Trimming For The Barefoot Hoof Lecture At Post On Saturday, April 17

WATERBURY — With the growing popularity of “natural” horse care practices, more and more people are interested in the benefits of a barefoot lifestyle, but there is little available information that really addresses both the pros and cons of the practice.

Abby Bloxsom, co-director of the Equine Management program at Post University, will discuss concerns related to keeping both idle and performance horses barefoot, with a special focus on the transition from shod to bare at the Quiz the Experts lecture at Post on Saturday, April 17 at 2 pm.

Individuals who wish to gain a better understanding of hoof form and function may attend this program, the final lecture in Post University’s Quiz the Experts series.           

Bloxsom has more than ten years of practice as a farrier and has traveled throughout the Northeast consulting on special needs cases. She will also be teaching the Hoof Trimming concentration courses at Post University beginning in the fall.

She uses shoes when needed, but has also developed a special expertise in managing barefoot horses throughout the year. She will discuss the natural form and function of the equine hoof, the special requirements that various hoof-related concerns place on the farrier or trimmer, including crushed and under-run heels, club feet, high/low syndrome, navicular syndrome, laminitis, thin soles, and more, and some of the options available during the barefoot transition.

The program will be held in classroom MacDermid 116 at Post University’s Waterbury Campus, 800 Country Club Road (Exit 17 off I-84). Admission is $10 at the door, and is free to Post students.

The Quiz the Experts series is organized by the Post University Equine Resource Committee, to provide topical and up-to-date information on subjects related to the ownership, care, and training of horses. Proceeds from the Quiz the Experts Lecture series benefit equine scholarships and the Equine Program at Post University. For further information, call 203-596-4631 or email CBaker@post.edu.