am now accepting new clients and have room on my schedule for more horses needing trims or hoof boot fittings. 🐴✨

📢 Are you considering transitioning your horse to barefoot but have experienced challenges in the past? Or are you curious about going barefoot for the first time? I’m here to ensure a smooth, successful transition.

With a proven personal approach, I have helped many horse owners successfully switch their horses to barefoot, enhancing their comfort and performance. Your horse’s well-being is my priority, and I am committed to making this journey as rewarding as possible. 💪

With years of experience and extensive knowledge, I offer advice and guidance tailored to meet your horse’s unique needs. Let’s work together to achieve optimal comfort and peak performance for your equine companions. 🐎❤️

Feel free to reach out and discuss your horse's needs or schedule a consultation. I’m excited to embark on this journey with you and your horse! 📞🔍

Looking forward to working together! 🥇

The barefoot specialist

Visit Medicatedhoof.org to purchase hoof boots, hoof care products or to find your nearest hoof boot fitter all at a discount price. Buy with confidence

A stride in the right direction

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02/09/2024

Long toe is a NO GO!

The goal of orthopaedic intervention for equines with laminitis is to immediately shift the weight of the equine from the damaged, weakened and most painful areas of the hoof to the undamaged areas.

The characteristic stance you often see of a equine suffering with laminitis is the equine trying to do the above itself (to shift its weight onto its heals) = the “classic laminitis stance”.

Why oh why would anyone think that leaving a long toe would have any beneficial effect. There are tens of scientific papers clearly explaining the detrimental effect of a long toe.

The highest amount of loading of the toe occurs when an equine walks (during breakover) and during this time the main shift of the load within the hooves of laminitic horses occurs between the toe and middle hoof regions.

I really shouldn’t have to point this out, but for the 100,000 of people who might be persuaded to think that a long toe is an appropriate rehab for equines recovering from laminitis, I will make this easy to understand:

EASING the breakover phase (which is the time from heel-off to toe-off), by appropriately unloading the toe will MINIMISE the load on the damaged lamellae in the toe region allowing it to heal faster and with the least amount of pain and suffering. Appropriate reductions in the heal and not removing the sole is also extremely important.

In case you are still unsure:

The breakover phase is significantly longer in horses with a long toe, as it acts as a long lever arm. A long lever arm is the last thing that is going to help equines with laminitis.

Ps if there is a laminar wedge - there has been movement within the hoof capsule - this includes rotation and sinking and cannot be estimated by looking at the outside of an equines hoof.

In fact, you can have an equine with more than 2cm of sinking and the hoof can still look “normal” from the outside.

Removing the source of laminitis is paramount (which by the way is not always nutritional), but so is appropriate orthopaedic intervention under the guidance of X-rays.

PPS unsoaked, high quality hay can cause laminitis just as easy as grass, especially in metabolic equines!

Huskamp B. Some notes for the orthopedic treatment of laminitis (Anmerkungen zur orthopädischen Behandlung der Hufrehe) Pferdeheilkunde. 1990;6:3–9. doi: 10.21836/PEM19900101.

Reily PT, Dean EK, Orsini JA. First aid for the laminitic foot: therapeutic and mechanical support. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2010;26:451–458. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.06.004

Clayton HM. Comparison of the stride of trotting horses trimmed with a normal and a broken-back hoof axis. Proc Ann Conv Am Assoc Equine Pract. 1998;33:289–298.

30/08/2024

Understanding Laminitis: Separating Fact from Fiction

As experienced equine professionals, it's important to share correct, science-backed information about laminitis to ensure the well-being of our beloved horses.

What is Laminitis?

Laminitis is a painful and potentially debilitating condition affecting the hooves of horses. It involves inflammation of the laminae, the sensitive structures that bond the hoof wall to the pedal bone inside. This inflammation can cause the pedal bone to rotate or sink – a process driven by several factors, not just trimming practices.

