Natural hoof care has come about as a result of research with wild horses. They have taught us what is unequivocally natural and truly healthy for the equine species: his habitat, his life way, and his feet. These findings have been adapted successfully to the domestic horse. The goal is to help horse owners simulate a natural equine environment for their horses as much as possible, to make natural changes in diet and feeding programs, and to provide genuine natural hoof care based on the wild horse hoof model.

Natural hoof care is actually an extension of "whole horse care". What this means is that there are many influences besides trimming that affect the shape and integrity of the hoof. Diet, living quarters, and veterinary care, for example, all impact how the hoof grows and wears, and any one or all can aid or undermine the hoof care practitioner's efforts. Ultimately, creating a sound, naturally shaped and functioning hoof is only possible if the "total picture" is reasonably natural one. A natural trim, therefore, is and can only be a "total horse" trim. Hoof care practitioners work closely with horse owners and other professionals to help create natural horse care.

The success of a natural hoof care program will depend directly upon a cooperative relationship between the horse owner and his or her hoof care provider and vet. The closer this partnership is, the greater the likelyhood that the horse will lead a natural life with fewer problems. It is difficult to put effective natural hoof care and horse keeping practices if there are disagreements, misunderstandings, and a lack of cooperation between all parties. Practitioners take the time to explain to horse owners what will work and what will likely fail in the "total horse" approach to natural hoof care. They also have various resource materials available which may help in this process. From this discussion a strategy for natural hoof care is mapped out, and a hoof care partnership is formed.

Why are domestic horse feet so weak and in need of protection? Have we bred the feet "out" of our horses? No we haven't. Ironically, in the parts of the world where horses are heavily used for daily work and transportation, a shoe is a very rare site. Any horse can be conditioned to out perform his former self, often with no hoof protection whatsoever! A horse hoof is highly adaptive and tough. Both wild horses and naturally kept domestic horses can move 20-25 miles a day, every day. The natural habitat of modern breeds is actually rough and rocky. Such an environment shapes and tempers the hoof into a short, rock-hard perfection that would delight any farrier, veterinarian, or horse owner. It creates a perfect hoof!

The problem with today's horse keeping practices is that they prevent horses from behaving and living naturally like their wild cousins. They have no reason to travel great distances to find food and water, and our fences prevent their normal nomadic lifestyle and band behavior. Their diet bears no resemblance to what horses eat naturally in the wild. The soft pastures they live in are so foreign to what is natural habitat that they can't wear their feet normally. The presence of horseshoes also precludes natural wear. So what happens? Excessive growth quickly develops and the hoof wall flares away from the coffin bone; the wall also becomes thin, brittle, and weak. Splits form, and the hoof breaks away in chunks. Thrush forms and rots away the excessive frog and sole. Many, perhaps most, horses founder in the green grasses or from rich grains, neither of which is natural to their species. If you tried to ride them barefoot on a rough, abrasive surface, like we see in wild horse country, it would be difficult because the hooves are not conditioned.

Why do well maintained shod horses often develop problem feet? A skilled farrier trims a hoof to its optimum size and shape, but once the shoe is applied, the hoof is still growing and can't wear away. Research has shown that excessive growth, for a variety of reasons, contributes significantly to lameness. Shod horses thus suffer the same adaptive "ailments" as those horses with untrimmed neglected hooves. Moreover, new research shows that the mere presence of the shoe subjects the hoof to unnatural and harmful concussions, sensory deprivation (and hypersensitivity when the shoes are removed), suppression of circulation, and pathological contraction.

What about riding barefoot horses? Following the removal of their shoes, horses need time for their feet to toughen up for the barefoot life ahead. This period of adaptation varies with each horse and is called "transition". Commonly, transitioning horses are custom fitted with quality horse boots so they can be ridden at any time. Fully transitioned horses are something to behold! They move with freedom, agility, and if ridden naturally, have fewer lameness issues. They are naturally more maneuverable, sure footed, and comfortable in the gaits. They don't tire as quickly and have fewer sprains and stone bruises that shod horses because they can feel where they are putting their feet. They are always ready to go. No more frantic searches for a farrier on the day of the show or ride! Since most horses careers are ended by hoof problems, a naturally trimmed horse will almost always enjoy a much longer and useful life.

What is a "natural trim" and what are the benefits? The term "natural trim" is being heard more and more today among horse owners around the world. It is the only trim promoted by Colt Run Ranch. It is modeled specifically after the wild horse hoof. As a horse owner, what does the natural trim hold for you and your horse?

• It readily applies to domestic equines (horses, mules, burros) of all breeds, ages and equestrian disciplines.
• It enables horses kept on small acreage or in paddocks to have healthy, naturally shaped feet.
• When used in conjunction with natural horse keeping practices, it can produce near perfect hooves free of lameness.
• It enhances the natural gaits and movements of the horse.
• It enables horses suffering from acute and chronic laminitis, navicular, contracted heels, wall splits, brittle, or shelly hooves, and all manner of lameness, to recover and achieve healthy, strong hooves without shoes.
• Using the natural trim with properly fitted horse boots as needed, there is no reason to shoe your horse again!