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Post by Michy on Dec 1, 2005 8:28:26 GMT 2
I know this seems ironic, since the board is labelled "shoeing" but anyway! Just wondering if there are any other barefoot people out there. Not necessarily Strasser (I dont do Strasser), but anyone into the barefoot way of thinking.
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Post by bee on Dec 1, 2005 8:40:18 GMT 2
I have always believed that if the horse can handle going barefoot, then its the better option, but sadly not all horses can cope with is, and each horse needs to be treated as an individual when it comes to shoes/no shoes. I don't agree with strasser method all.
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Post by Michy on Dec 1, 2005 8:52:15 GMT 2
Cool. Hows it going with the boots?
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Post by bee on Dec 1, 2005 9:19:35 GMT 2
err haven't actually tried them yet Still got to get them from my friend *slaps faith on wrist - where my boots* heehee just teasing But mare is going much better, just got to let her choose her own ground to walk on (though this sometimes means I get slapped in the face by a branch or two - haha)
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Post by Stripes on Dec 1, 2005 9:20:30 GMT 2
what's strasser method?
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Post by Michy on Dec 1, 2005 9:26:06 GMT 2
Ooooh this is a dangerous road to go down! Maybe do a Google search instead .... I dont think the Strasser method is too popular around these parts
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Post by bee on Dec 1, 2005 9:32:55 GMT 2
Don't get me started on strasser! but each to their own. Michy is your horse barefoot or did you go the strasser route? (don;t worry I won't scream if you have gone strasser heehee) I would be interested to hear if anyone has had positive results from using strasser, as I have only heard horror stories, and all the farriers/vets etc I have spoken to about it are very much againts it.
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Post by Michy on Dec 1, 2005 9:35:52 GMT 2
OK, maybe a brief description ... and I may not cover everything as I am not into the whole Strasser thing myself.
Dr Strasser has written a couple of books, and come up with a rather prescriptive way of managing horses - commonly called the 'Strasser Method'.
At the basis of her theory is that all horses should be barefoot, and that the shape/angles etc of the hoof should resemble those of a set of wild mustangs she studied. She also advocates that horses live out in a group 24/7 with no blankets (you can build shelters for them though). Also, no boots or bandages for the legs. Feet should be soaked in water daily.
What gets a lot of people upset about this topic is that it is so rigid, and many people find it just doesnt work for them and/or their horse(s). Also, some Strasser trimmers try to get hooves to their 'perfect shape' extremely quickly, which can lead to a lot of pain and abscesses.
There is a lot more to it, but this is my 'nutshell' version.
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Post by faith on Dec 1, 2005 10:12:17 GMT 2
hey, walt is is barefoot now (not strasser!), seems much more happier and apparently is going like a little bomb. i know he is still a bit sensitive, but i'm so much happier he doesn't have shoes, i do prefer it. he is in a grass paddock and he works on all sorts of ground, so i think he was a bit sore at the beginning. whoops bee, completely forgot! will bring them on monday morning (sms me before!) otherwise i'll forget, i have the memory of a sieve! actually, i remember, but i'm always in a rush to leave the house i forget!
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Post by bee on Dec 1, 2005 10:15:10 GMT 2
Ha ha Faith, I'm only teasing, cool will sms you. Can't wait for our trip to visit Wally! So glad he went barefoot and that he is coping with it!
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Post by faith on Dec 1, 2005 10:38:14 GMT 2
i know, must say, am rather excited myself to see him, haven't seen him for a while. hope he remembers us and isn't pissed off with us for not visiting!!!
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Post by Michy on Dec 1, 2005 10:38:54 GMT 2
My boy is also barefoot but not Strasser. Hind shoes off for a year now, and fronts off for 4 months. He was also tender in the beginning, you have to expect it - its a big change! Got a fantastic complement yesterday from a great dressage rider at our yard that his movement has improved amazingly - especially a fantastic hock action So proud I really think I have done the right thing, it has made a positive difference to many areas of his health.
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Post by Buffy on Dec 1, 2005 11:25:14 GMT 2
Mine are all barefoot at the moment and doing very well. We might need to shoe my one brood mare though. But I have an incredible farrier and he has to decide.
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Post by Michy on Dec 1, 2005 11:29:21 GMT 2
Nice to see there are some other people on our board trying the barefoot thing Anyone in Gauteng or other parts of the country? So far just W and E Cape... heehee.
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Post by Zoltan on Dec 1, 2005 11:47:25 GMT 2
My welshie is barefoot and happy. Much prefer no shoes if possible.
Unfortunately my Fresian has to have front shoes due to his heavy action in front. Without shoes he gets heamatomas (sp??) (blood-clots) under his frog from his hooves hitting the ground to hard and then ends up standing on 3 legs until the vet can cut through his frog to relieve the pressure. No problems since his had shoes on the front. Tried to take them off once, but was hopping lame within a week so had to put them back on. This was working him in soft sand.
As for soaking feet - no need to as my Fresian spends the entire day with his front feet in his water bucket!!!!
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