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Discussion on Would bare-foot trim be beneficial ?
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Member:
Cheryl
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Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 10:01 am:
Dr. O,
Below is a picture of Fox's hoof after being trimmed about 18 weeks ago. I neglected to take a photo after the last trim - will get one after the trim 6/2 - which is about three weeks past due because of our move.
This is an assumption of my part - Fox continues to stumble on her hind feet. This is several years past treatment for EPM which was diagnosed by the WSU Equine Clinic in Pulman. When she stumbles she actually lands on the face of her foot. Before the treatment for EPM she was stumbling so badly she actually developed wind puffs from the strain. When she does a really hard stumble she will stop and not move her foot for several seconds - I'm sure it's from pain.
Every time I've tried to talk my farriers - all who have been really good - they have said "No way" it's a bad idea - doesn't work - will be sorry if I try it - etc... On the other hand - people on the two lists I'm on have been using the bare-foot trim and swear by it. The trim makes sense to me - but I'm certainly willing to admit I'm wrong.
Thanks, Cheryl
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 11:03 am:
Cheryl the photo didn't come thru.
Even when i was shoeing. I never had shoes on the hind feet. just didn't seem necessary since they don't get the concussion the front do. I am a big proponent of going barefoot, after reading all i can on the pro's and con's. But even after a photo, and discussion on here, only you can make that decision. not your farrier or vet. you. and i have a vet that just told me recently my horse should be shod if i plan to start riding again. HUH? i've been barefoot for over 7 years now...
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Member:
Cheryl
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Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 11:42 am:
Thanks, Jojo - The information said it was too large - but I don't know how to make it smaller -any suggestions?
I had shoes put on Fox's front feet after the last bout of founder - probably about a year ago - they were the natural balance shoes with the squared toe - set back far enough that walking wouldn't impact the toe. She again came out of that founder sound - which just amazes me - but the stumbling on the hind feet continues - she always wears off the toe on both back feet - wears a really obvious roll on it. The shoes were pulled after 8 weeks and other than that 8 weeks she has been bare-foot for the past 5 years. I feel like I'm being obstinate about the bare-foot trim after 3 farriers have told me it's a bad idea - but would also like to stop the stumbling. Not only is it painful for her - it's not a whole lot of fun to ride. 
Cheryl
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 12:13 pm:
hmmm. you have to open it in a photoshop type program and change the image size and DrOp the DPI to 72 and then resave for the photo to shrink.
i hear ya on the ride part. dangerous too if she stumbles. I can't help you on that part, i've never seen a horse stumble from the back. but my horse did overstep for years with shoes. and used to cut up her front heels all the time and make her stumble that way. I think breakover helped this tremendously. it makes me wonder if a horse is fully sound or not still in pain if this is happening. Could it be she is trying to hurry up and move off the pain, or stay longer on the back feet creating this stumble?
There are so many sites you can learn from that its just a matter of what you feel comfortable with. i love learning anything about the hoof, form, function, etc... but there is alot of dissenting info. vets and farriers, and even between the various factions of trimmers out there. The only way to figure it out is to learn about all of it. Which is NOT what most want to do. This site and Dr. O are a great voice of reason. Listen to everyone just filter.
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Member:
Kthorse
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Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 1:09 pm:
I also say follow your heart and read up about it.. My horse is in the mountains of Nj near waywayanda state park. The ground is pure rocks He is living on the side of a mountain that is the same way. I was told that no horse is able to go barefoot in that terain and was pretty much told he had to have shoes. They said they never had a horse able to go barefoot. Before that he was barefoot his whole life. He wasnt that great when barefoot because after trimming he was always ouchy and got lots of stone bruises. (trimmed by a regular good farrier)So I put shoes on. I always had my doubts. One day I found a natural barefoot trimmer who would come to my barn. That was over 4 months ago. The best thing I ever did. He is now able even at 4 months go over any and I mean any terrain with out one step of pain. His hoof wall still needs to thicken as it still chips a bit but hey its only 4 months. His feet already look like little wild horse feet so so strong. Not every horse can go barefoot but if you can get a good natural barefoot trimmer the odds are in your favour. Especially with hoof problems I think barefoot is the way to go if you can. Dont listen to people who say you cant. Try it. What have you got to lose. You can always put shoes back on and barefoot will not make it worse.
Katrina
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Member:
Kthorse
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Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 1:15 pm:
PS my farrier also said there is no way on earth my horse can go barefoot on all these rocks. Hey I am proving everyone wrong. The funny thing is the barn owner came over the other day and asked how much my guy charges and then said he might try it on one or two of his next winter. This is a horseman who is around 70 -80 who does things the old way. he is an excellent horseman, maybe I can turn him around. proof is in the pudding. 
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 8:59 pm:
Hey Katrina, is your barefoot trimmer named Madeline, by any chance? I am a recent convert to having all my horses barefoot and I live not far from you. Mine are all riding without shoes and doing fine, too.
