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"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and it is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it." ~ Buddha
I know that to apply steel to horses feet is extremely damaging, and what follows is a synopsis of just a few of the harmful effects of nailing steel shoes onto horse’s hooves:
The horse's foot evolved as a conical structure, with domes and triangles structured into one of the strongest and most dynamic shapes in nature - - the hoof. Great damage actually begins before a steel shoe even touches the horse's hoof when the hoof is prepared for its application. The natural, life - promoting, energetic shapes of natural hooves are disrespected and disregarded when a farrier flattens the sole of a hoof for the application of a shoe. Flattening the bottom of the equine hoof destroys its ability to perform its vital functions, and nailing a rigid steel ring around the lower edge further ensures its steady deterioration and deformation, as well as provides for a state of disease in the entire horse. It is the steel shoe that perpetuates a state of physiologic stagnation that causes disease, lameness, premature loss of use, painful debilitation, and early death in horses the world over.
Nails driven through the hoof walls allow all manner of bacteria, fungus and filth to enter the foot; the once efficient, natural physical barrier to these invaders is breached when the hoof wall is pierced. The conductibility of the nails and steel shoe allow concussive forces, vibrations, and sudden extreme changes of temperature to enter the hoof. Multiple holes in the walls of the hoof over successive shoeings lead to direct structural breakdown of the hoof walls by causing cracks, breaks, and leveraging of the hoof wall away from deeper hoof structures. Sometimes when a steel shoe is pulled off by a horse, the edges of the hoof wall go with it.
The damage caused to the horse due to decreased shock absorption within the shod foot is well documented. The horse's hoof is designed to handle most of the shock absorption required for traveling over any terrain; this is accomplished when the hoof capsule moves and expands upon contact with the earth. When steel is fixed to the hoof capsule, the hoof cannot adequately expand and the built - in shock absorbing structures within the hoof can not do their job. As a result, the joints, cartilages, and ligaments higher in the horse's leg, back, and entire body must dissipate all the concussive forces. These structures did not evolve the means to handle this much shock absorption. The result is extra wear and tear which produces measurable damage to these areas. Truly, much of horses’ back soreness and leg lameness is due to concussion they were not designed to handle - all because the natural shock absorbing function of the hooves has been compromised by the application of steel shoes.
Ground forces that would be directed backward and upward in an unshod hoof are primarily directed upward in a shod hoof, following a vector determined by the presence of the nails. This leverages the hoof wall away from the coffin bone. (Imagine lifting up on your fingernail until it tears away from the flesh under the nail.) Every horse that wears steel shoes suffers some degree of laminar separation. This persistent state can lead to more serious conditions of chronic laminitis, or founder if the horse overeats or become sick.
In a properly functioning hoof, the sole will slightly flatten out as the hundreds of pounds of weight come down in to the hoof capsule through the leg bones. The shoe prevents this action, and instead holds the sole in a vaulted position and the hoof in a contracted state. The forces coming down in to the foot are now allowed to crush the sole and coffin bone together, causing bruising with every step - - in other words, the sole is unable to escape the now - punishing pressure of the coffin bone above. There are a myriad of other malfunctions that also occur in a shod hoof, and they all contribute to the hoof functioning in a completely different and abnormal fashion and lead to a severe contraction in their size, so much so that when the shoe is removed the horses can no longer walk comfortably on their own feet. There is one similar human example that is particularly representative of causing such damage: the binding of women's feet in the older traditional Chinese culture. So damaging to the feet was this practice that dancing and running was impossible and walking unwieldy - - this practice kept women subservient and powerless, and though outlawed in 1911, it continued for decades. This practice was only given up recently, so there are still plenty of living examples of these crippled women. Large quarter horses of today with size 00 feet are a direct comparison and a shameful reminder of what we continue to do to the modern day horse. How long will we continue a practice that harms horses' feet and robs them of their power?
Pads only make it worse.
Many different materials are used to pad the bottom of the horse's hoof in an attempt to protect the sole and decrease concussion, but in actuality these materials bring further harm to the horse. The increased pressure on the soles of the hoof through pad material forces the sole up against the immobilized, unyielding solar corium within the hoof, causing bruises and reduced blood flow in these areas. The sole often responds with a "dysplastic" kind of growth when carefully observed under magnification - - this is abnormal growth that is thicker but not as dense and strong or as durable as normal sole. Farriers often misinterpret this abnormal growth as a healthy thickening of the sole, when in fact it represents a deterioration of the hoof. The use of pads also increases the presence of moisture next to the horse's soles, providing a breeding ground for hoof - rotting bacteria and fungi that soften the soles into a cheesy consistency devoid of durability. Pads also prevent normal respiration and perspiration that occurs in bare frogs and soles, impairing the horse’s ability to regulate his body temperature and excrete waste proteins through exfoliation.
