No foot no horse-no foot no rider

The saying “no foot, no horse” dates back centuries and I would hazard a guess it is one that every horse person is aware of. In my earlier years as a horse crazed teenager I didn’t really understand its significance. Having been an equine therapist for over twenty years and directly involved with horses for considerably longer, I am acutely aware that approximately 70% of equine lameness issues are directly attributed to the foot.

The effects of incorrect foot balance are catastrophic, adversely affecting the intrinsic and extrinsic structures of horse`s foot. These disastrous changes can happen in a relatively short space in time in some horses, whereas in others the damage slowly and quietly escalates. This destruction is progressive, causing compensatory issues and musculoskeletal damage throughout the body. Correct foot balance is of paramount importance for movement, longevity, comfort and health of the horse.

Image by Free Photo from Pixabay

The barefoot trimming concept first arrived in the area I work, over a decade ago. It theorised that some horses could undertake and excel in work without the need for shoes. This radical change in thinking was met with anger and total disbelief by some equine professionals. At this point I would like to stress that I am in no way anti farriery. On the contrary, I have seen some wonderful remedial farrier work performed by excellent farriers, which has most certainly saved horses lives.

I have seen many amazing results in equine clients from going barefoot, but transitioning to barefoot, is not without its challenges, especially for some horses. Those with very poor conformation and serious metabolic disease may severely struggle with the transitional stages. A great invention to help horses transitioning to barefoot are hoof boots, they can provide protection if initial sensitivity from the work surface, or load is changed or increased.

Prior to training in many different equine therapies, I qualified as a human therapist. I worked in professional multidisciplinary practices and it amazed me how little importance was placed on the human foot in comparison to that of the equine. Although human foot problems were widely recognised as a major cause of referred pain and structural compensatory patterns, the most commonly proposed treatment seemed to be orthotics.

No one body part or system should be viewed in isolation, but it seems that finally the human foot is being held in as high regard as the horse’s foot. Barefoot shoes are now widely recognised for the vast array of benefits they bring including, pain relief, improved movement and ultimately better health.

Image by Emilian Robert Vicol

Humans have extensive foot musculature, and transitional exercises can be performed to help develop these muscles over time. This makes the transition to barefoot for humans somewhat easier than it is for horses. My own experience transitioning to barefoot has been life changing. Decades ago I had incurred some serious injuries which had limited my walking capabilities. Having experienced and seen the benefits first hand, in both myself and my equine patients, I can say with confidence that there are huge health benefits to be had from going barefoot, as without it there would be “no foot, no horse and in my case no therapist!”.

Going barefoot alongside the exercises to strengthen my feet gave me the ability to have a connection with my feet again. I stopped tripping and falling over things. I am now using areas of my feet, ankle and lower leg I never thought I would regain use of. As I walk over different terrain my feet now get a work out which continues to strengthen my feet and whole body. My whole body has developed from the reflexive stimulus and connection with my feet.

Samantha Hulme - The Barefoot Therapist

An insightful equine attempting boot heel removal! - Image by a Different Perspective from Pixabay