Applied Equine Podiatry
The essence of Applied Equine Podiatry is the consciencious study of the equine foot, always striving to expose it to proper environmental stimuli, making every effort to promote proper structure and function, as we progress towards achieving high performance. It is accepting the facts that the horse has the innate ability to heal itself and that man's interference has caused imbalance and broken the golden rule of "Do No Harm".
'Daffy'; Spring 2009 (before HPT applied)
'Daffy'; Autumn 2009 (after HPT method applied)
So you think horses can't compete without shoes? Click here for some interesting images of horses competing in high level dressage, showjumping, eventing, endurance, showing and just having fun!
If you are thinking about going barefoot with your horse for whatever reason, we recommend you visit the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry first and foremost where you can read interesting articles and locate a DAEP. Holistic Hooves website has links to many interesting articles in Useful Info which can help you make an informed decision.
You could also discuss your findings with your vet and farrier but be warned; many vets and farriers are not familiar with the science of AEP and may be suspicious and/or unsupportive, despite the sound scientific bases and acceptance by the leading farriery and equine hoof experts worldwide. Many people may associate 'going barefoot' with several 'methods' adopted by barefoot trimming groups. AEP is not 'barefoot trimming'; it is an Applied Science based on sound and verifiable scientific reasoning and as a result of which, the HPT (High Performance Trim Method) is a reliable and highly effective method.
Some vets recognise the merits of keeping a horse barefoot for all or in certain cases, some of the time. We recommend you visit this excellent site which is crammed full of useful information and articles, all of which are written by vets...
We are often asked "my horse is lame/has poor feet/has a foot problem...can my horse go barefoot?".
The 2 most important questions we the owner ask is;
Does your horse have the innate ability to heal itself?
(in other words...is there an underlying issue which cannot be healed for x,y,z, reasons?)
Is your horses environment condusive to the healing?
(and if not can it be altered to allow for healing to take place?)
You need to be able to answer a 'yes' to both questions to commit yourself on this route, otherwise you may set yourself up to fail and this MUST NEVER be at the expense of your horses' welfare.
For more info on Applied Equine Podiatry and where to locate a qualified DAEP please go to:
www.appliedequinepodiatry.org
or contact us.
For interesting stories and photos of barefoot horses like the one below please visit our Case Study pages!
Daffy-March 2009-10 weeks out of shoes-no HPT trim applied yet!
Signs of stretched white line, growth rings, flare (metabolic and mechanical), chips in hoof wall, diseased and atrophied frog, thin sole, etc..
AFTER-NOVEMBER 2009
