LINKS
Hoof Care
As you browse the Internet researching natural hoof care, you will find that there are many different schools of thought as to how the perfect hoof is attained. It is important to keep in mind that each method is based on the hypothesis of the practitioner behind it. You will find differences of opinion, as well as many similarities, between practitioners and how they go about developing the bare hoof. While each method has reasoning behind its approach, some are more effective and appropriate than others. We encourage you to research the science and theory behind the methods to make the most informed decisions you can concerning your horse’s hoof care. It is important to keep an open dialog between you and your hoof care provider, and be aware that not all veterinarians are familiar with the different methodologies or natural hoof care in general. The more educated you are, the more informed and successful your hoof care regimen will be.
www.HoofRehab.com - Pete and Ivy Ramey’s website. If you are looking for information on natural hoof care, mechanics of the hoof, or additional insight into common hoof problems this is the place to start.
www.IronFreeHoof.com - Good information and articles on natural hoof care, and another excellent starting point in your quest for knowledge of natural hoof care.
www.BarefootHorse.com - Excellent information, examples, pictures and discussion on Marjorie Smith's site.
www.HealthyHoof.com - Linda Cowles has fantastic articles, pictures, and information on her web site.
www.TribeEquus.com - Great articles. Wonderful pictures. Its packed with information and every horse owner that is thinking of going bare or those looking to learn more about natural hoof care should read everything on this site.
www.TheHorsesHoof.com - there is an abundance of valuable articles and links on their website, but their publication is top notch. If you choose only one bare hoof care publication then this is the one to subscribe to!
www.healthyhoof.com/articles/BarefootList/BowkerPhysiologicalTrim.html - Dr. Bowker’s article on Phyisological Trimming for a Healthy Equine Foot – a must read for all horse owners dedicated to bare hoof care.
www.betterbebarefoot.com/more_hoof_ideas_from_dr_bowker.php - An article from Yvonne Welz of The Horse's Hoof on a 2007 clinic she attended with Dr. Robert Bowker and Pete Ramey.
www.clearhillsfarrier.ca/Barefoot.htm - What happens when you run into Dr. Bowker and have a little time on your hands? You look at hooves in an entirely new way!
http://www.yourhorsecare.com/articles-view.php?id=21 - “The Unfettered Hoof” by Dr. Tomas G. Teskey.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/barefoothorsecare/ - Yahoo group for hoof care professionals and horse owners interested in bare hoof care. There are lots of great discussions here and plenty of information to be learned.
Transitioning From Shod to Bare Hooves:
http://www.hoofrehab.com/bootarticle.htm - Boot and pads. How to use them to aid in the transition from being shod to going bare.
http://equinewellnessmagazine.com/art/aV21_24.php
http://www.easycareinc.com/education/articles/freedom_for_the_feet.aspx - Dr. Tomas G. Teskey, an avid natural hoof care supporter speaks about his experience transitioning horses to natural hoof care.
http://www.healthyhoof.com/articles/ToughTransitions.html - From Linda Cowles. A brief discussion about transitions.
Hoof Health
Abscesses:
http://wwwyourhorsecare.com/articles-view.php?id=12 - “Hoof Abscesses” by Dr. Hiltrud Strasser. Common misconceptions about abcesses and how to successfully treat them.
http://www.yourhorsecare.com/articles-view.php?id=11 - “ Abscesses, A Misunderstood Phenomena From The Perspective of a Horseowner” by Rachael Ward. This is a great article that explains in laymen’s terms why abscesses develop, what they truly are, and how they can be treated.
http://www.allivet.com/Animalintex-p/26989.htm - Hoof poultice pads for abcesses and wound dressing.
Laminitis and Founder:
http://www.hoofrehab.com/end_of_white_line_disease.htm#laminitis%20update - an article by Pete Ramey.
www.BarefootHorse.com - go down the menu on the left to the “Founder” link. There are great pictures here that show hooves of horses that have foundered, and the information given is good for those wanting to learn more.
http://www.animalsafetyproducts.com/drpitzennutritioniron.htm Is there a link between laminitis and iron? Some food for thought for those who have a high iron content in their water supply or environment.
http://www.naturalhorsetrim.com/EQUINE_CONGRESS_-_IRON-1.doc - "Iron Status of Huperinsulinemic/Insulin Resistant Horses" by Eleanor M. Kellon, V.M.D. Some additional information on how iron may affect horses pre-disposed to metabolic disorders.
