What happens when barefoot doesn’t work?
We likely have come across horses that just can’t seem to get comfortable without hoof protection. The ones that frustrate us and seem to be dead set on having lameness issues. What might be going on under the surface?
Matthew Jackson from Scotland chatted with me to tackle this topic that doesn’t get discussed enough in the hoofcare world. Matthew was on the podcast previously to share his journey from being a fully qualified farrier to embracing a more barefoot-focused, “no steel” approach to hoof care. This time, we decide to talk about what that means for horses that may have difficulty without hoof protection.
We discuss what it really means to improve hoof health from the inside out, how the internal structures of the hoof influence long-term soundness, and the many factors that can affect hoof quality and function. We also talk about the importance of keeping an open mind, avoiding dogma, and approaching our hoof care education as a lifelong learning journey.
You can hear the entire conversation on any podcast app under “The Humble Hoof,” or directly at this link.
