Merging Boundaries
Barefoot horses are living in their natural state without horse shoes. Horse shoes are usually metal or plastic and either nailed or stuck on. There is a lot of controversy about shoeing horses. This is because it is a tradition that was originally done to extend the working capacity of the horse. When horses were wearing shoes they could go further on hard ground without wearing too much of their horn away.
Shoeing has now become a dependency in many cases because shod horses lose the natural resilience in their feet. When this happens they appear to need shoes to remain sound. Shoeing also reduces the functionality of the feet, and if started when the horse is younger than five years old, it will distort their natural growth.
It is quite possible to both avoid shoeing altogether and manage your horses barefoot. Depending on the terrain and the amount of exercise they get, they will either self maintain, or need some degree of trimming. Horse boots are a perfectly acceptable alternative to shoes for use when riding.
Rehabilitation of horses who have been shod, even for the majority of their lives, is also quite possible. It is important to address all areas of the horse’s lifestyle to help the horse regain healthy function without undue sensitivity.
It becomes clearer and clearer to me how clinging on to attachments is a state of being. It is a fearful perception of the world which happens almost without being seen. Yet to discover even a moment of being attachment free is such a profound challenge. And the only way to experience what actually is there in each moment is to let go and let the current sweep us away.
Cheyenne and I were able to experience a perfect trim together when it was no longer my duty to get it done. She had taken responsibility for her own feet, when I realised I could give it to her, and what had previously been such a trial became easy.
Although practicing a liberty trim has to be a little more flexible than conventional practices, it can certainly bring out the best in a horse. Not only that, over time confidence levels are likely to continue to rise and each session will be quicker and easier.