Immediate and Direct Ground Contact of Hooves
In nature, the horse has immediate and direct ground contact for its entire life. A 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 its organisms, which is vital for optimal health.

From birth, a foal's hooves have direct contact with the ground and this aids in the proper development of the coffin bone and hoof capsule. Therefore, this provides your young stock with all types of terrain and optimal movement. 

The damaging effects of a properly applied horseshoe:
  • It prevents wear of the hoof (intended purpose) allowing the hoof to grow longer than it would naturally, resulting in unnatural forces on the hoof.
  • Destroys capillary tissue on the hoof horn, especially the wall, through vibration of about 800 Hz (on hard terrain). The effects on the living tissue are similar to Raynaud's Syndrome, involving necrosis and abnormal modification of tissue.
  • Shoeing restricts the expansion of the hoof capsule, which decreases the hoof's natural shock absorption by 70 to 80%. Studies show that a shod horse walking on the pavement receives three times the impact forces of an unshod horse trotting on the 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 allowing cold air to get into the interior of the hoof. Lower body temperature affects cell metabolism and the biological process of life.
  • Impairs hoof mechanism - over stressing the heart unnecessarily and less circulation results in a decrease in the quantity and quality of hoof horn production.
  • Increases the danger of injury to itself and other horses, as a kick from a shod hoof does far more damage than an unshod hoof.
  • The weight of the shoe damages joints, tendons and ligaments.
  • Causes contraction of the hoof capsule i.e. bulb, heel, coronet and sole contraction.

The direct and immediate ground contact of the horse's hooves along with ideal natural living conditions is the best and most intended way for the horse to live.