of the progressive deformation and deterioration of shod hooves and of the pathologies associated with shoeing; from observations of the "natural" hooves of the horses at liberty in the United States by Jackson and Ramey, both also originally farriers by trade; comparison of the internal structures of the hoof, shod and unshod - in particular the atrophying or development of the digital cushion, among others by the German vet Dr Hiltrud Strasser and by Swedish Horse Hoof... From these observations is born the desire to reproduce the "wild" horse hoof by means of what is commonly called "natural hoof care".
of the function of the foot: what are the functions, what are the constraints of each element of the hoof, the foot, the skeleton? In this field, Pierre Enoff has contributed a great deal to the understanding of equine locomotion through his study of mechanics which have resulted in conclusions in complete opposition to the the traditional concepts (the hoof wall is not weight-bearing; the frog is the most essential organ of the hoof; caudal structures should be low). From this comes a rationalisation of the objectives of hoof trimming: conserving the optimal functioning of the foot, at the same time cleaning the zones attacked by bacteria: this is the "hygienic trim". At the same time, the importance of a holistic approach to the horse must be realised: feet, food, lifestyle...
putting into practice this theory through trimming has long confirmed its validity, on every type of equine - heavy horses, ponies, donkeys - and with regard to all equine activities: excursions and trekking, naturally, but also jumping and endurance. It has also allowed the healing of splits and cracks, flares and seedy toe, and the saving of many horses with laminitis or "navicular syndrome" from euthanasia
1 October 2022 saw important changes in French law regarding the acquisition of cats, dogs, ferrets and rabbits. This new piece of legislation applies whether
Unlike the spring, autumn is not generally seen as being fraught with danger. In spring, we know that dewy mornings, balmy afternoons and young grass
In this, the third of a series of three promised articles – about no topic in particular! –, I shall be looking at the follies
As always, there must be something to come between planning and reality. This article should of course been published about a fortnight ago; however, personal
The road to hell is paved with good intentions… I’m sure we can all relate to this well-known aphorism; I know I certainly can. I
Sabots Libres
31150 Fenouillet, France
info@sabotslibres.eu
+33 66 00 83 84 1
© mmx – mmxxiv Sabots Libres : all rights reserved