The shod horse may have a routine trim every 5-6 weeks. But barefoot he walks on individual hooves, unique and different to those of any other horse. There is no automatic rule of thumb. So how often should you trim?
You’ll discover the answer to this question yourself as you learn to read your horse’s hooves. Start by considering your horse’s movement. How does it compare to the wild herds traveling 20-30 miles per day?
Next begin a regular inspection of your horse’s hooves on a level surface. Assess how they’re coping…
- Are there any hoof imbalances?
- Are the toes stretched forwards at all?
- Do the hoof walls appear to have any stretch lines or bulges?
- Do the hoof walls have splits?
- Are the sides pushing outwards?
- Are the heels short? Or are they long and forward growing?
The trim that follows will help get rid of such problems and rehabilitate the hoof. However, your trim should work as a preventative, not a cure. The more regular your trim, the less you’ll need to do each time, and the more you’ll keep up with any issues.
Most barefoot trimmers work to a routine of 3-4 weeks.
Hello , I get my cobs feet trimmed and have done for the past few years . Yes sorry to say his feet has chipped a few times . The reason sorry to say why I do not put shoes on is because of price and I do not do a lot of road work with him and never have . I get his feet trimmed offen . I do not do road work with him cause I like riding him in the 2 schools at the stables I am at plus the feild I can use some times of the year . Bye for now . Mary
🙄 Barefoot is so cool. Please…everyone just go for it, brainstorm, give feedback…Al…more info?
Accredited courses for farriers to gain’ Barefoot status’? Also more knowledge and know how to go from shoeing to barefoot and in what Eq Sport Disciplines is this feasable/allowed. Thx.