Letter to the Editor--Let Your Voice be Heard
by Deb Taber
I recently received a letter regarding an article from 2007. We knew that article might excite some controversy among readers, but receiving feedback now is perfect timing. As we unveil our new online features, this offers you an opportunity to revisit an old topic. Instead of waiting until November 1 to post this column online, I offer it immediately so you can revisit the story and perhaps begin a discussion with other readers.
To read the article in question, "Barefoot or Shod: It Depends..." click here.
Once you have read the article and the letter, feel free to post your response by clicking the blue "Click here to comment or read others' comments" link at the end of this post. If there is a number before that text, it means there are other comments already posted. To read comments from others, you can either click the comment link or the article title at the top of the post.
After commenting, you can return to the main articles page by clicking Northwest Horse Source Articles at the top of the comment page.
Now for that letter:
Dear Ms. Taber,
I have just been reviewing some Horse Source magazines given to me and would like to comment on an article in the March 2007 issue titled "Barefoot or Shod." All of the reasons cited in the article for not going barefoot have been found to have no basis in fact by Pete Ramey (a former farrier) in his experience with hundreds, if not thousands, of horses of all breeds and backgrounds. Two of the most authoritative sources in the field are Mr. Ramey and Jaime Jackson. These men have written two excellent books on the subject, "Making Natural Hoof Care Work for You" and the "Horse Owners Guide to Natural Hoof Care," respectively, along with training DVDs. In most cases Mr. Ramey was able to cure horses with serious hoof problems such as laminitis and navicular syndrome. This includes those hopeless navicular problems and coffin bone penetrations. Mr. Ramey found that the huge controversy over this issue was fueled by misunderstanding and by the fact that some very vocal people are making major mistakes in hoof trimming and attempting to justify trimming guidelines that lead to sore horses. Probably one of the best known converts to Pete Ramey's and Jaime Jackson's line of thinking is Clinton Anderson of Downunder Horsemanship. It's important to note that this article first appeared in the American Farrier's Journal, not exactly a publication that would recommend doing away with horseshoes.
~David W. Brokaw
Coos Bay, Oregon
Let us know what you think! You don't have to leave your name, but comments will be screened for inappropriate content so please keep them family-friendly and relevant to the topic.
I recently received a letter regarding an article from 2007. We knew that article might excite some controversy among readers, but receiving feedback now is perfect timing. As we unveil our new online features, this offers you an opportunity to revisit an old topic. Instead of waiting until November 1 to post this column online, I offer it immediately so you can revisit the story and perhaps begin a discussion with other readers.
To read the article in question, "Barefoot or Shod: It Depends..." click here.
Once you have read the article and the letter, feel free to post your response by clicking the blue "Click here to comment or read others' comments" link at the end of this post. If there is a number before that text, it means there are other comments already posted. To read comments from others, you can either click the comment link or the article title at the top of the post.
After commenting, you can return to the main articles page by clicking Northwest Horse Source Articles at the top of the comment page.
Now for that letter:
Dear Ms. Taber,
I have just been reviewing some Horse Source magazines given to me and would like to comment on an article in the March 2007 issue titled "Barefoot or Shod." All of the reasons cited in the article for not going barefoot have been found to have no basis in fact by Pete Ramey (a former farrier) in his experience with hundreds, if not thousands, of horses of all breeds and backgrounds. Two of the most authoritative sources in the field are Mr. Ramey and Jaime Jackson. These men have written two excellent books on the subject, "Making Natural Hoof Care Work for You" and the "Horse Owners Guide to Natural Hoof Care," respectively, along with training DVDs. In most cases Mr. Ramey was able to cure horses with serious hoof problems such as laminitis and navicular syndrome. This includes those hopeless navicular problems and coffin bone penetrations. Mr. Ramey found that the huge controversy over this issue was fueled by misunderstanding and by the fact that some very vocal people are making major mistakes in hoof trimming and attempting to justify trimming guidelines that lead to sore horses. Probably one of the best known converts to Pete Ramey's and Jaime Jackson's line of thinking is Clinton Anderson of Downunder Horsemanship. It's important to note that this article first appeared in the American Farrier's Journal, not exactly a publication that would recommend doing away with horseshoes.
~David W. Brokaw
Coos Bay, Oregon
Let us know what you think! You don't have to leave your name, but comments will be screened for inappropriate content so please keep them family-friendly and relevant to the topic.
Labels: The Lunge Line
posted by NWHS at
8:55 AM
2 Comments:
While I agree that whenever possible, it is usually best to leave a horse unshod, there are definately times when a horse needs to be shod as well. Just like not all problems can be 'cured' with a set of shoes, neither can a problem be solved with any particular trim methodology.
I have owned wild Mustangs and I find that the feet on the mustangs do not wear anything like most of the so called 'natural trim' methods attempt to replicate.
I think the most important thing to make sure is going on is that the horse is trimmed in balance to meet it's own normal angles. That's where to start... From there, you do sometimes need to consider theraputic pads, shoes for tough trail terrain, etc, but on a case by case basis.
Sincerely,
James Michaels
We have been barefoot for almost 8 years. Two of our horses had been shod for ten years and are now sound on the very rocky terrain here in Eastern Oregon. Our ultimate success was thanks to Pete Ramey. We started with Dr Strausser whose exteme methods are described in the article's summary and our horses could hardly walk.
Hoof boots have evolved into good tools to address the article's other issues: traction, transition, and therapy.
We don't believe everyone should go barefoot because not every owner is interested in making the commitment to learn how to trim and make necessary changes in their horses' diet, exercise, and living quarters. We share our experience with anyone who expresses an interest but we never initiate the suggestion.
Our primary reason we wanted to try barefoot is for the potential health benefits. One horse stopped his constant stumbling when he was just walking.
Gerrie in Westfall Oregon
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