Natural Hoof Care

The hoof capsule is a living part of the horse’s body and is permanently attached to the horse (unless it becomes very sick, we call it hoof sloughing). It also means that the epidermal structures of the hoof are capable of transmitting information to the nervous system through its complex structure affecting growth patterns. Invading excessively any of the structures through systemic trim methods and regular removal of what is intended to be there will result in further pathology.

Through the eyes of an NHC practitioner, the Natural Trim is facilitated, the hoof is never forced into a “healthier” looking shape. The shape of the hoof capsule depends on the vitality of the structures forming it. If the environment of horses living in domestication mimics the adaptive environment of the equine species, then the Supercorium is given an optimum chance to grow a healthy hoof capsule. Then the role and responsibility of the practitioner is to maintain biodynamically balanced hooves through precision cuts; and to communicate with the internal structures that produce the hoof capsule.

The role of the horse owner is to find ways in which the Natural Horse Care principles can be applied. Meaning lifestyle changes. These can seem unreasonably costly, and labour intensive, however with the long-term view in mind the prevention-based approach is much more financially sustainable and provides a solution to many other ailments domesticated horses suffer from. In an adaptive environment soundness is commonplace.