Transition to Barefoot

Kimo- after trim w/ equi-cast on R foot - Kimo w/reverse shoes before trim.

I was fortunate to find a barefoot trimmer by word of mouth. Amazing how that works. I was planning on bringing a trimmer from the Big Island. I was showing my parents the Pete Ramey book. Later that week my Dad was talking to his neighbor who has horses and told him about the book. He said here give your daughter this card, she does barefoot trimming and lives on Maui.

At the end of August I made the transition to barefoot for all horses here on Maui. Nicole said Kimo, my 33 yo QH would be the oldest horse she has ever transitioned to barefoot. This has been phenomenal for him. He had his front shoes on reversed because of very sensitive toes. His toes tended to grow too long and with the reverse shoe it helped keep it shot by normal wear.

Nicole applied equi-cast hoof cast to his front feet. It is a flexible 4 inch wide roll of casting like material which you wrap around the outside hoof, then fold it over on the inside sole. It dries very quickly. Kimo now stands with his front feet wider apart, not so toed out and is walking every where. Now you have to watch out because he will be right on your heals, walking briskly and kicking up his heels. After 1 month he has worn through the casting but is still walking great.

I purchased some easy-boot gloves to help in transitioning. Nicole will help teach me. I have been touching up with the rasp, making the mustang roll. Some of the nail holes will have to grow out. I have learned about apple-cider vinegar 80% w/ 20% H2o for soaking. Tea tree oil for funky spots on a daily treatment sprayed on the bottom of the hoof.

There is so much to learn!

A great barefoot trimming magazine http://www.thehorseshoof.com/

Info on equicasting. http://www.equicast.us/

Omega 3 antiinflammitory hoof and coat product http://www.rohan-nutrition.com/

Pete Ramey site w/ many articles: http://www.hoofrehab.com/