The role that concussion plays in providing life - giving stimulation to the horse is extremely important, but misunderstood. The natural, properly shaped, bare foot has concussion - dissipating properties appropriate for each horse on its home terrain - - it’s that simple. When we apply artificial materials and/or conditions to horse’s hooves, such as steel shoes with pads, plastic "repairs", soft footing in riding arenas, and bedding in stalls, our interference reduces concussion to a level below what is appropriate, preventing the vital stimulation needed for the production of durable hoof tissues, healthy cartilage and ligaments, and strong bones. Without appropriate concussive stimulation to the hoof, the horse’s hooves and legs grow weaker and weaker. Conditions such as overgrown, poorly shaped feet, shod feet, and housing horses on extremely hard surfaces such as concrete results in excessive concussive stimulation to the hoof - - as a result, structures such as lateral cartilages, joints and ligaments become ossified, arthritic and sprained, and bones become inferior in their role of supporting the horse. Once again when owners attempt to "protect" their horse’s hooves with artificial appliances and inappropriate conditions, they are actually promoting weak and faulty growth and nurturing conditions for disease.
Circulation is of paramount importance.
For the presence of steel on a horse's feet, we are able to observe profound damages that occur due to the stagnation of blood within the hoof and the diminished return of blood back up toward the heart through the veins of the lower leg. Shoes interfere with the hoof’s natural blood - pumping mechanism. The natural hoof expands and contracts with each step, letting blood in as it spreads upon impact with the ground, and squeezing blood up and out of the hoof as it contracts when it is not bearing weight. If this sounds familiar, like the blood pumping mechanism of a heart, that’s because it is - - natural hooves perform a critical function as supplementary "hearts". This vital heart - like mechanism is greatly restricted by immobilizing the hoof with steel shoes.
The reduced circulation in the foot and leg of the shod horse results in reduced circulation to the horse's entire body. This poor circulation starves the entire animal of oxygen and all the nutrients it needs to perform. This stagnant state of circulation, along with the numerous other damaging afflictions such as sidebone, ringbone, arthritis in ankles, knees, hocks and spine, adds up over time, taxing the body with its attempts to heal, gradually stressing it beyond its capacity to mend. Damaged cells and tissues are able to heal and divide so many times, and put up with insults so many times. Animals die when cells and the organs they make up are no longer able to divide and repair damage. A slow deterioration of normal structure with associated debilitating pain and premature death of horses is the result when we fail to trim hooves properly and/or nail on shoes.
In summary, we create problems for our horses when we ignore the natural design and functions of their feet. Our arrogance in believing we can improve on nature causes them great harm. What we as stewards must accept, and try to get others to realize, is that horses’ feet have great strength and durability and perform optimally when proper, bare hoof form exists and when they are kept in the most natural lifestyle possible.
The Responsibility of Equine Professionals:
I believe that when veterinarians and other equine professionals fully understand the true workings of horses' hooves they will cease to perpetrate the harm that results from shoeing horses, and will not stand idly by while others do so. When they better understand how the horses’ feet are constructed, function, grow, offer protection and allow proper and vital sensation for the horse to interact with their environment, these good people will have gained a very powerful new tool. They will no longer ignorantly resort to or demand the use of a nailed on appliance or a confined lifestyle for horses. They will stop unknowingly causing pain and premature deaths for the horses they care about.
I understand this now, and I can no longer keep it to myself, for I took The Veterinarian's Oath nine years ago:
"Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence."
(Adopted by the American Veterinary Medical Association
House of Delegates, July, l969)
Integrity and strength of conviction.
Here's a fact that you can count on: I will not ever ask any client of mine to consider shoeing their horse with steel. I have conviction in my belief about this and it is unwavering. If I was to cheat by saying, "Well, this time I guess ... OK, go ahead and nail shoes on", or, "Gee, I guess this horse can't do it ... ." I would be compromising my very keen sense of integrity. I do not sit on the fence or beat around the bush on this issue. Steel shoes cause harm to horses, and I simply can't abide that. Some folks can advocate both shoeing and going barefoot, but I cannot. I have read and understood the Veterinary Oath.
Spreading the word and convincing others.