http://www.americanlivestock.com/p-1872-uaa-gel.aspx UAA (Universal Animal Antidote) Gel. This is an activated charcoal gel that binds to toxins in the equine system and helps to remove them from the body to minimize damage from toxic plants, grain overload, or the onset of laminitis. (Note: You do need to have or order a paste gun to administer this gel. Please consult your veterinarian prior to administering ANY medications).
http://www.pipevet.com/pharm.asp?cat=12 - Another source for UAA gel. (Note: You do need to have or order a paste gun to administer this gel. Please consult your veterinarian prior to administering ANY medications).
http://www.jefferspet.com/ssc/product.asp?CID=0&pf_id=4076 - This is a link to ToxiBan, an activated charcoal-kaolin suspension that is useful when dealing with suspected poisoning, ingestion of toxic plants, grain overload, or the onset of laminitis.
Thrush, Fungus, Yeast, and White Line Disease:
http://www.betterbebarefoot.com/types_of_hoof_infections.php
http://www.hoofrehab.com/end_of_white_line_disease.htm#Whiteline
Chronic Cracks:
http://www.hoofrehab.com/wallcracks.htm
Club Feet:
http://www.hoofrehab.com/club%20foot.htm
Navicular syndrome and disease:
http://www.hoofrehab.com/end_of_white_line_disease.htm#Navicular - Pete Ramey’s article on navicular issues. He emphasizes the work of veterinary researchers that prove that if you see changes in connective tissue to the Navicular bone the trouble is starting – and how you can mitigate the damage that has been done.
http://www.thenakedhoof.com.au/html/article-NavicularSyndrome.htm - this is an excellent starting point that explains the underlying causes of pre-navicular (catch it BEFORE it starts), Navicular Syndrome, and Navicular Disease in horses.
http://easycareinc.typepad.com/ask_the_vet_tomas_teskey/navicular/index.html - why you shouldn’t shoe a suspected navicular horse according to the recommendation of most veterinarians (high heels, long toes – oh my!)
http://equinewellnessmagazine.com/art/aV21_24.php
http://www.equusite.com/articles/health/healthNavicular.shtml
http://evrp.lsu.edu/healthtips/hoofbiomechanics.htm - this is a bit more scholarly but is worth the read for those with horses diagnosed with ANY changes in the navicular region of the hoof.
http://www.healthyhoof.com/case_studies/Leaguer/Leaguer.html - Here is a great case study with pictures on a horse that went from being a navicular case study to a sound and successful bare foot horse.
www.EquineWellnessMagazine.com/art/aV31_14.php - A short article on Navicular syndrome and Navicular Disease from our friends at Equine Wellness Magazine.
DSLD:
www.hoofcare.com/news_072706.html - This misunderstood disease is often a source of debate and controversy, but research is shedding light on how this disorder affects the body and may lead to better management practices to increase the life spans of afflicted horses.
Nutrition and Supplements
In conjunction with proper hoof care and environmental management, diet and nutrition are incredibly important components to strong, healthy hooves and good horn growth. Far too often horse owners overlook the fundamentals of diet and rely, instead, upon the ‘way its always been done’ to dictate how and what they feed their horses. New research has shown that consumption of carbohydrates (starches and sugars) can compromise the integrity of your horse’s health and greatly impact the health of their hooves. We encourage you to explore the latest information on equine nutrition, reconsider everything you thought you knew about feeding horses, and re-assess your feeding program. It could save or extend your horse’s life.
www.SaferGrass.org - Katie Watts has done extensive research on the nutritional content of hay, and debunks everything you thought you knew about hay and forage. Every horse owner should review this website and analyze their feeding program.
http://www.equi-analytical.com/default.htm - Equi-Analytical Labs. After you've read the information at SaferGrass.org - get your hay, pasture, soil, and feeds tested so you know EXACTLY what you're feeding! Hay, pasture, and feed testing are important factors to determine the true NSC content of your forage, pasture, and feeds in order to provide an accurate basis for nutritional supplementation. Several different levels of testing are offered at economical rates for all horse-keeping programs.
http://www.richearth.net/ - Soil conditioner and trace mineral additive to replenish your pasture and forage, and to re-balance mineral deficiencies.
http://www.tribeequus.com/trace.html - Is a mineral deficiency standing in the way of your horse's health? Small imbalances can make HUGE differences.
http://www.healthyhoof.com/articles/Herbs.html - Information on treating and supplementing with herbs and spices.
http://207.159.148.150./store/index.php?p=product&id=17&parent=1 Do you need to detox your horse? Some natural hoof care practitioners swear that this product helped their hard-to-transition horses get on the path to healthy hooves.
http://www.targetprobiotics.com/ - Gut flora is an important factor in your horse's health. Supplementation my be necessary after de-worming, vaccinating, medicating, or any time a digestive upset is observed.
http://www.bio-vet.com/equineproducts.htm - Equine probiotics and electrolyte formulas.
