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Hi everyone,
An interesting little bit of development is that Glenn Ramsey from BOP is currently in Singapore
to attend a conference and present two papers that are part
of his PhD study. Glenn is studying at the Auckland Bioengineering
Institute (The University of Auckland), where he has developed a computer
model of the horse's hoof. This allows us to visualise the biomechanical
behaviour of various hoof shapes.
For instance, in his first scientific paper, the model shows that load in
the dorsal lamallae is progressively increased the more the hoof angle is increased above
ground parallel. In other words, high heels cause more strain on the toe-wall connection
than low heels. Conventional treatments keep the heels high to try and heal
founder cases, whereas we barefooters know keeping the coffin bone more or less ground parallel works more efficiently, and now Glenn's
model can demonstrate why.
Glenn's other paper is about different bearing surface shapes and contraction, which is also showing exciting
results ... watch this space in the near future as we intend to link Glenn's articles once available.
We are pleased to let you know we have added a few more great items to our shop:
- E-Z Stirrups, are 5 inches wide from side-to-side and 4 inches deep from toe- to- heel, allowing for the best possible weight distribution throughout the foot. The thick, closed-cell foam pad provides comfort for the knees and back and helps prevent overall fatigue. They come with and without safety cages.
- Herbal Supplements: We added a selection of the Equine Herbal product range that we find very useful in the transition of a barefoot horse, as well as the maintenance of a healthy horse.
- Trimming Tools: We now stock a range of items that horse owners and professionals find useful for looking after their horses' hooves. All items are high quality products as the initial extra money spent makes them last so much longer. This is particularly true for the knives we have, i.e. standard and loop knives. You will also find a newly designed perspex with trimming guides on it.
- EasyCare has a great range of No-bounce Saddle Packs. Check our store for the types we check. Even though they come in various different sizes, they are all priced the same. So, just pick the one that suits you most.
- You also have the possibility to purchase a Gift-Voucher. If you would like to get some horse nutty person a present, but are not sure what to get, here is your solution. You can choose the value of the voucher and the receipient can use it towards a purchase on this shop.
Letter to the Editor, by Carmen Petersen, SHP:
FOR THE LOVE OF HORSES
Since the beginning of human history the horse has been of use to man. In the Stone Age it was a source of food, around 50000 B.C in
Eurasia it first became domesticated.
You would think with such a long affiliation with the horse we could make its life happier, healthier and achieve longevity for our four
legged friends.
But statistics show otherwise. A study done in Germany in 1994 shows there were 265,294 horses at the age of fourteen. It also showed that
there were only 66,800 horses (11%) over the age of fourteen. This is a dramatic drop in numbers. These figures are astounding and very alarming. As
horses in the wild and back in history have been documented to live well into their thirties or longer.
To correct these statistics we need to look closely at what we are doing with our horses and make the appropriate changes.
The big fact that sticks in my mind is a horse's heart is very small about 0.5 percent of its body weight. In comparison a cats heart is
about 1.0 percent of its body weight.
Nature has compensated for the relatively small heart the horse has, by giving it four auxiliary pumps, being its hooves.
The hooves expand on weight bearing allowing the blood to enter the hoof capsule. When weight is taken off, the hoof contracts, pushing
the blood back up the leg and assisting the heart.
A high performance barefoot trim achieves the correct function of the hoof there fore keeping the horse healthy.
If a horse can't perform this process correctly, the liver, kidneys skin and heart are put under stress.
Freedom of movement 24/7 allows these hooves to keep functioning correctly.
Often when driving around I see horses kept in such small paddocks or behind small areas sectioned off with electric tape. They are often
on their own standing in a corner. Lack of movement does not allow their hooves to function and do there physiologically correct thing.
HELP PUMP THE BLOOD AROUND THEIR BODY.
This is such a big subject and in this letter I am only just tipping the ice berg and maybe giving you food for thought.
The book A Life Time of Soundness by Dr. vet. Med. Hiltrud Strasser goes into this subject in more detail than I can in a letter. It is a
book well worth the read for those that want to extend the life and in the process health of there horses.
Carmen Petersen
Tirau
make a difference for your horse:
- 27-29 November, 2010 – Cust, South Island
- 26-28 March, 2011 - Kumeu, North Island
click here for online registration
EasyCare Announcement:
I just heard from Easycare that they have discontinued the Original Old Mac's boot. Only the following sizes are still available, but I am not sure about the quantities: 0, 1, 2, 7
If you would like any of the above boots, please put in your order so I can get you those.
In case you have been using this style of boot in the past, see below.
The OOM boot had a sole profile that was wider than long. If you find you have a hoof with these proportions, you may want to consider the
following:
* It may be wider than long because there is excess quarter flare on the hoof. In this case, the length of the hoof might be right and
once the quarter flare is addressed, the hoof measures up longer than wide, or at least square. Then an OM G2 is
suitable.
* The horse has underslung heels and the length has been measured incorrectly, i.e. it measures too short (and possibly too wide due
to quarter flare). Keep in mind to measure the heel buttress in the most rearward point as otherwise the bulbs get too
much pressure that can cause rubbing. When re-measured accordingly often the hoof measures longer and has proportions that
put you in a OM G2.
* If you really need a boot that is wider than long, then I suggest to use the Easyboot Epic and put the next smaller size heel strap
in, i.e. shorten the boot.
Feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding the above.
On another note, spring is on its way and with that there will be laminitic horses again. I find the RX boot is great to help them getting
over the first few months as it gives them a controlled and non-concussive environment to walk in relatively comfortably. The boots range
from sizes 00 to 7, i.e. pony to draught and we have them all in stock at the moment.
For more information, case studies or articles, please visit Strasser Hoofcare New Zealand, Natural Hoof or The Institute for Barefoot Equine Management
All the best,
Thorsten Kaiser,
Institute for Barefoot Equine Management Ltd.
phone: +64.3.6690310
admin@ibem.co.nz
Website: www.ibem.co.nz
To see this newsletter online, please click here
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