Dare to be Barefoot.

Even before meeting Charlie I made a decision sometime ago to keep my next and all future horses barefoot. Charlie is and always will be barefoot, in other words I have committed to never having him shod in the traditional way, leaving his feet as nature and evolution intended. I did some research and found Barefoot Horse Italia, who have trained professionals following the AANHCP (Association for the Advancement of Natural Horse Care Practices) method of natural trimming, originated by Jamie Jackson.

Their mission “to advance the humane care and management of domestic equines worldwide through the application of proven practices and principles based on the research and findings of wild, free roaming equines living in the U.S. Great Basin”.

It was very timely that they were holding a weekend clinic that I was fortunate to attend, where horse owners are given training and educated in the hoof and its makeup and how to execute any maintenance work needed in between visits from your Natural Trim Professional.

So today Charlie had his first Natural Trim by the very talented Daniele Corsi. Daniele was kind and patient, allowing Charlie to feel comfortable with him, wanting to know where Charlie would be happier, taking his time. Charlie was great, and took most of it in his stride. As a recent gelding some of his stallion behaviour did surface, mainly going down on his front knees when he had had enough! But Daniele just waited for him and calmly continued..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At a later date I will dedicate a post just to Barefoot horses and why I believe it is the better way forward for the health of your horse. I will provide you with as much information as possible so you can evaluate your own decision.