The equine hoof is a complex marvel of natural engineering, built to withstand tremendous forces and able to adapt to an astonishing range of environmental conditions. It also changes daily–for better or for worse–in response to external and internal factors. Few horse owners have the opportunity to acquire a deep understanding of the hoof, which limits their ability to advocate on their horses’ behalf and make informed decisions about hoof care and management. This book is the first resource of its kind to combine the most current and useful information available, gleaned from the research and wisdom of top hoof experts around the world, with a unique “hands-on” approach. The authors provide basic terms and anatomy, clearly illustrate the differences between healthy and unhealthy feet, discuss biomechanics and management concerns, and cover the causes, treatments, and prevention of commonly encountered problems, including laminitis, white line disease, and thrush. Along the way, readers are given activities to help them better analyze and understand the most important aspects of equine hoof health, such as hoof balance, depth of sole, and point of breakover. Easy–to–follow language, over 400 full–color photographs, and do–it–yourself exercises promise to empower horse owners and caretakers of all experience levels with the tools they need to accurately assess hoof health and keep their horses as sound and happy as possible.

An easy-to-read book that will enlighten novice and experienced horse owners about keeping a horse barefoot. Written for horse owners/riders wanting their horses to make the transition from shod to barefoot, which is a relatively new trend in the horse world.

Natural hoof care is now being recognized as the most important new direction in horse care. At the forefront of this artful science is Pete Ramey, experienced natural hoof care practitioner. Pete has written Making Natural Hoof Care Work for You for horse owners, vets, and, of course, hoof care providers, wanting "straight talk" and reliable information on how to "cross-over" into natural hoof care. Pete's book is written in an easygoing, maverick style, that will guide you with confidence away from the pitfalls of shoeing and into the heart of true natural trimming, booting, and natural horsekeeping practices. Book jacket.

Barefoot Horse Keeping provides a practical, accessible and objective guide to barefoot horse care and management. The book draws on empirical research and the authors' twenty-five years' experience delivering barefoot hoof care, saddle fitting, behavioural training and rider coaching. Topics covered include: the Barefoot philosphy; the herd and the environment; hoof trimming; diet and nutrition and equine anatomy and biomechanics. Of great interest to all horse owners and veterinary students, and fully illustrated with 230 colour photographs.

The original guide to barefoot hoof care. Step by step instructions for horse owners wanting to do their own natural hoof care. Based on Jaime Jackson's research with wild horses and his many years as a successful hoof care provider and clinician. Includes recommendations for dealing with unnatural hoof shapes and problem hooves. Essential reading for anyone who intends to take his or her horse barefoot. Over 200 illustrations, photographs and diagrams.

Friends, forage, and freedom! An afternoon spent reading Fran McNicol is a journey through the English countryside with her band of horses and loyal dog. Along the way, she shares her best practice techniques to achieve barefoot healthy horses pastured in social groups with access to forage in fields rewilded to combine best horse nutrition with best environmental practice.

Paddock Paradise is a revolutionary model for safe, natural horse keeping, hoof care, and the healing and rehabilitation of lame horses. The premise of Paddock Paradise is to stimulate horses to behave and move naturally according to their instincts.

This book challenges the notion that shoeing is essential and demonstrates that horses' hooves are capable of high levels of performance on all surfaces without shoes.

Natural Barefoot Trimming; The Hoof Guided Method offers a unique method of barefoot trimming based on reading the hoof. Learn what to trim and what to leave alone in order to allow nature to quickly transform the hoof. The Hoof Guided Method is truly a less is more method based on the theory that a barefoot trim should mimic - or simulate - the action of the ground on the hoof, and that the true purpose of the trim is to stimulate the foot to grow healthy. Simulate and stimulate. Learn to stop micro-managing the hoof and work with nature instead of trying to force man's ideals onto the hoof. The hoof responds to everything it experiences, and that includes trimming. By trimming only what is indicated, then waiting for the hoof to respond, the foot is allowed to transform itself. And it will. The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and expecting different results. The Hoof Guided Method shows you how to read the hoof and get real results in a short amount of time.

Help your horse put his best foot forward! Stressing the critical importance of hoof care to your horse’s overall health, this guide covers all aspects of proper hoof maintenance — from dealing with lost shoes, cracks, and thrush to promoting healthy hooves through a balanced diet. With in-depth discussions of hoof anatomy, the role of the farrier, and the importance of daily routines, Horse Hoof Care provides everything you need to know to give your horse a solid foundation of healthy, strong hooves.