For the barefoot horse nutrition is key to growing a sound, good hoof and for the healthy body and. More and more people in the performance horse world are taking a serious look at the many benefits of barefoot hoof care for their performance horses. Nutrition of the performance horse kentucky equine research. While it often looks that way, in my opinion, its really not any different. There is a delicate balance between all of these aspects and i. Hooves are built from the inside out, and there is truly no substitute for a wellbalanced diet. Fortunately, many feed products exist to assist horse owners in preventing nutritional deficiencies.
People want to take good care of their horses feet, but the primary reason for so many products is that hoof problems are a major headache for a lot of. Barefoot performance and hoof rehabilitation then sarahs book. If you need horses trimmed you can call text or message me and we can setup. Strategies to optimize and stretch your hay supplies. The standard and mini hay pillow original and version ii are the only slow feed hay bags designed for use on the ground. The barefoot performance horse equine wellness magazine.
Sep 24, 2014 hooves are built from the inside out, and there is truly no substitute for a wellbalanced diet. Regardless if your horse wears shoes or goes barefoot, hoof care is an important part of keeping your horse sound and comfortable. There is a delicate balance between all of these aspects and i strive to achieve this balance with each vist. In a barefoot horse, the weight of a rider makes the hoof flex a bit more. Mar 20, 2017 youll find at least one kind of horse hoof supplement and horse hoof dressing in any tack shop. Natural barefoot farrier, promoting a healthy barefoot horse. Abcs of equine nutrition the equine nutrition nerd. I can definitively say that all horses can successfully be managed in the barefoot lifestyle, however there is a fine, but achievable art to successfully riding barefoot with the larger breed and taller sport horse.
For some, caring for their horses hooves involves the occasional check, clean and a visit from the farrierbarefoot trimmerequine podiatrist every month or two. Back to the future with barefoot endurance by shari cartee. Get a monthly newsletter to keep up to date with additions to the website. A major part of this maintenance includes trimming, resetting the shoes, and regular hoof care provided by the service of a farrier. Barefoot horse advantages and disadvantages forageplusealth.
By lynn stewart many factors can affect hoof quality, including environment, genetics, farrier care, and nutrition. With barefooting, we are able to maintain a horses feet in a physiologically correct framework, so they are able to move correctly and rest comfortably and can ultimately remain functional at all times. Once an avid barrel racer, casie now enjoys just giving back to. Guide to proper horse nutrition a good diet can be important to a horse s health. Barefoot hoofcare a world of sound, healthy barefoot horses. I can definitively say that all horses can successfully be managed in the barefoot lifestyle, however there is a fine, but achievable art to successfully. Horses require many of the same basic nutrients that humans do, including carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Over the years i noticed that no shoeing or trim mechanics could grow healthy. The journey to becoming a barefoot performance horse needs to focus on more than just your horses feet. Trimming your own horse can be hard physical work but very rewarding. It provides the opportunity to develop strong and healthy foundations beneath a horse. You agree that going barefoot is healthy for a hoof, and that pulling a horses shoes at least once a year to reestablish natural hoof growth is a good thing. Horses are notoriously fussy eaters and will over eat the wrong things. Have you thought about the time required for properly caring for a horse. In equine nutrition, energy in food is usually expressed in megacalories mcal in a pound 1 mcal 1,000,000 calories.
Equine nutrition is a vast subject and can be very confusing. Hooves are a product of nutrition, so if a horses diet is not right, its hooves will not attain optimal health nor become the strongest link in the equine chain. It contains information about natural hoof care, horses without horseshoes and the keys to success of keeping a barefoot horse. Norfolk, suffolk, essex, kent, sussex, surrey, berkshire, hampshire and dorset. Horses can survive and thrive in areas too tough for sheep or cows, because the microbes in the cecum are so efficient at converting tough plant fibres into materials the horse can use. Learn about the degree programs, job duties and salary. Casie bazay is a freelance and young adult writer, as well as an ownerbarefoot trimmer and certified equine acupressure practitioner. Consequently i am in the process of writing a book on the myths and magic of managing foot problems in horses.
Youll find at least one kind of horse hoof supplement and horse hoof dressing in any tack shop. If you think about it, its the shod horse that has more trouble with the riders weight. How do you keep your horses diet as natural as possible in the modern world. Horse hoof supplement helps problem feet expert advice on. Guide to proper horse nutrition a good diet can be important to a horses health. Horse health course, study horse nutrition, learn feeding horse, natural horse health, herbs for horses, equine nutrition, equine health care, formulate horse diets, horse feed, balanced equine diet, hoof balance, certificate in equine nutritin, certificate of equine health, certificate of equine natural care, acatt, australian equine college. Some barefoot horses need trimming more regularly than a shod horse would and. The barefoot horse was created to bring health to hooves by considering the whole horse, its diet and its environment.
