We Cater to the Sole of Your Horse
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We Cater to the Sole of Your Horse
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What is "Hoofmanship" - The application of the skills and knowledge to care for the equine hoof in a way that results in optimal form and function. This knowledge is based on the physiology, locomotion, and other factors that impact hoof quality, including lifestyle, diet, and use of the animal. What is "Natural Hoofmanship" - The application of natural horse care theories to the basic knowledge and skills of Hoofmanship. What is "Genuine Texas Hoofmanship" - A style of natural hoofmanship developed in Texas by Gates Billette and Susanne Elmer.
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I have seen many hoof issues that, for me as a "normal" farrier would have been the end of the road for these unfortunate horses. I am appalled with the prevalence of founder and navicular is in Texas. In fact, it has been said by many that there is an epidemic. The standard protocol for treatment is typically drugs and, if this failed, the removal of the offending part of the horse. Laminitis is one of the most devastating issue facing horses today and has links to diet. There are other links, such as infection and/or a rise in temperature, but diet is the main culprit. Processed Grains or Nature's Choice One major feed company has put out research lately on nutrition and has, like many, discovered the effects of NSC (non-structural carbohydrates) on the equine physiology.
The sugars, fructose and starches (corn) are responsible for horses becoming, in essence, diabetics. Their study of over 1300 horses showed that 51% are overweight. If we look at any living creature on the planet, the biggest factor in overall health is diet. A cow or goat can founder, but not as frequently as a horse. The digestion of the horse is delicate and overload of sugars affect the good and natural gut bacteria in the hind gut. In simple terms, this imbalance causes toxins to be produced and then the poison causes the laminae to break down their attachment to the hoof wall. Again, an elevation of body temperature can also cause this to happen, as well as stress brought on by trailering, loss of companion, physical abuse, wormers, vaccinations, etc. The "metabolic sparkplug" - best fueled by organic minerals and salt, organic vitamins, and good fats (Omega 3, 6, 9). Horses in the wild travel 20 or more miles a day in search of forage, compared to their domestic counterparts kept in stalls and small turnout paddocks. http://www.hoofrehab.com/diet.htm - very helpful article by Pete Ramey on sugar in the equine diet. If you are looking for the very latest information on how to implement a more natural and safe equine diet, visit www.safergrass.org/articles/index.html. Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSCs) and Equine Metabolism It is important to understand about NSCs that all grains (starches) should not be fed to horses according to studies. Apparently many horses do well on a variety of grain base feeds. You will however hear some do not do so well on a particular feed, or this said feed worked for a while. How does one know which one will work and when or how will stop working? If a car runs on gas and suddenly it does not, do you change to a different type gas or has something gone wrong with the engine? Check the engine light ( hoof barometer) in your horse for something has gone awry. What has gone wrong and what is the source? It is very likely that the gas (bad gas) may have contributed to engine failure. The horses' metabolism changes in a similar way. The grain, not that it is contaminated but faulty, may have have sparked an "engine light" in your horse. Enzyme Inhibitors, is a new comer to the equation which I highlight in the article below. Read the article "A Gift" by Gates Billette
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For more information on Natural Hoofmanship and Gates Billette, call 940-867-5208 or e-mail gatesbillette@hotmail.com This website designed and maintained by Carter Equine Productions. For technical assistance regarding this website, please contact my Webmaster, Lisa Carter at lisa@carterequineproductions.com |