Barefootmania…What’s all the hype?

Presented by Joseph Skipp of Natural Concepts Hoofcare

The whys and hows of natural hoofcare…

Structure+Function=Performance (KC LaPierre)

What is Structure?                                    

What is Function?

What is Performance?

struc·ture    (strkchr)
n.

1. Something made up of a number of parts that are held or put together in a particular way.
2. The way in which parts are arranged or put together to form a whole; makeup: The interrelation or arrangement of parts in a complex entity
3. Biology.
   1. The arrangement or formation of the tissues, organs, or other parts of an organism.
   2. An organ or other part of an organism.

func·tion   )    (fngkshn)
n.

1. The action for which a person or thing is particularly fitted or employed. 
2. Something closely related to another thing and dependent on it for its existence, value, or significance: Growth is a function of nutrition.
3. Biology. The physiological activity of an organ or body part.

per·for·mance   )   (pr-fôrmns)
n.

1. The act of performing or the state of being performed. 
2. The way in which someone or something functions: The pilot rated the airplane's performance in high winds.
3. Something performed; an accomplishment.

Structures of the hoof (Insensitive Structures)

Structures of the Foot (inclusive of hoof)

Not Pictured

Ligaments (impar and collateral), Nerves, Lateral Cartilages, Circulatory System

Functions of the Foot-

Support

Locomotion

Circulation

Energy Absorption

The foot is designed to function in its natural state, but we don’t manage them in their natural state…thus natural hoofcare bridges the gap.

Performance

The level of performance is directly proportional to function

The level of function is directly proportional to foot structure

The Benefits of Going Barefoot

Healthiest state for the foot-should incorporate into every hoofcare program

Increased  Coordination-proprioception

Optimum Breakover-mustang roll, barefoot bevel

Decreased wear and tear on the lower limbs-weight of shoe X 40

Correct Hoof Deformities & pathologies

So is it all in the trim? If so what trim?

The HPT Trim-KC LaPierre

The Natural Balance Trim-Gene Ovnicek

The Wild Horse Trim-Jamie Jackson, Pete Ramey

The Physiological Trim-Dr. Robert Bowker

The Four Point Trim-Dr. Ric Redden

The Strausser Trim-Dr. Hildred Strausser

THE TRIM IS ONLY A TOOL and like any tool, if it’s not properly used it can cause more harm then good.

Barefoot Barriers

Mechanical Failures (hoof / foot imbalances)

Flare

Lack of Concavity

White Line Separation

Contracted Heels

Toe First Landing

Environmental Factors

Diet

Improper and/or irregular trimming

Shoes

Stabling/Turn Out

Overcoming the barriers- Regularly using the trim

to …

Eliminate Flare

Build Concavity

Develop Callused Sole

White Line Integrity

Slight Heel First Landing

Engage Frog

Using The Environment

Modify feeding program

Modify Turn Out

Use of Hoofboots

Conclusion

Leaving your horse barefoot is an option

Requires specialized trimming / philosophy

Takes time

Not every horse can do it…but they are the exception not the rule

For More Information contact me at-

Phone 518-371-0494

joe@naturalhoofconcepts.com

www.naturalhoofconcepts.com