SOURCES OF KNOWLEDGE & METHODS:
- studied with Professor Ruthe, formerly of the Humboldt University of Berlin - research from worldwide sources, both old and new, who presented findings on the subject (ex. Xenophon, Clark, Pollitt, Jackson, Wrangel, Spohr, Blendinger, Bein, Alexander, Zierold, to name a few) - experience with own horses that the unshod hoof is able to withstand any reasonable use of horse led to experimental treatment of lameness through restoration of the natural hoof shape, which met with resounding success
SUMMARY:
Diseases of domestic horses have three main causes:
1. lack of sufficient movement
2. poor air quality in stables
3. shoeing and improper trimming
Experience has proven that nearly all diseases of the motion apparatus can be cured or significantly improved in a matter of weeks or months, once the above-listed causes are removed.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
The shape of the hoof has evolved through millions of years of natural living, and is quite capable of meeting any demands in that natural environment. Horses with lameness problems originating in the hoof have deformed feet (by years of shoeing or improper trimming) and these are no longer able to function properly, or only with pain. The first step, therefore, is to free the hoof of the shoe, and restore its natural shape through frequent trimming (up to several times a week).
"Natural shape" means the shape that free-living horses' feet have, which remain sound without the aid of man. Only in this form can the hoof carry out its essential functions, which are:
1. secure footing on all terrain
2. shock absorption
3. circulatory pump