the hoof
The basic premise…
Any horse that needs a shoe to be sound, is not sound.
In nature, horses travel miles, over rocks, prairies, mountain passes, across streams and rivers, and gallop over some rather unruly terrain. In captivity, the horse’s hoof becomes less of a dynamic structure and more of a huge liability. Based on the horse’s diet, lifestyle, pathology (or lack thereof), job, and owner commitment, barefoot is possible. The whole idea of going barefoot is to correct something that is structurally unsound by allowing the form and function of the structure to return with the aid of proper diet, lifestyle, and time. By including the capability to trim and apply polyflex shoes, if needed, Leeann can affect the entirety of the horse, not just one aspect.
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…Treats the whole horse
Lu has a deep understanding of the physiology and needs of the equine athlete. She treats the whole horse, not just the symptoms.
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Performance Barefoot Trimming & Transitioning:
The process of returning the hoof to it’s natural dynamic nature while increasing it’s ability to function correctly, aiding the body in proprioception and circulation, stimulating the body to correct it’s form. Transitioning can include casting, boots, polyflex horseshoes and other tools to assist in the growth and management of the changing hoof.
Informational Article: Barefoot trimming can impact hoof conformation
Polyflex Horseshoes
When performance demands a shoe: for fear of too much wear and tear, for short periods of time, or if boots are not permitted or appropriate. A polyurethane shoe that allows the barefoot hoof to continue to repair itself without the need for nails.