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H & L News Alert Hoofcare & Lameness editor's note: As our readers know, Issue 74 of Hoofcare & Lameness, published in January, contained an objective and in-depth article by US farrier Lisa Simons on the Strasser system of barefoot trimming and natural horse management. On March 6, the International League for the Protection of Horses issued a press release (below) warning horse owners of the dangers of attempting to follow the Strasser system.
Worshipful Company of Farriers (UK) and the Farriers Registration Council
(UK): The Worshipful Company of Farriers and the Farriers Registration Council entirely support the comments expressing concern on the Strasser method of hoof care recently made by leading farriers and equine veterinary surgeons working on behalf of the International League for the Protection of Horses. Undoubtedly some of the principles of the Strasser method have something to be said for them. However, for the vast majority of horse owners we would urge great caution. The care of equine feet, particularly for working horses, is not a straightforward matter. A great deal of knowledge and extreme care is needed when trimming feet. Horses' hooves are individual and cannot all be treated in the same way. If they are, serious problems can result which could lame the animal for a considerable period. It is not illegal for an owner to trim a horse's foot provided it is not subsequently going to be shod. However, this concession is intended to allow owners to carry out day to day maintenance of unshod hooves, not to give owners freedom to carry out major surgery on their horse's feet. Anyone with young stock, or anyone who has contemplated significant reshaping of the hooves of mature horses, is strongly advised to use a Registered Farrier. The farrier will have the training and experience to recognise problems, will know how to trim the feet for optimum balance, will know how much hoof it is safe to remove and will know when veterinary treatment is needed. Three days on a Strasser Hoofcare course with practical instruction limited to one day on dead legs is no substitute for this. When it comes to hoofcare, there is absolutely no substitute for the regular services of a good farrier and, when necessary, those of a vet with equine experience. Owners who cripple their animals through ignorance or inappropriate techniques are as guilty of cruelty as those who do so through malice. Related articles:
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