No Hoof No Horse
Hi Athletes!
It is no surprise that everything in the horse is connected and each part of the body interacts with all the other parts. The horse's hooves play a crucial role in the overall well-being and functionality of the animal, and addressing hoof-related issues can have a significant impact on the horse's overall comfort and performance. As an equine bodyworker, my work can only go so far if the hooves are out of balance.
The hooves do not operate in isolation; they are closely interconnected with the horse's body. Here's how this interaction works:
Posture and Movement: The balance and health of the hooves directly affect the horse's posture and movement. Hoof problems can lead to a chain reaction of issues throughout the horse's body. For example, if a horse has an unbalanced hoof or lameness in one leg, it may compensate by overloading other limbs, potentially leading to muscle strain, joint misalignment, and even back problems.
Weight Distribution: Properly trimmed and balanced hooves distribute the horse's weight evenly, reducing the risk of injuries or joint strain.
Circulation: Hooves play a role in circulation, as they compress and release with each step, helping to pump blood and lymphatic fluid back up the horse's legs. Proper hoof balance and function support this circulatory process, which is vital for tissue health and overall well-being.
Nervous System: Hooves contain a dense network of nerves that provide feedback to the horse about the terrain it's on. This sensory information is crucial for the horse's balance and coordination. An issue in the hooves, such as an injury or imbalance, can disrupt this feedback, affecting the horse's proprioception (awareness of body position) and overall coordination
Hoof care is a collaborative effort between equine bodyworkers and farriers or veterinarians. When us equine bodyworkers communicate and coordinate with these professionals, we can provide a more comprehensive and holistic approach to the horse's well-being, addressing not only soft tissue issues but also hoof-related concerns. I recently flew out to British Columbia to attend the 5 day trimming course hosted by the Okanagan School of Natural Hoof Care to help better my understanding of hoof care, how the hoof affects the overall body and what sort of things I can do to help.
There are no plans to give up bodywork and get into hoof trimming but if you book a bodywork session with me, expect me to spend time looking at and assessing the hooves and how that may be playing in to your horse’s movement and posture and any tension patterns that we may find.
Not in my area but still interested in learning how to assess your horse’s posture? Or perhaps you are struggling with your horse in training, with balance issues, your horse is showing resistance in work or just not performing as well as they usually do. Book an online Horse Posture Assessment, where I’ll guide you through which photos to take of your horse to submit and we’ll go over them to see where some trouble spots may be and how to help support your horse through bodywork techniques and corrective exercises.
If you have any questions about hooves, bodywork, or horse fitness, feel free to reach out at any time to ridelikeanathlete@gmail.com.
Happy riding!
-Ashley