Large stores and catalogs will likely have 10 or more horse hoof choices in these categories. In a shod horse, the hoof doesnt flex, therefore the horse loses 7080% of his shock absorption. Its best to have a horse be a tad over weight maybe a 67 bcs entering the winter and with a thick hair coat and fat cover. The tough yet elastic hoof materials absorb the extra concussion. First, lets cover some basics with a man whos been instrumental in driving the move toward barefootedness. Feb 17, 2017 first, lets cover some basics with a man whos been instrumental in driving the move toward barefootedness. Heres how a whole horse approach helped one fei rider and her horse make the transition. Horse and pony care by the day, week, month and year. High grain alfalfa diets arent healthy for your horse, and correct supplements support your horses rehab. Reconsidering what constitutes a good horse diet is essential if you want to look after your horses feet naturally, because you can no longer rely on shoes to cover up the foot problems that the domestic horses diet often causes. Recent developments in equine nutrition with farm and clinic. This advice about the best diet for your barefoot horse is generic. Some cases where a horse would need a vitamin supplement include when feeding a highgrain diet, or lowquality hay, if a horse is under stress traveling, showing, racing, etc.
This is achieved through a correct diet with sufficient, wellbalanced nutrition, and enough continuous movement to keep a bare hoof in top form and function. Aug 03, 2015 posted in abcs of equine nutrition, general nutrition, nutrition and health issues, the letter d tagged abcs of equine nutrition, chopped hay, equine diet, equine nutrition, feeding chopped hay, feeding chopped hay to horses, feeding dengie, feeding the horse, forage, hay the equine digestive system. Written by susan boyd and edited by zachary franklin, dvm. In every stage of life, nutrition is the foundation for equine health and longevity. This is the second post in a series of four about the lifestyle of the barefoot horse. Nutrition is the second most important element of your horses care. Horses living feral or wild will travel an average of 20 miles every day searching out a wide variety of plant foods, most high in fibre and low in calories. Certificate in horse nutrition, equine health, natural care. Nov 16, 2012 8 thoughts on feeding the barefoot horse grey horse matters 19 november 2012 at 2. Specially formulated for horses and ponies following a natural feeding regime, providing the diet with nutrients that promote hoof growth and regeneration. A balanced diet for your horse plays a key role in keeping a horses feet healthy and avoiding chips and cracks.
Barefoot formula hoof regeneration supplement feedmark. People want to take good care of their horse s feet, but the primary reason for so many products is that hoof problems are a major headache for a lot of. Booklet on maryland racehorse medication guidelines released. Here is the very basic information you will need to care for your horse properly.
The equine nutrition nerd the place for easytounderstand. A barefoot horses diet is a high fibre, low sugar and starch diet which is. Here is a list of energy values for specific feeds. Developed to provide the best possible nutrition for hooves. Dont rely on your horse s opinion of what it would like to eat. Most of the vitamins are found in green, leafy forages. Barefoot trimming for navicular syndrome in horses. Wild horses add 20% to their weight each fall, in preparation for winter.
The horses nutrition, as well as stomach ulcer prevention, including 24 hours. Jul 04, 2019 casie bazay is a freelance and young adult writer, as well as an owner barefoot trimmer and certified equine acupressure practitioner. Ive broken down what you need to do to care for your horse by the day, week month and year. He trained his first endurance horse largely barefoot, only shoeing it or using four easyboots screwed on to compete.
An information resource for all things barefoot in the uk. Equine nutrition is a huge subject in itself and warrants further investigation. She hosts the blog, the naturally healthy horse, where she regularly shares information on barefoot, equine nutrition, and holistic horse health. Reconsidering what constitutes a good horse diet is essential if you want to look after your horse s feet naturally, because you can no longer rely on shoes to cover up the foot problems that the domestic horse s diet often causes. Recent developments in equine nutrition with farm and clinic applications ginger a. This is a simple summary of what you need to do for positive results. This uk based publication is full of unbiased, cuttingedge information, and i have arranged for you, as a member of the cavallo community, to receive free access to the issue 14. Horse quality hay should be baled between 10 and 15 percent moisture. If you are providing the right diet, everything else falls into place behind it, from curing thrush and chronic abscessing and thin, flat soles.
When feeding a barefoot horse, pay extra attention to the nutrients needed for. Store and protect hay from moisture to best prevent spoilage. Youve heard of it, but you know its not for your horse, because pick one or more its a fad. Shop digestive supplements shop all supplements every horse has an individual body structure that determines its height and body shape. Fortunately, a horse s nutrition can be easily managed and can have profound effects on hoof strength and structure. The horses nutrition, as well as stomach ulcer prevention, including 24 hours available hay or forage, with attention to the amount of sugars in the feed and hay, because many horses become insulin resistant over time see high sugar hay, and stomach ulcers, cause damage to.
