Natural hooves are healthy hooves

Natural barefoot hooves are often much healthier than shod hooves. Shod hooves sometimes suffer due to all the nail holes making the hoof weak and brittle. We often see this reaction as well in just a regular trimming. The hooves are trimmed with hoof nippers and then rasped straight. The problem with this is that the hoof cannot break over easy, gets stuck and cracks or brakes off, making the hoof very short and brittle as seen in the picture below.


Wild horses-mustangs, trim their feet themselves by breaking them off on rocks and things. They create what is called the mustang roll. The mustang roll is done by rolling the wall under a bit. This way the hoof can break over easy without getting stuck and cracking. The mustang hooves are also healthier because they don't have a bunch of hole in them all the time, making them weak. This is what the mustang roll looks like.
 


As you can see in these photos of the mustang roll, the hoof is well rounded and could not easily break or crack.

So how do domesticated horses get a "Mustang Roll?" 
Well it isn't very hard at all. You will need some gloves, old jeans or chaps and a rasp.

So first start with the front feet and you will need to use the rasp on the bottom of the hoof. Evening out the angle of the wall. Then lay the rasp across the hoof and make sure it is level all the way down.
 
Then you will run the rasp at a 45 degree angle around the hoof getting it to the desired length and evening it out. You can use a riders rasp for this, it will be easier, but either one will work.

Now you can set the foot up on a stand. Now you will go straight down will the rasp and shorten the toe. Don't rasp off the outside of the hoof just because it makes it pretty. This protects the hoof.

Now you will take the rasp and curl the toe under to make the "Roll."

Ok now take the rasp at a 45 degree angle and run it around the hoof, finishing the uneven parts. Remember to just take off a little, you don't want to cut it too short. It's like cutting your fingernails. If you cut too short, it's gonna hut!

Ok we're just about done. All we have to do now is make sure the hoof is even and level. Take the rasp and do some measuring...
The hoof is supposed to be in a straight angle with the pastern. This hoof is too upright.
As you can see this hoof is nice and even with the pastern. Take your rasp and make sure it's even.


It is a good idea to consult a farrier or an experienced horse person about the mustang roll, to ensure that you are doing it right, And in no time your horses hooves will be natural, healthy and strong.