Barefoot Trimming

If your horse's hoof looks like this, he/she is in desperate need of a trimming. This mare is 16 weeks behind schedule and is always on outside pasture.

This is that same mare after a balanced trim. Balancing the hoof keeps her conformation straight, alleviates pressure points which cause injury and pain and, keeps her happy, healthy and sound.

Again, here is a mare that is over 4 months behind in trimmming. Allthough this mare walks around and is healthy, having hooves that look like this is causing this mare to be unbalanced. An unbalanced hoof causes pain and strain on the joints and ligaments. It also causes an uneven gait which can result in injury and abcesses.

This is the same mare with a balanced trim. Comparing the photographs you can tell that she is much better off. A blanced hoof is a happy and healthy hoof.

This toe crack is the result of trimming neglect. This horse was left untrimmed, and the toe started to grow longer then the heel, which resulted in unecessary toe pressure and the result is this severe toe crack. This will take over a year of regular trimming to rehabilitate however; the hoof will never be normal and this horse will always have toe pain as a result. It could have been prevented with a simple, regular trim.

If you pick out your horses hoof and it is resembling this photograph, you NEED to call a Farrier. This is severly overgrown and needs the proper attention and trim. Allowing this to continue could result in painful toe cracks and heel pain. A simple and regular trim will keep your horse happy and healthy and performing at his best.