Steve roberts is a canberrabased veterinarian who has been involved in endurance for over 20 years as a rider, ride organiser and vet. Apr 07, 2017 the equine nutrition nerd posted in general nutrition, nutrition and health issues, the hard keeper tagged bcs, digestion of hay, equestrian, equine, feeding horse in winter, hay, hay or grain in winter, horse, horse health, nutrition, nutrition tip, pony, winter horse care, winter horse nutrition. The hoof condition of all horses, from young foals to seniors, can be significantly improved simply by ensuring they receive a wellbalanced, scientifically. The basics of equine nutrition equine science center. Specific issues should be referred to an equine nutritionist such as clare macleod.
Buy a printed founder facts booklet and get one free to give to a friend. At right is her friend audrey salisbury on her blue star stallion, ns rahsil royelt otherwise known as smokey, who is 16 years old and has never been shod. For any horse i would recommend avoid feeding any sugar based products, for example the ones that hang in balls and holders in the stable. Necessities for the equine first aid kit your horse farm. The barefoot horse is not merely a description of a horse without shoes nor is it a description of the hoof condition of a horse. Why is diet more important for barefoot horses than shod ones. I think keeping it as simple as you can when possible is the way to go. The importance of nutrition for barefoot horses hoof geek. It highlights the importance of nutrition, environment, hoof care, hoof boots and movementexercise. A farrier since 1994, ramey became intrigued in 1998 by what he was hearing about the overall health benefits of going barefoot. For the barefoot horse nutrition is key to growing a sound, good hoof and for the healthy body and digestive system that is essential for any equine. As temps dip down and the weather stays cold, a horse s nutritional requirements change. Finding just the right balance with supplements, feed and vitamins is enough to drive you crazy. We must properly feed our hooves if we want the best out of the horse and we must properly feed our horse if we want the best out of our hooves.
If your horse has a history of laminitis or founder, has a cresty neck or is over weight, have your vet test it for insulin resistance and cushings. Kentucky equine research has created a free 90page guide titled nutrition of the performance horse that broadly covers the best ways to manage equine athletes, regardless of discipline, and includes practical management strategies and effective solutions for nutrition related problems indepth discussions are also included regarding common issues such as gastric ulcers, hindgut acidosis. Buy a printed founder facts booklet and get one free to give to a. The dietary needs of a horse change as it goes through each life stage. Specific issues should be referred to an equine nutritionist such as clare macleod the quality of your horse s hoof horn is your main guide as to wether your horses diet is balanced. During the last 2030 yr, there has been an increased awareness of equine nutrition and its importance to the health of the horse. Successfully going barefoot with you horse takes getting a combination of things right. It has been estimated that a horse with a healthy winter coat, that can keep dry, will be comfortable at temperatures down to 18 f. A high performance barefoot horse should be given lots of opportunity to live and work on the same terrain he will compete on. Carole herders book there are no horseshoes in heaven. Although based on the kent sussex borders, barefoot south provides barefoot trimming for the whole of the south east of england including. A horse also has a unique metabolism which influences how well it digests food and absorbs nutrients. Feeding the hoof 73008 p ete ramey 2018 additional material added to end. If your horses nutrition is lacking, he will not have the necessary nutrients available to grow healthy hooves.
In his last year of competition, this horse made the nswera top ten for part of the year. Pete ramey, one of the worlds most experienced and respected natural hoofcare practitioners. The booklet lists 24 therapeutic medications with their withdrawal times and threshold levels. What if you dont have 100 acres of varied terrain to supply your horse with the different plants and minerals that it requires to fulfill its nutritional needs.
Fortunately, many feed products exist to assist horse owners in. Fortunately there are numerous progressive internet sites with copious information. The equine nutrition nerd posted in general nutrition, nutrition and health issues, the hard keeper tagged bcs, digestion of hay, equestrian, equine, feeding horse in winter, hay, hay or grain in winter, horse, horse health, nutrition, nutrition tip, pony, winter horse care. A little book with a lot of information on barefoot horses. Sometimes too much information can be overwhelming. There are an array of different feeds on the market as well as many different views as to what is right and wrong. Posted in abcs of equine nutrition, general nutrition, nutrition and health issues, the letter d tagged abcs of equine nutrition, chopped hay, equine diet, equine nutrition, feeding chopped hay, feeding chopped hay to horses, feeding dengie, feeding the. It is part of the recommended coursework for an equine nutrition class taught by a veterinary school that i am taking and this book presents the information similarity to how it is taught in our class. The focus is always what is going to work for you and your horse barefoot trimming. One very amazing woman is lindsay setchell, whose barefoot horse magazine is one of the top resources for our community. If you have a metabolically sensitive horse it is better to avoid treats. If you have to feed your horse treats, try feeding a handful of horse appropriate dried herbs instead. Back to the future with barefoot endurance the horses hoof.