Since it's introduction, there’s been little neutral ground on the subject of Natural Balance shoeing. The shoeing method developed by farrier Gene Ovnicek after a 2-year study of the feet of feral horses, is hailed by supporters as a rediscovery of sound principles and attacked as back-to-nature hokum by detractors.

American Farriers Journal recently brought together one farrier from each side of the Natural Balance debate.

• David J. Nicholls, a strong proponent of Natural Balance, is an associate of The Worshipful Company Of Farriers of Great Britain. The farrier from West Sussex, England, has been shoeing for 35 years.
• Kevin Hatridge, an American Farrier’s Association certified journeyman farrier, has been shoeing for 16 years. The farrier from Thornton, Colo., believes that Natural Balance shoeing has some inherent problems.

Both farriers are familiar with Natural Balance principles and techniques as well as those commonly identified as “traditional farriery.” They’ve each used both techniques during their career. Below are some of the highlights from a 90-minute, free-wheeling discussion.

NICHOLLS: For some reason in our industry we were conceited enough to believe that we had got it right from the start. I’ve been shoeing now for about 35 years…