The Misinformation:

Recently, some misleading claims have been circulating, suggesting that pedal bone rotation in laminitis is solely due to "improper heel trimming." Let’s set the record straight:

1. Scientific Backing:
- Extensive research and veterinary science support that laminitis can be caused by a range of factors, including metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, systemic infections, and mechanical overload.
- Rotation of the pedal bone can result from weakened structure of the laminae, not just hoof trimming.

2. Danger of Simplistic Solutions:
- The claim that "not trimming heels enough" is the sole cause is an oversimplification that ignores the underlying complexities of laminitis.
- Such misinformation can mislead horse owners into neglecting necessary veterinary care and comprehensive treatment plans.

3. Environmental Impact:
- Positive changes in a horse’s environment, such as proper diet and appropriate exercise, significantly contribute to hoof health improvement.
- Track systems, like the one at Haystack Livery, do benefit horses but attributing hoof improvements solely to certain trimming methods is inaccurate and misleading.

Why This Misinformation is Dangerous:

- Harm to Horses: Following unvetted trimming advice can lead to improper hoof care, exacerbating laminitis and causing unnecessary pain and suffering to horses.
- Disrespect to Professionals: Trained vets and farriers follow protocols based on years of education, practical experience, and ongoing research. Dismissing their expertise discredits hard-earned professional standards.
- Silencing Dissent: Blocking and deleting comments from knowledgeable professionals prevents open, constructive discussion and keeps dangerous practices in circulation.

A Call to Action:

Horse owners, please exercise caution and critical thinking when encountering alternative care methods. Always consult with qualified veterinarians and farriers who base their practices on proven science. If you encounter questionable advice, seek second opinions and refer to established equine health resources.

Together, we can ensure our horses receive the best care, based on true understanding and respect for veterinary science and professional expertise.

Feel free to share this information to promote awareness and combat misinformation!



By staying informed and questioning misleading narratives, we can protect our horses' health and uphold the integrity of equine professionals worldwide.

16/08/2024

Finer Forage Friday Facts:
Why we don't use Alfalfa at Finer Forage 🤓📖

🌱 Alfalfa is a legume, popularly fed as hay in the US, and as chop or pellets in the UK. It has low sugar and starch and high fibre content, so it looks like a good option on paper, until you dig a little deeper....

🌱 Alfalfa is high in nitrogen, or crude protein (not quality protein) which can be problematic, for the liver especially. Excess nitrogen can also cause issues with calcium and magnesium uptake, disrupt normal endocrine function, and lead to inflammation, particularly visible in the hooves.

🌱 Alfalfa is known to increase acidity in the hindgut, by propionate being the dominant VFA produced upon fermentation of alfala. Often, microbial disturbances might follow, as microbes that can't tolerate excessively acidic environments die off, and a cascade of resulting gastrointestinal disturbance and systemic inflammation ensues.

🌱 Alfalfa is an accumulator plant, in other words, it's one of those plants that uptakes toxins, so it can accumulate heavy metals if they're present in the soil where it is grown.

🌱 Alfalfa has the potential to upregulate the immune response - so it's a definite no-no for horses with sweet itch, allergies, or autoimmune issues.

🌱 Alfalfa has high phytoestrogen content, so it can disrupt normal endocrine function and responses.

🌱 Alfalfa has been shown to increase photosensitivity in humans, so it wouldn't be helpful to any pink noses in the summer!

🌱 Alfalfa has a very imbalanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, so should not be fed to youngsters, as it risks developmental orthopedic disease (incorrect bone formation in youngsters)

That's why we only use grass chop and nuts and never Alfalfa, at Finer Forage 🌱🌿🌻🌿🌷☘️🌼🌹

10/08/2024

Let's delve into the biomechanics of how an elongated toe or excess hoof wall at the toe impacts the heel contraction and frog elongation.

# # Structure and Function
The equine hoof is a complex and adaptive structure designed to support weight, absorb shock, and provide traction. It consists of several critical components:
- Toe: The front part of the hoof.
- Heel: The rear part of the hoof.
- Frog: A triangular, elastic structure centered on the underside of the hoof.

