Natural Hoof Care: What Healthy Hooves Really Look Like in Domestic Horses

"A healthy hoof is first and foremost a hoof without an iron shoe nailed to it."

This statement from Louise Backholler, founder of Rebel Horse Care and certified natural hoof care professional since 2008, may be provocative to many in the equestrian world. Yet for those seeking evidence-based approaches to horse management, it warrants consideration.

In our recent conversation with Louise, we explored why natural hoof care matters, what a truly healthy hoof looks like, and how domesticated horses can benefit from the wild horse model. Most importantly, we discussed how traditional hoof care practices might be disconnected from what horses actually need.

What Is Natural Hoof Care?

Natural hoof care isn't simply about removing shoes or basic hoof trimming. It's a holistic philosophy about horse management that considers everything from diet to environment to training methods. Unlike traditional approaches focused solely on the hoof structure, natural hoof care looks at the entire horse and its lifestyle.

As Louise explains, "It's really a very holistic approach to hoof care... it matters how we create the environment for horses to live in, it matters how we feed them, if there are stress factors in their life, how we train, how we ride."

This approach is founded on the wild horse model developed by Jamie Jackson, who studied Mustangs in America during the 1980s. These wild horses demonstrated remarkable soundness, running across stones and rough terrain, something many domestic horses struggle to do.

What Does a Healthy Hoof Look Like?

For horse owners wondering about hoof health, Louise provides clear indicators of what to look for in a truly healthy hoof:

• Short and wide, providing good foundation for the horse

• Has a short toe and low heel positioned properly under the horse

• Free from stress rings (horizontal growth rings on the hoof wall)

• Has a thick hoof wall when viewed from underneath

• Features a tight, strong white line (the junction between sole and hoof wall)

• Has a healthy, strong frog that contributes to proper blood circulation

Stress rings along the hoof wall, sometimes called event lines, indicate systemic stress. This might come from improper diet, mental stress, or an unbalanced hoof causing uneven loading. Even dewormers and vaccinations can trigger these visible markers in the hoof.

Why Can't Our Domesticated Horses Walk on Stones?

If wild horses can gallop across rough, rocky terrain with strong hooves, why do our domestic horses often struggle with sensitivity on hard ground? How do the hooves of wild horses differ from our shod horses or even barefoot domestic horses?

Louise believes it comes down to three main factors:

1. Movement: Most domestic horses simply don't move enough, especially on varied surfaces.

2. Diet: High sugar, low fiber diets contribute to hoof sensitivity.

3. Shoe History: Horses that have previously worn shoes need time to strengthen their hooves after transitioning to barefoot.

"I think genetics play a part of it, but I think it's much less than we think," Louise says. "I see horses of all breeds, all ages, all kinds become better when we give them a different kind of living environment."

The Track System: Movement for Life

One approach to improving domestic horse management is the track system, designed by Jamie Jackson in his book "Paddock Paradise: A Guide to Natural Horseboarding."

Rather than putting horses in a box-shaped field, a track system creates pathways around the perimeter of the land. This encourages horses to move as they would in the wild, traveling between multiple feeding stations, water sources, and other points of interest.

Even without a full track system, Louise suggests simple adaptations:

• Hang hay nets in multiple locations rather than feeding in one spot

• Keep water at a distance from food sources

• Create obstacles that horses must navigate around

• Add different surfaces where possible

"The movement after forage, I would say, is absolutely number one," Louise emphasizes. "If you can do that, you've done something."

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Common Hoof Problems in Domestic Horses

When asked about hoof problems she encounters in her practice, Louise immediately cited subclinical laminitis as a widespread but under-recognized issue. Unlike navicular disease or obvious hoof cracks that many horse owners worry about, this subtle condition often goes undetected.

"That is really a big thing, much, much bigger than most people think," she explains.

Unlike acute laminitis, where a horse is visibly in pain and reluctant to move, subclinical laminitis shows more subtle signs:

• Thrush in the frogs

• Black or red spots on the white line

• Stress rings on the hoof wall

• Mild sensitivity on certain surfaces

These early warning signs often appear long before a horse shows obvious lameness, typically triggered by dietary factors or insufficient movement.

Balancing Modern Life with Natural Horse Care

For many horse owners, implementing ideal natural horse care systems feels impossible due to land limitations, livery restrictions, or financial constraints. How can we apply the wild horse model when our horses live in conventional settings?

Louise acknowledges these challenges but encourages owners to focus on what they can control for better hoof health:

• Increase movement through creative approaches to stimulate the horse's hooves

• Reassess diet across all sources (hay, grass, supplements) to reduce sugar intake

• Build connection through groundwork and natural horsemanship techniques

• Take time to observe your horse's responses and hoof condition

• Make small changes consistently rather than waiting for "perfect" pasture conditions

• Consider hoof boots rather than shoes for horses that need temporary protection

"Just little changes is a victory," Louise says. "Every time that people do a little thing like having a horse living alone that gets a friend, or figuring out that they can board them with someone else so they get a friend... little things like that help."

Redefining Our Relationship with Horses

Perhaps most thought-provoking was Louise's philosophy on our responsibility to horses:

"My philosophy is that the horses did not choose this life with us. We chose it for them. So therefore, you have a responsibility."

Louise observes that while we've stopped using horses for warfare or agriculture, we still treat them primarily as tools for riding. Unlike other companion animals, horses are often valued mainly for their utility.

"Who says that it's better to go for a ride on your horse than it is to sit in the paddock and just be close to them? Who says it's better to win a competition than to have a connection with your horse where they choose to come up to you and spend time with you?"

This perspective challenges us to reconsider what success with horses looks like. Is it about performance and accomplishment, or could it be about developing genuine connection and partnership?

One Simple Thing You Can Do Today

When asked what one thing horse owners could do immediately to improve their relationship with their horses, Louise's answer was surprisingly simple:

"Take a moment to stop and take a deep breath."

This pause allows us to genuinely observe our horses and honestly assess:

• Is my horse feeling good?

• Is my horse happy with what we're doing together?

"If yes, wonderful, continue. If not, think about why that might be," Louise suggests.

In a world of constant achievement pressure, taking this moment to connect might be the most revolutionary act of all.

Becoming a Rebel for Better Horse Care

Louise named her business "Rebel Horse Care" because she often feels like she's going against the current of traditional horsemanship. Yet this identity gives her strength.

"Every time I see that name, it kind of inspires me to keep going... I have to keep talking to people and try to change their minds and help them find better ways for horses."

For those seeking to understand natural hoof care, the journey starts not with perfect facilities or special tools, but with curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to question conventional wisdom.

As we navigate the challenges of modern horse keeping, perhaps we too need to embrace a bit of rebellion—challenging ourselves to see our horses not just as athletes or recreation vehicles, but as sentient partners deserving of our best efforts to understand their needs.

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Resources for Natural Hoof Care

For those interested in learning more about natural hoof care and the wild horse model, several resources are available:

• Books by Jamie Jackson, one of the founders of the natural hoof care movement

• The "Paddock Paradise" concept for creating track systems

• Natural trimming techniques that mimic wild horse hoof wear patterns

• Community forums where horse owners share experiences transitioning to barefoot

Remember that transitioning from shod to barefoot requires patience, as previously shod horses need time to develop strong hooves. Working with a qualified natural hoof care practitioner can make this process smoother and more successful.

To learn more about Louise Backholler and Rebel Horse Care, visit her website at rebelhorsecare.eu or find her on Instagram and Facebook @RebelHorseCare.

This article is based on an interview from the Curious Equestrian podcast. Listen to the full episode for more insights on natural hoof care, horse-human connections, and building healthier environments for domestic horses.