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Barefootin' Boogies

© Gwenyth Browning Jones Santagate

we grumble and mumble about all the work they cause us in grooming and bathing. So what? That's part of the whole heart of horsemanship. Horses don't care about polished wood and shining black iron in their stables - all they care about is that they have someplace to go during the most uncomfortable weather. A three sided, solid shelter would be just as nice; actually, better - then when the weather diminishes, they can wander back outside out from under the shelter to grab some more munchies. Horses don't really care about their hooves, either. Their bodies are designed to move almost continuously. No, not on the end of a lunge line running around in circles at a high rate of trot. They quietly wander from spot to spot of their favorite grasses not giving a care whether they are 'fit' or not. By doing this, they keep their own bodies fit. If, during their wanderings for food they have to scramble up rocks or go through hot, dry sand, they aren't giving it a thought. They naturally do what they have to do in order to survive. Do you think they worry about soaking their hooves in water to get a drink? It probably feels wonderful to them to be able to soak their hot hooves in the cool water! In doing so, their body takes care of itself, hooves included. I don't see too many horses running to Payless for a pair of waders! (Oh my! You mean let the horse SOAK its feet???? Never! Why so and so said that's the worse thing for the hooves!!!) *vbg*

Nature, by design, has created each species to function in the manner which is best for the individual. Horses have been created with the most forgiving natures. Thank God for that because if they weren't, I believe there'd not be too many people willing to argue with a 1/2 ton animal about riding! Horses go about their tasks and lessons as amicably and as comfortably as possible. That is their nature.

In knowing this information it is the human's responsibility to do his or her own homework, find out about the horse's "natural" needs and tend to them in the best manner possible. It is also the human's individual choice of whether or not to follow the natural caretaking of the horse. With an educated mind, this can and should be done as a matter of individual choice. Dr. Strasser doesn't twist anyone's arm to follow her particular method of trimming nor should anyone else. *Our* responsibility, as educated and sensitive horsemen, is to share what we find with others and let other make