Many folks aren't eager or accustomed to expressing their views about what they've learned to be true, let alone professing them in a way that shows absolute conviction, so it's no wonder that some of these same folks find it distasteful or rude or egotistical when someone else proclaims that they are possessors of the truth. Some folks will suggest that, "we should all just try to get along", or "you’re entitled to your opinion, and you should respect mine", or "it’s a big tent, room for everybody!", or even, "we’ll just agree to disagree".
Once in awhile, you’ll run across somebody with absolute conviction and rock - solid integrity clinging with strength to what he believes in, because those beliefs are what keep him strong. Such a person may be unpopular, disliked, and even ridiculed, because he is likely to call attention to those who are wavering, misinformed, or don’t have the knowledge or quite understand the information presented. I know this happens, from experience, and it's due to such adverse reactions from others that a person with strong convictions about a new way of thinking and a different way of doing, who is willing to speak out and try to convince others, is more and more a rarity in our world.
So in spite of the resistance met, I am dedicated to help with the "wake up call". I feel that farriers and veterinarians and trainers and horse people everywhere must learn the truth and tell their clients, friends, and colleagues that shoeing horses damages them and robs them of years of their lives. I want everyone to know that steel on a horse’s hoof is not acceptable. For the good of the horse, I want this to become common knowledge.
The role of the veterinarian.
"Barefoot - friendly" veterinarians are a rare breed; more are very badly needed. As of now, in a huge percentage of equine veterinary schools and clinics the world over the highly effective therapies of natural lifestyle and the natural barefoot trim are not even mentioned as treatment options for lame horses. This is highly unacceptable and is a disservice to the horses we love. It is an omission that serves the egos of those who use horses as tools, rather than as the companion animals that serve us so willingly.
Veterinarians, recommending shoes for horses because you’re unaware of the overwhelming evidence against such a practice is forgivable. I was in a situation just three years ago of being ignorant of the hoof and the healing power within it. The earliest example of this information came to me when a big quarter horse gelding with both front feet foundering to the point of protruding coffin bones was trimmed using nothing but the principles of a natural hoof trim and was being ridden sound six months later. Another, a three year old thoroughbred mare with a fractured coffin bone is now, eight months later, jumping at three - day eventing competitions barefoot. My own gelding, foundering at two years old in the left front due to "club foot", now travels soundly over the roughest rocky terrain two years later - - he does it barefoot and without any evidence of ever having a club foot. The changes seen on radiographs from horses with ringbone reduce over several months when horses are trimmed properly ... no other "treatment" that uses shoes or pads can show this. The examples go on and on. I have never had such a powerful tool at my disposal as is this knowledge of how the equine hoof works and how to bring such rapid healing to lame horses.
Also just three years ago, I was prescribing egg - bar shoes, pads and impression material for any number of lameness', but I can't do that anymore since seeing first hand the further damage they caused to the horses. No matter who the farrier was, none of these horses ever reached a point of soundness where they could walk comfortably on their own feet, and now I deeply regret that many horses died at my hands because I didn't know what to do to save them. Now when I see horses with severe foot problems I treat them without prescribing shoes, often without anything more complicated than proper trimming of their hooves, movement, and diet. Most of these horses are better in a short time. The personal satisfaction I get when I help save a "hopeless" case or the relief in the eyes of owners when they realize they'll never have to shoe their horses again, and the gratitude and admiration I receive from these folks is heartwarming.
What has become of our idea of what a "normal" horse's foot is? Why has it strayed so far off course from what we know is healthy? As animal health professionals, it is our responsibility to point out what is good and bad for animals. We warn clients about dangerous fencing, counsel them on appropriate diet and encourage them to keep horses clean and exercised. By prescribing special "corrective" shoes, or allowing farriers to just come along and "fix the problem" using steel shoes, we perpetuate and aggravate the horses' problems in the long run. It's really hard for me to even fathom using a steel shoe at all because they don’t offer anything therapeutic to a horse, and as a veterinarian that is truly concerned about the health of the animals, failing to offer people and their horses this knowledge that will truly heal their horses would be a grave oversight. By keeping clients' horses out of shoes altogether as they mature, the super - prevalent hoof problems we are so familiar with will largely be a thing of the past - - rehabilitating horses is possible, but as with anything in this world, it often takes longer to fix it than it does to wreck it.
There will be more and more veterinarians picking up on the new knowledge about the harm done by shoeing and the benefits of going barefoot and proper trimming, and the horses of the world are going to be healthier, happier, and more serviceable than ever. We will look at the horses in the future and see them as the magnificent specimens of power they naturally are. Seeing one with steel plates nailed to its feet will draw criticism from those that know better and who respect and love the horse.
The role of the farrier.
