Step in the right direction!

Its definitely a step in the right direction - well I would say that, wouldn't I?! This week's Horse & Hound has a cover story on barefoot and I'm happy to say its a pretty well-balanced article. 

The main section is written by a vet (whose practice has a horse here for rehab, ironically!) and sets out some good background and highlights (for instance) the impact which diet and environment can have on hooves.

I was asked to contribute to the article as our horses have hunted so many seasons without shoes, and its nice to see our piece in there too, along with a photo of Charlie, Bailey and Felix out last season!

Of course I don't agree with everything in the article...(I take a more robust view than the vet about the ability of unshod horses to work on roads, naturally, and unlike him I've not only known many TBs who do brilliantly barefoot but also found that barefoot horses - when fed an appropriate diet - are less prone to abscesses than shod horses)...but on the whole its fantastic to see a sensible article which is evidence-based and has also contains practical advice for owners. 

Well done H&H!