Barefoot Success Stories
http://equisearch.com/horses_care/health/hoof_care/barefoothorse_011706/
http://www.easycareinc.com/education/articles/eventing_barefoot.aspx - Great article on an eventer and her horse who are doing it barefooted and bitless.
http://www.naturalhorsetrim.com/Section_23.htm - There are some great barefoot success stories here.
Politics and Commentary – Bare versus Shod
http://www.hoofrehab.com/end_of_white_line_disease.htm#Politics
http://www.easycareinc.com/Education/articles/is_shoeing_a_necessary_evil.aspx - “Is Shoeing a Necessary Evil?” by Neel Glass, PhD.
http://www.yourhorsecare.com/articles-view.php?id=21 - “Hoofcare Through the Ages” by Dr. Tomas G. Teskey. A brief look at why man started shoeing horses.
Forums and On-line Discussion Groups
www.TheManeStreet.com - This forum has a very interesting section on health and nutrition and has a noted equine nutritionist, Dr. Melyni Worth, as a consultant for the discussions that require an expert. There is some fantastic information to be found in the archives and on-going discussions for virtually any equine related topic.
www.gaitedhorsesenseonline.com - A wonderful forum for gaited horse enthusiasts of all breeds.
Adoptions, Rescues, and Sanctuaries
We are strong advocates of equine adoption and rescue. We urge you to explore these options fully before you consider purchasing a horse. There is an abundance of purebred, registered horses in need of quality, forever homes. Many of them are victims of circumstance that are already wonderful riding partners and companions. You will be amazed at the quality of animals that can easily be found in adoption programs and rescues. If you can dream up a breed, color, body type, gait preference, and discipline there IS a horse looking for a home that is exactly what you’re looking for. We’ve had the pleasure of both rescuing and adopting, and found wonderful, registered horses that enriched our lives tremendously in each circumstance. We love to share the incredible experiences we’ve had with others and turn people on to this often overlooked and discounted resource when they are considering adding another horse to their barn. If you are not in a position to offer a horse a home, then consider donating your time or a few dollars to one of the programs below. A little bit of assistance or financial help, no matter how small, CAN make a difference!
www.HorseAdoption.com - New Vocations – based out of Ohio, they specialize in re-homing Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds after their careers on the track are finished. Standardbreds make wonderful show, pleasure, and trail horses, and anywhere from 80-95% of the breed possesses a natural saddle gait that makes the breed particularly suited to transitioning to life as a gaited pleasure horse. Their tractable and steady dispositions make training them under saddle a breeze, and they can be found performing in the dressage arena, barrel racing at competitive levels, or cleaning up at speed racking shows. The versatility of the breed is truly astounding. People who own Standardbreds are a passionate group, and they will adamantly tell you that this breed is the best kept secret in the horse world (we agree!).
www.SashaFarm.org - located in Manchester, MI, they are the mid-west’s largest farmed animal sanctuary. We are proud to volunteer our services and products to all of the equids at SASHA Farm. The staff and volunteers are truly dedicated to the welfare of the animals in their care, and they literally work miracles at this sanctuary on a daily basis. Donations to the sanctuary benefit a wide variety of animals and each penny is put to good use.
January 1, 2008 - We were saddened to learn of the passing of two of SASHA Farm's equine companions this past week. Gulliver and Edgar were deeply loved and cared for by everyone at the sanctuary and will be missed greatly. SASHA Farm has lost several of their residents in the past few weeks. We extend our most sincere condolences to everyone at the sanctuary during this difficult time.
www.ReasonHorseRescue.com - Rescuing and re-homing off-the-track Standardbreds (as well as all other breeds). They are located in Harvey’s Lake, PA and take great care in matching horses with their new homes.
Friends - tell them Naked Hoof Care sent you!
www.StDickies.com - selling the finest quality tapestries and wall hangings to be found anywhere. They have beautiful equine tapestries and some really cute gift ideas for the horse lovers in your life. There is something for everyone and every décor at St. Dickie’s.
Have a link you think we should include or want to report a bad link? Send us an e-mail at the address below.
Get naked.
Bare your soles.
Office: 734/428-2800