Science

The Strasser method is based on :-
Scientifically recognized knowledge in the areas of:
 
Histology:
a) Living tissue requires regular circulation, for the function of cell metabolism, to supply nutrients and remove waste products.
b) Living tissue requires a certain metabolic temperature.
c) Nerves can only function in an environment with active metabolism.

Anatomy:
a) The coffin bone of an equine must be ground parallel.
b) The coffin joint must be over the center of the coffin bone base to provide stability.
c) In a horse at rest, the tendons of the extensor and flexor apparatus are in an energy-neutral balance.
d) Tendons positions are altered, via muscle contractions to produce movement. Continuous muscle contraction (muscle tonus) when standing, results in the muscles cramping.

Physiology:
a) In the leg, blood is pumped upward by the hooves and the joints. This is only possible with movement.
b) Excretion of hoof horn is linked to the amount of circulation, which is dependant on the amount of movement. The average growth of a healthy hoof is 1cm per month.
c) Production of hoof horn at a certain order of magnitude is necessary to relieve blood and body metabolism, otherwise the blood becomes clogged with waste protein called Urea. The kidneys and liver become overloaded.

Hippology:
a) Over 70% of the natural behavior of the horse consists of movement.
b) There is no day/night rhythm.
c) Horn production and wear are in physiological harmony.

Physics and Mathematics:
a) The shape of the hoof is a slanted, truncated cone. Lever forces on this shape lead to expansion with physiologically correct hoof form, and to contraction with unphysiological hoof form.
b) The pumping action is only possible with the alternating flattening and
concaving of the hoof sole. It is not possible with a fixed solar vault.