Being a farrier is hard work. I shod at least a few horses of my own every few weeks during my younger years, so I can relate to the pain and strain that comes with the task, the skills it requires and the satisfaction of a job well done. The careful attention to detail, the ability to work well with your hands, working around a naturally shy but powerful animal, and a caring attitude - - these are good attributes, but no matter how hard you've studied to learn how to shoe a horse, no matter how hard and demanding the work is, no matter how much money you've spent getting that education, no matter how traditional the practice is, none of these things or anything else makes shoeing a horse the right thing to do. When something is wrong, it's wrong. Steel shoes hurt horses’ feet, period.
Farriers are in the ideal position to learn about proper, natural hoof form and function: they have the clientele, they love horses, and they know how to use hoof trimming tools. They only need to become willing and dedicated to the study of the natural hoof, and to learn to counsel their clients about natural means of horse care and management which involves confining horses as little as possible, feeding them fewer rich foods and more grass and natural forage, and letting horses be together in herds as they are meant to be.
Gradually more farriers are realizing that we have better options. Some already encourage people to let their horses go barefoot "as much as possible", but they and the owners are still not fully convinced or educated and they go along with the conventional wisdom that horses need shoes nailed to their feet for "protection", "support" or "traction" when they are participating in activities like jumping, dressage, competitive trail rides, and other demanding sports or use. What we now know is that any kind of shoe nailed to a hoof damages that hoof - one - hundred percent of the time, every minute that steel contacts a horse's foot, damage is being done. Steel shoes do not protect hooves, and hooves certainly do not need "support", even if there was some way to get it from shoes, which there isn’t. Most farriers know that the coffin bone is suspended inside the hoof capsule, not supported from below, yet they still talk about "supporting" this bone. The traction provided by shoes is also damaging to the horse, stressing everything from the hoof capsule itself to nearly every tendon and ligament and joint on up the legs and in to the body. The bare, natural hoof has the best traction possible on its home terrain or for what it has been conditioned to do. In fact, the more demanding the job or sport, the more important it is for the horse to have natural, properly functioning feet.
Farriers must learn the truth, and then be held accountable for the damage they cause if they fail to inform their clients that shoeing is not necessary. They need to learn what is going on inside the horse's foot and learn how to trim a foot to achieve a healthy hoof form. They need to help educate horse owners who relay on them for guidance about how to help their horses become healthier and more serviceable for a longer time, through better hoof care. They need to know about and talk - up the judicious use of hoof boots so owners know they have a way to provide real hoof protection without damaging their horses’ feet. Farriers are important professionals in the equine world and horse stewards and their horses rely on them to know and do what is best for them.
For a farrier, retiring the anvil and hanging up the hammer leads to being part of an inevitable change for the better. Farriers can rest assured that what they will be doing is founded on solid knowledge gained from intense study of the biology and physiology of the horses’ hoof.
Farriers, if you let people know you are dedicated to the welfare of the horse, you will reap great rewards. The monetary rewards will still be there; in fact, you’ll probably be able to earn more money with less strenuous work. I know that working with and nailing on steel can be addictive for some, but stewards will be more than happy and willing to pay for proper trimming and guidance in keeping their horses healthy. And in addition, if you become knowledgeable and practiced enough, you will be able to save the lives of many horses with severe laminitis and founder that would not be able to heal if treated only with conventional methods (including "therapeutic" shoeing). Money aside, the personal rewards will be terrific.
The role of the trainer.
It is incumbent upon trainers and riding instructors, who have a profound influence on their clients and largely control what they do with their horses, to be open - minded and receptive to emerging evidence regarding the use of steel horseshoes. It is up to you to become informed enough to be able to ask the right questions of your veterinarians and farriers, and to make wise decisions for the horses in your care.
Most trainers believe that particular horses, or even some breeds of horses, can’t go barefoot. They have experienced horses that get sore or whose feet deteriorate whenever they don’t have shoes on. What is most likely the case in these circumstances is that these trainers are seeing horses that have a history of having been shod, and whose feet are therefore weak. Horses that have been shod for a long time, or whose feet have been improperly trimmed, will have hooves that chip and bruise easily. Often these horses have had inadequate movement throughout their lives to stimulate good hoof growth (from having lived in stalls or small pens). When horses have feet already damaged by shoes, the transition to healthy, barefoot hooves will take time and a great deal of commitment by their owners and trainers.
The questions then become, is it possible, and will it be worth it? These are hard question to answer, and it is up to the trainer, working knowledgeably with the owner, to decide the best course to take in each particular case.
