07/12/2024
A very worthwhile read. You have to consider the whole horse when balancing its feet!
🙌Serious question. Are you being manipulated by propaganda?🙌
Are you desperate to help your horse and are being drawn to an organisation or individual claiming they have all the information and only their way can help your horse?
It can be attractive, enticing, create hope and the promise of support and security - but is it really all this? Will it ultimately help optimise your horses wellbeing for a long and comfortable life?
Question everything. Including what you read and see here. Be extremely discerning when making decisions for and acting on behalf of your horse or the horses in your care.
Propaganda definition according to AI: “Propaganda is a form of communication that uses biased information to influence public opinion and behavior. It can include facts, arguments, rumors, half-truths, or lies. Propaganda is often used to promote a particular political or moral cause or point of view”…….
In the 90’s, the RSPCA successfully prosecuted BOTH trimmers and horse owners for causing unnecessary suffering to horses in their care. Strasser trimmers really believed that what they were doing was in the best interest of horses. Lessons were learned. Not only can you inadvertently and unintentionally cause harm to your horse by making inappropriate choices, but you (trimmer or owner) could also face prosecution under animal welfare law.
I have a vast library of documentation which leads me to my current opinion and POV that many horses are being inappropriately trimmed, shod or worn, leading to increased prevalence of pathology and lameness. Many rehab cases I become involved in could have been prevented. And prevention is always better than cure.
I frequently share my thoughts and the documentation and objective data gathered during and after consults. The evidence arguably demonstrates horses with improved posture, development and soundness. Modern farriery and podiatry science links unhealthy hoof morphology (form + function) to increased risk of lameness. Fact, not fiction. Balanced reason, not supposition and propaganda.
I have yet to see quality peer reviewed science linking unhealthy hoof morphology, posture and development to an increased incidence of soundness.
I repeat, I have yet to see quality peer reviewed science linking unhealthy hoof morphology, posture and development to an increased incidence of soundness.
Yogi Sharp The Equine Documentalist recently discussed objectivity in his post and I think calls to question the importance of objectivity in the industry: https://www.facebook.com/theequinedocumentalist/posts/pfbid02LoVFva9m8G17d9nfJkRq8TXsiWnkyp5mVuHKVvvYY892eBvcKyHo622AG86LzsRtl I believe objectivity is incredibly valuable both to the horse, the owner, the hoof care professional, the horses team, for advancement of the science, the continued evolution and improvement of the industry and not least of all, to optimise the quality of life of both horse and owner.
If you have solid evidence of an alternative POV about what constitutes balance in the hoof or horse, and how to achieve this, I’m all about the facts and am a geek for knowledge and learning new information. I invite you to PM me if you would like to discuss this with me. I am willing to be wrong and re-evaluate what I think I know, for this has worked for me in the past, and has benefitted me as as a human being, horse guardian and equine professional.
I have adapted my entire approach to trimming horses in order to find the very best ways to support both healthy hoof and horse over the decades. While I value study of the hoof, I equally value study of the entire horse. We do after all, trim horses, not hooves.
I am led by signs of comfort, healthy resting posture, efficient and balanced movement and signs of healthy well nourished hooves. This can only occur in a horse with healthy neuromuscular system and a healthy autonomic nervous system.
If a horse is working hard just to stay upright due to inappropriate hoof morphology/balance, this disrupts neuromuscular health and leads too feelings of tension, anxiety and discomfort over time.
I have been fearful of speaking out about this for some time, for fear of being attacked, as I have seen my peers experience the same. However, I personally believe I have a duty to call out bad behaviour and help defend the defenceless and vulnerable - both humans and animals. If I dont, am I not also part of the problem?'
And I cannot stay silent while harmful practices and behaviour continues. I will shower love on the situation while compassionately highlighting behaviour and practices which hurt people and horses. It’s who I am, body, mind and soul, and why I am here.
I cannot stop another from making a choice for their horse because I value free will and autonomy. However I might help another come to their own more informed decision by encouraging self awareness, open mindedness to new information, and confidence through empowerment.
How can you discern if another person or organisation has what you truly need for your highest potential, and that of your horse?
Look out for another episode of conversations with compassionate equestrianism where this topic will be explored!
My advice? You're welcome to it: Stay grounded, with an open heart and with your head in the clouds, seek always to think and act from a place of internal alignment with self, carry yourself with dignity and integrity, be honest with yourself and others, and most of all, bring love of self and for all beings into any situation you find yourself in.
Know that you are loved. I love you. I want the best for you, and for your horse, for our mutual evolution, growth and benefit.
NB - The picture is a slide from our upcoming webinar where we will be dispelling a few myths and offering a balanced view on contentious topics abound in the industry today! https://www.holisticequine.co.uk/event-details/winter-hoof-and-horse-care-how-to-keep-horses-safe-sound-during-winter-months
www.holisticequine.co.uk - supporting and promoting compassionate equestrianism for the benefit of all 💚🐴🙏
