Barefoot v Unshod

sally2008

sally2008

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 November 2003
Messages
3,182
Location
East Sussex
Visit site
I've been discussing the debate about whether our horses are better trimmed by farriers or Equine Podiatrists with my farrier.

He and his partner would be willing to hold an open day at his premises in West Kent to demonstrate trimming techiques on various horses and wonders if anyones EP would like to take part to show what, if anything, they do differently and give an opportunity for both sides to put their side of the story.

He can arrange for a national equine magazine to attend, take comparative photographs and maybe write it up in an article (maybe H&H would like to do it?).

Any takers? Would this be something horse owners / keepers would be interested to come along to? I won't be on line now until lunchtime so please don't think you're being ignored if you respond and don't hear back from me, I will be back later.
 
There's a farriers conference at Stoneleigh sometime soon, with both farriers and trimmers in attendance. Should be really interesting, and members of the public can go as well. Unfortunately can't make it but hope to get some good feedback afterwards.
 
Just what I was going to say! It is actually today - here is the 'bumf':

"TRIMMING FOR SOUNDNESS

Royal Showground, Stoneleigh 26 April 2007
Trimming for Soundness is a one day conference at Stoneleigh, with speakers from veterinary, barefoot and farriery backgrounds.

In the morning, John Reilly MRCVS will speak about 'Understanding Hoof Horn'; Chris Colles MRCVS & HonFWCF about 'Anatomy and Function of the Hoof Relative to Trimming'; Matthew Jackson, both farrier and natural hoofcare practitioner, will speak about 'The Role of the Digital Cushion & Lateral Cartilages'; and Sarah Braithwaite, a widely qualified natural hoofcare specialist, will speak about 'Achieving Performance without Shoes'.

After a lunch break and trade stands, Simon Earle, racehorse trainer, will talk about 'Training the Thoroughbred Barefoot', and Colin Goldsworthy RSS about 'Trimming the Donkey'.

Finally, Nicola Barker, another widely qualified natural hoofcare specialist, will discuss 'Paddock Paradise' and well-known farrier David Nichols AWCF 'Trimming for Performance'."
 
Ooops - I'm a day ahead of myself
tongue.gif
.
 
Yup, my farriers partner is one of the speakers at Stoneleigh.
smile.gif
This idea might give those who can't attend a more local opportunity to compare the two schools of thought side by side.
 
West Kent is too far from here - but if it worked and could be re-run at other places around the country, I think it's a magnificent idea

thanks for suggesting it

E
 
Sally I would attend if I'm free, and I can mention it to my EP at my next appointment which is 1st May. He covers your area and is always keen to promote understanding of what barefoot is about. I guess it would depend on how busy he is though, as he's based in West Sussex.
 
Wonderful! Thank you lynwood, and everyone else who has responded to this post and by PM. I would imagine that it would be a Saturday but having a better idea of the number of people who would be interested in attending it would be really helpful.

Any other EP's out there who would like to take part please do get in touch.

I will take a note of all names and let you know as and when things progress. In the meantime anyone else who would be interested in attending do please let me know - the more interest we have the more likely this is to happen. Thanks everyone.
 
The forge is at Edenbridge and yes, it is very likely that we might need people to volunteer horses.

I have noted your interest and will keep in touch.
 
Great. Yes, please do ask your EP if they would like to take part.

We discussed possibly having 3 farriers (2 male, 1 female) take part so it would be nice to have the same number of EP's.
 
I am more than happy to volunteer Bailey (shod) and Chess (un-shod) if they are needed. We are not a million miles away either. Both are very well behaved and are people friendly!
smile.gif
 
Wow thank you! The forge is very easy to get to from the M25. I will keep in touch and let you know if your lovely neds will be needed if that's okay.
 
No idea at the moment but I will try and get the 3 farriers involved to coordinate a date as soon as possible. I would say almost definately a Saturday and not within the next 6 weeks. I will come back to you with some possible dates as soon as I can.
 
Would be very interested.

Currently Chancer who is rising 3 has never been shoed and is trimmed by my farrier - can donate him if you want this type of horse.

Cairo - goes barefoot from mid September until May/June depending on the ground. He is a big old boy and I find his feet have a few cracks on hard ground. He also has low ringbone and I find the rocking action of his shoes again help on the hard summer ground with his front joints.

I would be very interested to hear the debate, especially with regard to EP and farrier trims.
 
Would be great to have you come along. Can I let you know about using Chancer please once we're a more sorted with a date and which farriers and trimmers are available to take part. Many thanks for the offer - much appreciated.
smile.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top