Natural Hoof Care Darrell Covert, CP Natural Hoof Care Practitioner
Association for the Advancement of Natural Horse Care Practices
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Why Natural Hoof Care?
To be more progressive we must seek to understand how natural hoof care is simply a part of the holistic
approach to horse care. The model for natural hoof care advocated by the AANHCP is a natural holistic lifeway
witnessed in wild horses of the Great Basin. It is this lifeway thats responsible for the idealistic development and
function of wild horses hooves; moreover, the wild horse does not suffer from pathological issues caused by poor
horse-keeping practices,such as poor hoof care, husbandry and inappropriate diets.
Natural hoof care trimming vs the typical "pasture trim"
Whereas a traditional pasture trim keeps the hoof ready for the replacement of a shoe, a Natural Hoof Care
Practitioner considers the biomechanics of the hoof and trims to maintain balance and emulate the natural wear that the
hooves would get if moving over varied terrain. The natural trim uses the wild horse model. When not locked in the
"vise grip" of an iron shoe, the inner structures of the hoof are stimulated and the hooves grow and function in a
healthy way.
Lifeway and Environment
through the hooves in a positive or negative way. Many owners provide feed that is too high in (NSC) non-structural
carbs that result in weakening the lamina causing laminitis and founder. Laminitis in most cases is the result of toxicity
and too many horses are over grazing on pastures and/or provided feed that is too rich in NSC, all of which are foreign
to the wild horse. Free choice grass hay with a varied mix of grasses is the best source of feed. Horses are conditioned
to eating small amounts all day long. If you cannot provide free choice then feed in many small piles over a large area,
the longer it takes your horse to eat the better! Nutrient poor feed can be a problem, so always provide a salt and
mineral block. The articles and resources found in www.safergrass.org will help horse owners everywhere learn to
avoid these founder traps caused by inappropriate diets.
movement that is responsible for stimulating the inner structures of the hoof, developing strong digital cushions and
lateral cartilages in the caudal region of the hoof. Encouraging our horses to move during turnout can be challenging,
but there is hope. Jaime Jackson, founder of the AANHCP has revolutionised boarding practices by incorporating
natural behaviour with boarding. Utilizing varied terrain and redesigning your paddock to the outer perimeter of your
pasture is one of many examples found in Jaime's book "Paddock Paradise" at Star Ridge publishing .To provide a
varied terrain and footing, the horses turnout area should have very diverse footing from dry hard pack, pea gravel and
wet areas to help keep hooves conditioned and the moisture content stable. This along with routine trimming can help
with hoof wall cracks.
can cause issues with your horses health and the condition of his hooves. Reducing or managing stress levels for your
horse is therefore a critical component in natural horse / hoof care. Lack of socialization can be the single most
stressful issue for your horse. As herd animals horses rely on each other for safety and mental well being. Isolation is
cruel for a horse.
- Allows the horse's hoof to do what nature designed it to do.
- Natural trimming complies with the physiology of the hoof, where as traditional
- Natural hooves provide the proper biomechanics for impact and blood circulation.
- Increases longevity, comfort and overall health for the horse.
- Helps prevent pathological conditions that can occur from poor shoeing.
- Provides horse owners with a non-invasive option for hoof care.
- Natural hoof care is more than a method, it is a way of life that involves commitment and
To be more progressive we must seek to understand how natural hoof care is simply a part of the holistic
approach to horse care. The model for natural hoof care advocated by the AANHCP is a natural holistic lifeway
witnessed in wild horses of the Great Basin. It is this lifeway thats responsible for the idealistic development and
function of wild horses hooves; moreover, the wild horse does not suffer from pathological issues caused by poor
horse-keeping practices,such as poor hoof care, husbandry and inappropriate diets.
Natural hoof care trimming vs the typical "pasture trim"
Whereas a traditional pasture trim keeps the hoof ready for the replacement of a shoe, a Natural Hoof Care
Practitioner considers the biomechanics of the hoof and trims to maintain balance and emulate the natural wear that the
hooves would get if moving over varied terrain. The natural trim uses the wild horse model. When not locked in the
"vise grip" of an iron shoe, the inner structures of the hoof are stimulated and the hooves grow and function in a
healthy way.
Lifeway and Environment
- Diet / Feeding
through the hooves in a positive or negative way. Many owners provide feed that is too high in (NSC) non-structural
carbs that result in weakening the lamina causing laminitis and founder. Laminitis in most cases is the result of toxicity
and too many horses are over grazing on pastures and/or provided feed that is too rich in NSC, all of which are foreign
to the wild horse. Free choice grass hay with a varied mix of grasses is the best source of feed. Horses are conditioned
to eating small amounts all day long. If you cannot provide free choice then feed in many small piles over a large area,
the longer it takes your horse to eat the better! Nutrient poor feed can be a problem, so always provide a salt and
mineral block. The articles and resources found in www.safergrass.org will help horse owners everywhere learn to
avoid these founder traps caused by inappropriate diets.
- Movement / Terrain
movement that is responsible for stimulating the inner structures of the hoof, developing strong digital cushions and
lateral cartilages in the caudal region of the hoof. Encouraging our horses to move during turnout can be challenging,
but there is hope. Jaime Jackson, founder of the AANHCP has revolutionised boarding practices by incorporating
natural behaviour with boarding. Utilizing varied terrain and redesigning your paddock to the outer perimeter of your
pasture is one of many examples found in Jaime's book "Paddock Paradise" at Star Ridge publishing .To provide a
varied terrain and footing, the horses turnout area should have very diverse footing from dry hard pack, pea gravel and
wet areas to help keep hooves conditioned and the moisture content stable. This along with routine trimming can help
with hoof wall cracks.
- Socialization
can cause issues with your horses health and the condition of his hooves. Reducing or managing stress levels for your
horse is therefore a critical component in natural horse / hoof care. Lack of socialization can be the single most
stressful issue for your horse. As herd animals horses rely on each other for safety and mental well being. Isolation is
cruel for a horse.
Barefoot does not mean unprotected.
While your horse's feet transition to their natural, healthy state, he
may experience tenderness on uneven, rocky ground. We have
found that Easyboots provide excellent protection without
impeding the natural function of the hoof. Find out more at
www.easyboot.com.
While your horse's feet transition to their natural, healthy state, he
may experience tenderness on uneven, rocky ground. We have
found that Easyboots provide excellent protection without
impeding the natural function of the hoof. Find out more at
www.easyboot.com.
For products and services please select the Services bar.
Email: dcovert@progressivehoof.com .
Phone: (208) 238-6365
Cell: (208) 406-8613
- We offer consultation, trimming and horse booting
services.
Email: dcovert@progressivehoof.com .
Phone: (208) 238-6365
Cell: (208) 406-8613
The Progressive Hoof
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