Xenophon’s Insights on Hoof Care and Horsemanship
In the realm of horsemanship, the echoes of wisdom from the past continue to guide us. One such guiding light is Xenophon (430 – probably 355 or 354 BC), the ancient Greek philosopher, and military leader, whose profound insights into the world of horses are as relevant today as they were centuries ago. In his work “The Art of Horsemanship,” Xenophon delves into the nuances of selecting, caring for, and nurturing the equine partner. Let’s journey back in time and explore Xenophon’s pearls of wisdom in the context of barefoot horsemanship.
“To begin with, I shall describe how a man, in buying a horse, would be least likely to be cheated. …… And in his frame, the first things which I say you ought to look at are his feet. Just as a house would be good for nothing if it were very handsome above but lacked the proper foundations, so too a war-horse, even all his other points were fine, would yet be good for nothing if he had bad feet; for he could not use a single one of his fine points. The feet should first be tested by examining the horn; thick horn is a much better mark of good feet than thin.” The Art of Horsemanship, Xenophon – Edited and Translated by Morris H. Morgan, p. 14-15., Dover edition 2006.
“To sum it all up, the least troublesome and the most serviceable to his rider in the wars would naturally be the horse that is sound-footed, gentle, sufficiently fleet, ready and able to undergo fatigue, and, first and foremost, obedient.” The Art of Horsemanship, Xenophon – Edited and Translated by Morris H. Morgan, p. 26., Dover edition 2006.
“The same care which is given to the horse’s food and exercise, to make his body grow strong, should also be devoted to keeping his feet in condition. Even naturally sound hoofs get spoiled in stalls with moist, smooth floors. The floors should be sloping, to avoid moisture, and, to prevent smoothness, stones should be sunk close to one another, each about the size of the hoofs. The mere standing on such floors strengthens the feet. Further, of course, the groom should lead the horse out somewhere to rub him down, and should loose him from the manger after breakfast, so that he may go to dinner the more readily. This place outside of the stall would be best suited to the purpose of strengthening the horse’s feet of you threw down loosely four or five cartloads of round stones, each big enough to fill your hand and about a pound and a half in weight, surrounding the whole with an iron border to keep them from getting scattered. Standing on these would be as good for him as traveling a stony road for some part of every day; and whether he is being rubbed down or is teased by horseflies, he has to use his hoofs exactly as he does in walking. Stone strewn about in this way strengthen the frogs too. As for his mouth, you must take as much care to make it soft as you take to make his hoofs hard; and the same treatment softens a horse’s mouth that softens a man’s flesh.” The Art of Horsemanship, Xenophon – Edited and Translated by Morris H. Morgan, p. 28-29., Dover edition 2006.
“Washing down of the legs is a thing I absolutely forbid; it does no good, — on the contrary, daily washing is bad for the hoofs.” The Art of Horsemanship, Xenophon – Edited and Translated by Morris H. Morgan, p. 33., Dover edition 2006.
Whispering Through the Ages
Xenophon’s timeless wisdom echoes through the annals of history, offering insights that continue to resonate with contemporary horsemanship practices. His emphasis on strong hooves as the foundation of a horse’s well-being aligns seamlessly with the principles of barefoot horsemanship.
As we navigate the modern equestrian landscape, let us not forget the lessons handed down to us through the ages. The wisdom of Xenophon, encapsulated within his “Art of Horsemanship,” is a beacon that illuminates the path to nurturing healthy, thriving, and harmonious partnerships with our equine companions.
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Horseshoes for Middle Ages War conditions
