From The Ground Up

As I read through magazine articles and websites I find numerous scientific studies quoted supported the barefoot and natural trim and denouncing horseshoes and traditional farrier practices.  Seldom, if ever, will any of these articles reference studies that have findings opposed to the studies quoted, and often they will only quote small portions of studies taking what they have quoted completely out of reference.  Unfortunately for those lazy learners, or those simply stuck in a one track mindset, this gives the impression that science soley supports the barefoot point of view.

That of course is wrong, and in my opinion deceiving and deceitful.  As animal care specialists farriers, barefoot trimmers, hoof care specialists, etc. are responsible for providing our clients with as much information as possible so they can make a truly informed decision on the care of their animals.  Doing so not only make our clients better decision makers and care givers for their animals, it also makes us better at what we do as it forces us to keep up to date and informed.

What is particularly refreshing is when some quotes a study for what it is and puts it in a realistic perspective.  A prime example of this is Dr. Jeff Thomanson’s presentation about his study on the vibrational properties of horseshoes.  (For the record I have not seen or read the entire study.  I have tried to find the study but haven’t had any success yet so if any one can help me obtain a copy of it I woul shure appreciate it.)  Dr. Thomason referenced this study during a presentation at 2008 University of Pennsylvania’s Technical Horseshoeing Conference. 

The refreshing and impressive thing about Thomason’s conclusions is that, despite his research showin that unshod feet showed an increase in vibration  over shod feet by about 25%, he felt that number was statistcally irrelivant.  How about that, some honesty and fact in presenting information that could have easily been used to strongly support shoeing horses (and unfortunately is being quoted and used by some shoers to slam the barefooters).

So here is my challenge to you.  Every time you read an article, barefoot or otherwise, seek out an article with the opposite point of view.  Every time you you read a scientific study seek out a study with an opposing conclusion.  And every time you read a reference to a study or article try and find that material so you can read the quote in its full context (this might actually shock you.)

I don’t expect everyone to come to the same conclusions.  We all see, interpret, and understand things differently.  My hope is that by challenging yourself to do this you move yourself out of that group of mass followers, chasing after trends, and letting those chasing you money lead you around like a bull with a ring in its nose.  Instead you will become one of the well informed, making decisions that are truly in the best interest of your equine partners based on having all the facts available to you.

Posted on August 22nd, 2009 under Uncategorized • Tags: barefoot, farrier, horseshoes, vibration. •  Print This Post •  Email This Post • RSS 2.0 feed • Leave a response, or trackback