Immediate and Direct Ground Contact of Hooves
In nature the horse has immediate and direct ground contact for their entire lives. Horse's hooves are suitable and resistant enough for all kinds of terrain. For the hoof to function optimally it should be exposed to all types of terrain to allow the hoof to develop naturally. This exposure to hard ground expands the hoof allowing optimal blood flow to support the horse's whole metabolism and it organisms, which is vital for optimal health.
The damaging effects of a properly applied horseshoe:
The damaging effects of a properly applied horseshoe:
- It prevents wear of the hoof (intended purpose) allowing the hoof to grow longer then it would naturally, resulting in unnatural forces on the hoof.
- Destroys capillary tissue on hoof horn, especially the wall, through vibration of about 800 Hz (on hard terrain) The effects on the living tissue is similar to Raynaud's Syndrome, involving necrosis and abnormal modification of tissue.
- Shoeing restricts the expansion of the hoof capsule, which decreases the hooves natural stock absorption by 70 - 80 %. Studies show that a shod horse walking on pavement receives 3 times the impact forces of an unshod horse trotting on pavement. These increased impact forces are factors in arthritis and ossification .i.e. ring bone, side bone etc.
- Limits movement of the sole, resulting in bruising of the coffin bone.
- Nail holes in the wall, resulting in insulation breech leading cold into the interior of the hoof. Lower body temperature effects cell metabolism and biological process of life.
- Impairs hoof mechanism - over stressing the heart unnecessarily and less circulation results in decrease in quantity and quality of hoof horn production.
- Increase the danger of injury to itself and other horses, as a kick of a shod hoof does far more damage than an unshod hoof.
- The weight of the shoe damages joints, tendon and ligaments.
- Causes contraction of the hoof capsule.