# # # Mechanical Impact of an Elongated Toe
1. Altered Weight Distribution:
- An elongated toe increases the lever arm of the hoof, causing the hoof to break over further forward during movement. This shifts the weight distribution and increases stress on the deep digital flexor tendon and the navicular area, rather than evenly distributing it across the hoof.

2. Delayed Heel Lift:
- As the toe becomes longer, it delays the timely lifting of the heel. This repeated delay can cause the heels to receive more cumulative stress and strain.

3. Increased Traction Stress:
- The additional length at the toe can cause uneven pressure during weight-bearing phases. The heels are subjected to more traction stress, leading to uneven wear and potentially more significant force exertion at the heels.

# # # Heel Contraction and Frog Atrophy
1. Heel Contraction:
- Constant excessive pressure and improper weight distribution at the heels due to a long toe can lead to mechanical contraction. The heel area, under persistent strain, may narrow and close in. Contraction limits the natural expansion of the heel with each step, which is crucial for circulation and shock absorption.

2. Frog Elongation and Atrophy:
- As the heels contract, the frog, which requires continuous contact with the ground for stimulation, receives less ground contact. Reduced stimulation and improper circulation lead to atrophy—shrinking and degeneration of the frog tissue.
- Elimination of the natural expansion and contraction cycle of the heel also leads to the frog stretching out unnaturally, becoming elongated and less effective in its shock-absorption role.

# # # Pathophysiological Sequelae
1. Decreased Circulation:
- Both heel contraction and frog atrophy reduce proper blood flow. Restricted vascularization further exacerbates tissue degeneration and weakens the overall hoof structure.

2. Increased Risk of Lameness:
- Besides the structural issues, these changes often lead to increased susceptibility to lameness. The compromised hoof cannot adequately support and distribute a horse's weight, especially under strain or load.

3. Secondary Issues:
- Secondary issues like navicular syndrome, hoof wall separations, and sole bruising can arise as cumulative effects of altered biomechanics leading to chronic lameness and discomfort.

# # # conclusion
Mechanically, an elongated toe or excess hoof wall at the toe disrupts the balance, weight distribution, and natural expansion-contraction cycle of the hoof. This mechanical imbalance results in heel contraction and frog atrophy due to improper strain, reduced circulation, and inadequate stimulation. Corrective trimming is a crucial preventive and rehabilitative measure to maintain hoof health in equines.

Photo of a New Patient’s hoof

20/07/2024

🌿 Welcome to [The Barefoot Specialist] - Barefoot Trimming Specialists! 🌿

Hello and welcome to our new Facebook business page dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of horses through barefoot trimming! My name is Aaron, and I bring over 15 years of experience, starting out as a farrier and now proudly focusing exclusively on barefoot care.

🌟 Why Barefoot?
Throughout my journey, I have witnessed firsthand the undeniable benefits of barefoot trimming. While shoes were traditionally seen as necessary for horses in full-time, hard work, the reality is that most horses today do not experience those rigorous conditions. Metal shoes can often be more of a hindrance than a help, and our mission is to free horses from this outdated practice.

📌 What We Offer:
- Professional Barefoot Trimming: Expert care to ensure your horse's hooves are healthy and strong.
- Health and Wellness: Insights into the overall benefits of barefoot living for horses, from improved hoof health to better movement.
- Educational Resources: Information on why barefoot is the best choice for modern equine care.
- Personalised Consultations: Tailored advice to meet the unique needs of your horse.
- Hoof Boot Selection: Assistance in selecting the perfect hoof boot for your horse, with all the necessary fit kits to ensure the ideal fit.

📌 Our Commitment:
Your horse’s well-being is our top priority. We aim to provide the highest level of care based on proven evidence that supports barefoot trimming as a superior method to traditional shoeing for most modern horses.

🌟 Join Us on This Journey!
We encourage you to explore the content we share, ask questions, and engage with our community. Your feedback and experiences are invaluable to us. Together, we can create a better, healthier future for our equine friends.

Thank you for visiting our page and for your commitment to your horse's health. We look forward to helping you and your horse experience the incredible benefits of barefoot living.

Happy Hoofing! 🌿