Trimming

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It is crucial to remember that the trimming of the equine foot is fundamentally the most important part of Farriery.

Whether the foot is being trimmed for the application of a shoe or for a horse that is to be used barefoot, it is of fundamental importance that it be done correctly by a qualified Farrier or Veterinary Surgeon.  If a foot is trimmed incorrectly then this can cause uneven stresses being put on the hoof capsule and consequently the limb.  Over a period of time, depending on the severity of any imbalance the detrimental effect on muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and the skeletal frame will result in lameness.  A horse that is trimmed correctly (for the application of a shoe or for 'barefoot' use) will be sound afterwards. If the horse goes lame then it has been incorrectly trimmed.  Always remember - Lameness = Pain!

 

The correct aim in trimming the equine foot is to try and attain medial/lateral balance, a correct hoof pastern axis and to have the foot trimmed level to the long axis of the limb wherever possible.  When these aims are achieved then the horse will move correctly and be sound.  If the hoof shows any signs of infected necrotic horn then this should be removed and the foot treated with a relevant antibacterial product and the client given clear instruction as how to proceed with any treatment.  The frog should also be trimmed back and checked to ensure it is healthy.

 

Standard Trim

Description	Number of Feet	Price
Standard Trim (Up to 7 1/4" wide)		£13.50
		£27
Heavy Horse Trim (Over 7 1/4" wide)		£35
		£70

 

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Barefoot Trimming

We like to see a horse going unshod or barefoot where possible and we are happy to trim feet correctly for clients that wish to go barefoot.  We only shoe clients horses if the work they require the horse to do causes the hoof to wear away quicker that it can be grown.  Its that simple.

There are now however, a growing number of untrained, unqualified 'Barefoot Trimmers' and 'Equine Podiatrists'  (no training that is currently available to a 'barefoot trimmer' is recognised by The Worshipful Company of Farriers or the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK) that are not just trimming horses feet, but are attempting to cause remodelling the hoof capsule so that the horse can be worked unshod.  Unfortunately this 'remodelling' of the hoof capsule commonly causes the horse to go lame afterwards.  The owners are then told that this is normal and part of the 'transitional period' the horse must go through until its feet get used to being barefoot.  But as Lameness = Pain then how can this be right?  Its simple, its not!  They also insist that every horse can not only be left barefoot but can also be worked barefoot, with no need for any horse to be shod, again this is untrue.  It is worth bearing in mind that in most countries as in the UK, it is illegal to knowingly cause pain or suffering to an animal!

 

 

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Key Benefits Of Trimming

• To keep the horse sound
• To maintain a healthy Hoof
• To check to foot for abnormal wear or infection