The benefits of sound hooves is a healthier, more serviceable horse; less lameness, fewer sore backs, better movement, greater stamina, less resistance to demanding work, fewer vet bills, and a longer and happier life. These are enormous benefits. But when hooves have been damaged and deformed, and particularly when this has caused additional problems in the bones and other structures in the lower leg, it will take time and effort to achieve healthy hooves and restore the horse to soundness. It may also be very difficult to get the right kind of help from other equine professionals.
What trainers can most certainly do is start insisting that young horses in their care or under their tutelage not be shod and that they get properly trimmed. It is much easier to prevent damage to horses’ hooves than to reverse it. Trainers must, therefore, question conventional wisdom and become informed and enlightened. They must serve as stewards to the horses on whom they depend for a living; after all, these horses depend upon them for their well - being, and even for their very lives.
Finding information and getting help.
Numerous published books have guidelines and instructions on how to trim hooves to achieve proper form. There are classes and training clinics for horse owners, trainers and farriers that are willing to go the distance and pay the price, and there is a tremendous amount of information regarding the natural trim and natural lifestyle on the Internet.
As time goes by, veterinarians and other equine professionals will not be able to ignore the mountain of clinical and scientific data related to the harm done by the use of the horse shoe and the astounding benefits of natural lifestyle and natural hoof form. There will be more farriers who have quit nailing on shoes who know how to do the natural trim, and there will be many more horse owners and trainers who recognize a healthy hoof when they see one and know what a deformed foot looks like. The amount of help and information available for these concerned and enlightened horse stewards is rapidly increasing. Right now, especially in certain parts of the world, it can be difficult to find this information and get help, but with this age of information and rapid communication, everyone will eventually have the means to help themselves.
Martha Olivo, my mentor in relation to the natural hoof and natural horse care, travels around the country giving clinics and classes on the natural trim. She has trained hundreds of hoof care specialists - Hoof Grooms - some of whom now trim professionally. They are listed on her website, which has a lot of additional information. Go to www.unitedhorsemanship.org.
For other websites, run an Internet search for "barefoot horse". You may also email me directly at tteskey@c2i2.com.
A plea to equine professionals everywhere.
People around the world are beginning to grasp some very fundamental concepts of horse care and the care of their horse hooves, and these people will need your help in implementing what they want for their horses. It is up to you to look at the available data, evaluate it critically, relate it to the anatomy and physiology of the horse, and apply it to the horses in your care.
The power of truth.
Coming into the knowledge of the horse's hoof is a powerful thing. Speak with conviction, but maintain an open ear to the concerns of others. Those who want to know about this information will actively seek it out - - we do not need to stand on the street corner with a sign. Listen as they express their insecurities and ignorance concerning the use of steel shoes; be mindful that this is all they have ever known. Be honest about the time and effort it will take to undo the harm shoes have caused. Our goal is to educate everyone, not just horse owners, about proper hoof form and function, and lend support to all who advocate this for the horses.
I am continuing to learn every day as I listen to people and their concerns. I'm learning what is best to say and how best to say it. Sometimes I don’t know the whole answer, and it's actually helpful when that happens because it forces me to learn more, dig deeper, and confer with others who know more than I do. It forces me to further strengthen the base for my convictions.
It’s difficult confronting the mainstream and trying to turn the tide, but once you become enlightened a powerful energy will be yours to embrace: the power of the truth; the power to heal; the power of the horse!
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self - evident." ~ Arthur Schopenhauer
Dr. Tomas Teskey DVM graduated in 1995 from Colorado State University and has been practicing in Southern Arizona USA since that time. More than 90% of his work is with horses. He grew up on a cattle ranch in Central Arizona, rode shod horses all the time, and only three years ago began to understand what the horse's foot was all about. Most of what he learned early on was from Martha Olivo, who studied under Dr. Strasser. He now holds equine barefoot workshops and is planning to offer rehabilitative opportunities for horses in a working ranch environment.
Dr. Teskey rides barefoot horses along with the rest of his family, including his brothers and father, who also rode shod horses for decades and are now consistently amazed at what the horses are truly capable of Soundness way beyond expectations, and vitality unmatched by any shod horses the family had ever ridden before.
The information on this site is not meant to diagnose or prescribe for you. This information is not intended to be used as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Cheryl McNamee-Sutor is a certified mentor hoof groom, wholistic bare hoof specialist, horse trainer, reiki practitioner, and an educator and distributor of therapeutic-grade essential oils; NOT a licensed doctor or veterinarian. If you are sick, injured or otherwise unhealthy, please consult with a licensed doctor.
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