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.
And now onto Gabriel.
Hoof Maintenance: Keeping Those Hooves Happy
“Let’s talk hoof maintenance, because if there’s one thing you don’t want to slack on, it’s keeping your horse’s feet in tip-top shape. After all, the old saying “no hoof, no horse” didn’t come out of nowhere! Good hoof maintenance isn’t hard, but it does take consistency—and a little bit of know-how.”
“First things first: regular trims are the cornerstone of hoof maintenance. Your farrier should be your horse’s best friend (well, after you, of course!). Schedule trims every 4-8 weeks, depending on how fast your horse’s hooves grow. Skipping trims can lead to uneven wear, cracks, and even lameness.”
“Daily care is just as important. Pick out your horse’s hooves every day—yes, even if you’re not riding. Dirt, rocks, and mud can get packed in there and cause bruising or abscesses if left unchecked. Plus, it’s a good way to spot any early signs of problems like thrush or cracking.”
“Speaking of thrush, keeping your horse’s environment clean is a must for hoof maintenance. Wet, muddy paddocks are like a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Try to give your horse access to dry footing, especially during rainy seasons.”
“Don’t forget diet! Strong hooves start from the inside out, so make sure your horse’s diet is packed with hoof-friendly nutrients like biotin, zinc, and omega-3s. If your horse has weak or brittle hooves, a good hoof supplement might be a game-changer.”
“Lastly, invest in a little TLC. Moisturizers or hoof conditioners can help during dry weather, while a proper cleaning routine keeps things balanced in wetter months.”
“Hoof maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it’s absolutely essential. Stick to the basics, and your horse will be strutting around on strong, healthy feet year-round! Gabriel”
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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.