Trimming
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 neucrotic
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.
Barefoot
Trimming
I myself like to see a horse going unshod or barefoot where possible and
am happy to trim feet correctly for clients that wish to go
barefoot. I 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
remodelling the hoof capsule so they 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 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!
Key Benefits of Trimming
- To keep the horse sound
- To maintain a healthy Hoof
- To check to foot for abnormal wear that could be the start
of a problem
Pricing
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