Re: RC: New Topic - Hooves

[DreamWeaver <karen@chaton.gardnerville.nv.us>]

At 07:33 PM 02/02/2000 -0700, you wrote:
>1.  Do you know the difference between Natural Balance Shoeing (NBS) and 
>the "older more traditional" style of shoeing?

Well, that depends on the farrier and what their version of "older more 
traditional" means.

>2.  Do you discuss with your farrier if he/she is going to use NBS 
>methods, or more traditional methods?  (using the term "traditional" for 
>lack of a better word)

I've learned that my farrier knows more than I do about my horses feet, so 
I tend to butt out :).

>3.  Do you know how to evaluate the quality of job your farrier does?

Yes.  If my horses stay sound (for over 5600 miles so far) I don't question 
his work.

>4.  How do you evaluate the quality of job your farrier does?  Do you 
>watch your horse move after each reshoeing?

Yes, we trot them out and make sure everything looks good.

>5.  What type of shoes do you like to have on your horse?  Do you 
>know?  Do you have a preference?

St. Croix wide webbs.

>6.  Have you had lameness problems that you thought were due to 
>trimming/shoeing?

No.

>7.  How do you know the lameness was caused by the trimming/shoeing?

n/a

>8.  What mileages do you compete in?

everything from 25 miles on up to 5-day multidays.

>9.  Do you work with your farrier to get the type of trim/balance you 
>want?  i.e.  do you tell your farrier horse is toeing out behind - need to 
>do such-n-such.

Yes, if one of the horses isn't moving how I like he listens and makes the 
appropriate changes.

>10.  How do you tell your farrier what you want - do you feel as though 
>you have to "tread lightly"?

I tell him what I think and feel when I ride the horse.

>11.  Is your farrier responsive to your needs?  Does your farrier listen 
>to your concerns and take time to explain why he/she may disagree with you.

Yes, always.

>12.  Have you ever evaluated your horses hooves via radiograph with your 
>vet AND farrier?

X-rays?  Nope, haven't ever had a horses feet x-rayed.

>13.  What have you learned from using radiographs?

n/a

>14.  What have you learned from the radiographs that you can use for a 
>visual inspection of the hooves?  How do you do it?

n/a

>15.  What, in your opinion, is the best way to learn about your horse's 
>hooves/needs.?

My farrier has taught me a lot.  The internet is a great resource.

>16.  What publication, video, seminar, or person is the best way you 
>learned about hooves?

The farrier.

>17.  Does your farrier use NBS methods on your horse?  Why or why not?

Well, we don't use specifically made for it.  Are there shoes made for it 
that would hold up to doing a few hundred miles between conditioning and 
competition?  I've had friends try them out (maybe they have improved the 
materials) and they never lasted for more than one 50 and the conditioning.

>18.  How much training has your farrier had in NBS methods?  Has she/he 
>gone to clinics/workshops, learned from other farriers?

I would have to ask.

>19.  How long has the farrier been using the NBS method on your horse?

  Not sure that we would qualify as using the NBS method, not by the 
definition:

In simple terms it was found that the sole and the frog also bore the 
weight of the horse and not just the hoof wall as was traditionally 
believed, that soil compaction in the foot plays a vital part in the health 
of the animal and that a natural, unshod horse needs to wear the front of 
his toe down in order to move efficiently healthily and in balance

>20.  How many competitive miles has your horse done with the NBS method?
>21.  Do you feel the NBS method is appropriate to use on domestic horses - 
>why or why not?
>22.  If you use NBS on your horse, are you comfortable with the methods 
>considering that this is a relatively new concept?
>23.  If you don't use NBS methods, does your farrier still recess the 
>shoes somewhat for an earlier breakover.
>24.  If you use NBS methods, did your horse's hooves ever get to the point 
>of just looking "strange" to you?

I would imagine that there is more than one right or wrong way to shoe a 
horse, and a good farrier will do whatever is necessary.  My horses frogs 
generally do contact the ground, and they usually wear their toes down with 
all the mileage they do.  Many times I can bend their shoes in half with 
one hand after they are removed after 4-5 weeks (and they are definitely 
wide webbs).

k