Applied Equine Podiatry
"The essence of Applied Equine Podiatry is the conscientious study of the equine foot, always striving to expose it to proper environmental stimuli, making every effort to promote proper structure and function, as we progress in achieving high performance. It is accepting the fact that the horse has the innate ability to heal itself, and that domestication of the horse has caused imbalance and broken the golden rule of "Do No Harm." - KC La Pierre
THE aep difference
The differences between AEP and other methods are many. IAEP is a school which bases its theories on the principles of Applied Equine Podiatry. Our primary objective is to secure and respect what is called the Internal Arch Apparatus, which is not the arch of the foot but rather an organ or group of structures that make up the primary functioning portion of the hoof. The Internal Arch is what we balance to, by being able to visualize the foot within the hoof capsule during the application of the HPT method, and stimulate the correct structures through that application, which is translated into the locomotion of the horse. Stimulus being the primary factor in our method, in respect to Domestication as we know it today, is what holds us apart from the natural trimmers. We are not 'Barefooters' We also do not believe that the wild horse has an adequate foot or hoof in which to use as a model for trimming. The basic formula of F=MxA, which translates to Force equals Mass times Acceleration. This basic mathematical formula is enough to throw out the wild hoof model without even scientific study. The wild horses do not have rider weight, tack, repetitive domestic motion, level of speed, or environmental influences that our domestic horses to today have. It has been since proven that the wild hoof model is not the model to use. |
Applied Equine Podiatry is the cutting edge alternative to the farrier sciences in that our study is not about the lack of a horse, but rather the direct stimulus necessary for the strongest hoof possible. What we are striving for is a hoof matrix, or a tough as nails hoof that will surpass most all disciplines where the foot is concerned. It's not about "how to trim," but rather "why you are trimming." AEP is about what structure is affected, and what is the foundation.
The Spectrum of usability
A tool unique to Applied Equine Podiatry, the spectrum helps us rate the structures of the hoof on a scale of 1-5 and create a practical prognosis based on the expectations of the owner and ability of the horse.
Not every horse has the ability to do what is asked of him. However, it is the responsibility of the DAEP, the owner, and the attending veterinarian to work as a team and do all they can to promote proper growth through proper stimulus and put your horse's best foot forward. |