"In the time I have spent studying the wild horses and observing the natural process of hoofcare in which they undergo, I have gained an appreciation for the benefits of leaving horses barefooted. However, in a domestic environment, horses do not have the same opportunity to go through these natural processes. In this situation it is our job as hoofcare practitioners to help service those needs of the equine limb. Having an understanding of the natural guidelines and life cycle of the foot can assist us in servicing those needs and accomplishing our goals for soundness, whether horses are shod or barefoot."

~ Gene Ovnicek - Author

Welcome to "New Hope for Soundness" as seen through the window of wild horse hoof patterns. This book has been written for the purpose of introducing horse owners, trainers, farriers and veterinarians to the hoofcare guidelines of "Natural Balance". Throughout the book we cover several step-by-step procedures of Natural Balance hoofcare, as well as a process for identifying hoof deformity. Although "New Hope for Soundness" is not a technical instruction manual, it does provide enough specific information to be a very useful tool. Whether your interest in hoofcare includes dozens of horses in your practice or your back yard pet, the information in this book will provide you with good, sound guidelines for maintenance.

Chapters Include:

~ The Wild Horse Study ~

~ Recognizing Hoof Deformity ~

~ The Natural Trim ~

~ Natural Balance Shoeing ~

~ The Equine Digit Support System ~

Who will benefit from this book?

• Horsemen, trainers and owners will be able to recognize the difference between "Natural Normal" and "Domestic Normal." The hoof our eyes have become accustomed to seeing can be slightly deformed and prone to future lameness. Horses that forge, stumble and have gait faults, frequently are helped by Natural Balance shoeing and trimming practices. From "New Hope for Soundness", horsemen, as well as farriers and vets, will be able to easily assess the foot for balance from the sole surface. Major decisions can be made easier and more effectively about purchases, gait faults, poor performance and lameness.

• Veterinarians will be given valuable information not covered in detail in current literature. Information regarding hoof preparation and shoe placement will be useful when giving prescriptions to farriers for treatment of foot pathologies.  Also included are specific instructions for the treatment of acute lameness using Styrofoam pads.

• Farriers will see more clearly the "Natural Foot" when guidelines from the book are followed. Many unanswered questions about the foot will be revealed as they see the foot change from a distorted shape to a natural form. Many goals for soundness and high level performance will be attained by following the simple guidelines contained in "New Hope for Soundness."