myFREEDM®
Topic page Switching from shoes to bare hooves
A healthy bare hoof has several important functions. It contributes to shock absorption in favour of the entire equine musculoskeletal system; it feels the ground and thus protects the horse's joints and tendons during movement, among other things. It also has a role to play in the cardiovascular system, as well as in metabolic processes. Healthy bare hooves are therefore a desirable goal for your own horse and the decision to switch from horseshoes is a positive step.
Unfortunately, taking off the shoes and just going for it only works in the rarest of cases. But with a little forward planning and management, almost any horse can eventually get good bare hooves.
Here are our tips for a successful changeover:
- Choose the right time to start: It
is best to start at a quieter time when no major riding projects are planned in
the near future. The time of year doesn't really matter, as each phase has
advantages and disadvantages: In summer, the hoof horn grows a little faster,
but the ground is often hard. In autumn/winter, on the other hand, the ground
is often soft, but you have to contend with the possible consequences of mud
- Plan the type and frequency of hoof
trimming: Discuss with the practitioner in advance at what intervals he can
accompany the changeover. As short intervals make sense, but not every
practitioner can plan this, the horse owner is also required to do this
themselves. The best way to look after the hooves between appointments is to
ask a professional to show you how. Attending hoof courses is also recommended
and provides an insight into the exciting world of hooves.
- Hoof protection in the initial phase: Untrained hooves quickly reach their limits in the first few weeks of the changeover. To prevent problems such as excessive horn loss, inflammation and pain, they need appropriate protection. Hoof boots with myFREEDM soles are ideal as the hoof should be trimmed gently at short intervals and the horn needs a certain training stimulus.
Effective for hoof development
In fact, myFREEDM soles have proven to be enormously helpful during the transition. They not only protect the hooves from abrasion and pain, but also actively promote the development of firm, elastic sole horn and a strong, functional frog.
In addition, there is no need to completely stop exercising the horse when using myFREEDM soles. The horse and hooves can continue to be trained in a healthy and adapted manner, which benefits the entire organism and the musculoskeletal system.
After the first few weeks or months with all-round protection, the bare hoof times can be gradually increased until the horse benefits from good, functional bare hooves at the end of its development.
The direct line to myFREEDM hoof health counselling:
Hoof technician Christiane Herrmann - phone 0157 37545724 / e-mail: beratung@myfreedm.de
Order myFREEDM soles:
https://myfreedm.de/Shop/
myFREEDM® Produkte
