Check out the new film about the horse-friendly practice of natural hoof care....

This is a preview site of an upcoming documentary that has been in production since 2005.It may challenge a few traditional thinkers on the way we have been treating horses. It is a film to provide some positive, thought provoking arguments to not putting metal shoes on our horses, whether they be for pleasure or used in the most professional of ways. It will be released shortly... In the mean time we are attempting to raise awareness about the film and the concept of running horses in an environment as close to nature as you can. Its better for you and better for your horse and great new ideas are starting to surface about allowing horses to look after themselves , from the hoof up, the way they have for millions of years. Yes , we can argue that humans ride them and use them and so we need to modify the horse because otherwise they cant cope... Well , we hope to dispel this understanding in the film "Naked Running". "Naked Running" follows Jeremy Ford, an ex Farrier, as he journeys into the outback of Australia, to observe wild and semi wild horses and their relationships with humans and their environment...  http://www.myspace.com/nakedrunningfilm

The natural hoof is what nature has intended for the hooves of the modern horse. The naturally shaped hoof found among the wild horses in the BLM is nothing less than a structural masterpiece. Nature designed the hoof with perfection in mind. The natural hoof is alive. It breathes and has a visible pulse. Blood travels into, through, send out of the hoof, and back to the heart. The natural horse shapes it's hooves with little or no conscience awareness that it is doing so. It seeks balances in every step. Excerpts from Jamie Jackson's first book, The Natural Horse.

I was a journeyman farrier for over 25 years. My father is an equine veterinarian and quarter horse producer. I have been around a lot of horses in my time.  When I first became exposed to this philosophy, I gotta tell you that I was a huge skeptic, thinking how could this 'unconventional' process stand up to traditional practices. While  able to give the horse relief through these traditional practices, I was never able to cure the disease.

Natural hoof trimming utilizes the hoof that nature intended by trimming to the wild horse model of mustangs on BLM land. By trimming to nature's model, healing from most ailments takes place. I have seen dramatic results from founder, laminitis, cracks, absences,  and white line disease.

This trim is really set up for the owner to take over after the natural hoof is established, usually within 6 to 8 months. That's the beauty of this program!

Below are just a few pictures of the natural trim process.

Testimonials

Mark, Just wanted to let you know that after asking you to take over the care of my horses feet, the improvement that has happen, is remarkable.  The true test came on my retired race horse.  You could not look at her feet without her being sore.  Since you have been using the natural hoof work on her, she no longer stands for days barely moving.  She goes right out and starts to graze.  Best of all, she requires no more Bute for 4-5 days afterward just so she can walk without pain.  I am a very Happy Customer. 
                                      Thanks again.    
                                      Sincerely, 
                                      Janet Stewart

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My horses began with Natural Hoof Care by Mark Olson a year this January.  It took some time for the hooves to grow naturally allowing the heal of the hooves to grow out naturally.  It is absolutely amazing that I can now gait down a gravel road with my Missouri Fox Trotter.  Before Mark began working on my horses, if the horses didn't have shoes, they were very sensitive to the rocks on the road.  Now, the horses move naturally without the need for shoes, and I only pay for "trimming!"  I purchased a set of boots from Mark for my gelding that I ride the most.  We went down to Huckleberry Stables in Missouri this last fall, and my horse moved effortlessly across the large rocky trails!  He didn't mind my lack of knowledge in getting the boots on, and that week taught me how to get them on and off quickly.  So now, there is no more nails driven through the hooves, no more pounding on their feet, and they enjoy Mark and how he is so comfortable with them!  It was the best decision I made with the horses--to allow them the ability to work and move naturally promoting proper circulation for the horses' hooves          !                                                                 Liana Sears, Dream Acres Horse Ranch, Badger, Iowa

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Mark is great with my horses!  He has taught me how to care for my own horses taking care of the trims myself!  When the hooves need more than a little filing, I call Mark to take care of them.  He enjoys teaching how to care for the hooves naturally, because he used to shoe horses 'the old way.'  Mark even gave me pointers on setting up my little dream, and brought to me a book showing how to set up fencing to get the most out of my land!  He really cares and it shows!!!
                                                                            Melissa and Raymond Tellez, Fort Dodge, Iowa