I found this great article on the Importance of proper Shoeing to
reduce Lameness.. Since we have decided to accept
the Care Control and Custody of the Wonderful Horse, it is our
responsibility to be Aware...

Enjoy and file:
From John Silveira



I am a Farrier for over 16 years now in the San Francisco Bay Area California. My claim to fame is I have not had one single lame horse due to my methods of shoeing for almost 17 years now. What i want to tell you about today is one of the very important issues of what true "Level" is and how to achieve it. The misconception of how to achieve level is that it's done by looking at the hairline of the horses foot. So let's find out the truth.

If you pick up a horses foot and flex it you will notice it basically only moves in an up and down motion. If you try to twist the foot like a lazy susan you will see the foot does not move that way- also if you try to press one side of the foot down it does not move that way either - "Only" up and down. True level is determined by a 90 degree axis to the up and down movement and not by visually looking at the hairline from the front of the horse.

Here is how you determine true level. Pick up a foot (Front foot is easier) and place your eyes directly over the foot as you let it dangle by a grasp at the fetlock joint. Place a ruler of 12 inches across the foot side to side, not toe to heel. Holding the ruler on the foot (ground surface of the foot) flex the foot up and down in the only way it moves. Keep focusing on the movement/travel of the ruler. Now - raise one side of the ruler off the hoof by at least an inch and move the foot like that again. Imagine now if the foot actually were trimmed that way. Obviously the foot would not be level if indeed the ruler were one inch higher on one side of the hoof.

True level is established when the ruler is at a absolute 90 degree angle like a "T Square". When the foot is level the pastern bones aligned with the coffin bone will nestle correctly, when not you will have bind and pressures in the joints that lead to arthritis and other problems ultimately lameness.

Get your horse level. If your Farrier does not know how to test for level "show him" - your horse depends on it.

Any questions please contact me personally. The consultation is at no cost to you - that is "Free". My contact information is below in the author bio.

thanks very much and hope your horses stay sound for you.

Author Bio: John Silveira, Farrier, Aikido practitioner, spiritualist, born and raised in San Mateo California the bay area. For information on his shoeing method and 16 year 100% track record "not one single lame horse" just go to http://Care4Horses.com and leave contact information. thank you and remember to Care4Horses

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