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Member:
Kthorse
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Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 7:12 am:
Hi Erika,
My guy's name is Donn. He is actually from Pensilvania (spelling). Erika how long did it take for yours to not be tender? Mine never was.I rode in boots the first month just to be safe. We are lucky here the paddock he was in the first 3 months was all rocks. Donn had said it was the perfect place to condition their feet. I think it takes longer for 24 hr.stabled horses or horses who are only ridden on soft ground. My horses gait and all stiffness problems when warmimg up have improved 100%.
Katrina
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Member:
Kthorse
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Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 7:49 am:
PS Cheryl, the ground I am talking about is for sound horses.
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Member:
Cheryl
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Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 9:00 am:
Katrina - I will see what I can do - the only photo program I have is Kodak Easy Share - don't know if I can change the size or not - I would be ecstatic to find a barefoot trimmer - was hoping there would be some - but so far - nada - I will keep asking around.
I don't think there is any pain - that is until she actually stumbles - and that does cause pain. Again - I may be all wet - I don't know if permanent nerve damage could cause her to drag her hind feet or not - but that's what she does. I'm certain she had EPM when I bought her at 2 1/2 - she was really awkward looking when moving in the pasture - gait of choice was the pace and it just look so uncomfortable for her. It took another 2-3 three years to get a vet to seriously look at her for a neurological problem and by then it had become pretty obvious that something was wrong. If I hadn't been laughed off when I first call the vet out - I don't think there would have been any of the problems she's having now. I've gotta go see what I can do with the photos - I think they will help more than anything.
Thanks again, Cheryl
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 9:07 am:
Katrina, mine were never sore either, except for my over thirty gelding with terribly contracted front feet. He was shod the first twenty-eight years of his life because if he ever lost a shoe he was lame immediately and would even nuckle over as his toes would wear so quickly. It took a long time of frequent trims and grassy pasture footing for his feet to look better. Now he can even be ridden on good footing and shows no reluctance to move out. You would think he was ten again!
The others are two fillies who are three years old. Without being trimmed correctly, one, Cleo, developed a front center crack. We put shoes on her at two(!!), and it didn't help, so I tried the barefoot trim. Crack is almost grown out now.
Last is my 17 year old Saddlebred. Had front shoes most of the time. We recently took hers off and we have been walking her with pads and boots to get sole stimulation. She too, went out on the trail the other day and seems perfectly comfortable.
We are luck, though, for New Jersey, because I live in a nice valley with deep topsoil pastures, and the Paulinskill Valley Trail cuts through my property. It is a rails-to-trails park with cinder footing. Perfect for barefoot horses! Rare in this land of shale and rock!
I will be buying some Easyboot Epics for hunter paces and other trails. I think the jumping and mileage might be too much without protection.
Erika
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Member:
Amara
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Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 12:50 pm:
i'm a huge proponent of barefoot... trim my own horses now.. i learned never to trust a regular farrier with a barefoot trim.. they trim as if to put a shoe on, which is not a proper barefoot trim...
in most cases barefoot wont hurt your horse, tho have seen instances in horses that were shod since very young and never given much area to moce around that they never developed good colateral cartilage, and as a result never could get a healthy foot... dont think this is the case with your horse tho...
but am wondering if shoes are the problem... you say your horse had EPM...there can be major long term effects from EPM, usually involving the spine and CNS....there can also be problems that develop just from the changes in the way he moved while he was sick, even if there are no problems from the actual disease... it sounds to me like something other than his feet is causing the problem... remember that shoes can actually cause some numbness in the horses feet.. the pain response is more likely coming from somewhere else...personally i would be looking towards his spine, as it kind of sounds like something that would happen when the back is out of whack.. tho going barefoot may actually help those problems too..
good luck
mel
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Member:
Kthorse
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Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 4:01 pm:
Here is a site of certified trimmers just click on the area where you live. Its how I found my guy.
https://www.aanhcp.org/page35.html
and https://www.thehorseshoof.com/
Katrina
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 7:02 am:
Cheryl for information on how to adjust image file size see, News & Help » Uploading Images and Files Into a Posting.
We have made attempts to take our horses barefoot for quite some time with mixed success. I am convinced that most horses with healthy feet can go barefoot under most conditions. However I do think that if you ride aggressively on ground that is very hard, you will have difficulties unless they pasture on a hard ground.
DrO
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Member:
Cheryl
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Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 8:34 am:
Dr. O - I will check out the News & Help section - but unless it has a program for cutting down the size it isn't going to help.
My one real question is what I'm calling residual nerve damage. Is this a probability or should I be looking for another reason for the stumbling?
Thanks Cheryl
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Member:
Cheryl
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Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 8:37 am:
Katrina - thanks for the locator map but we live in Clinton, MT - close to Missoula - all three bordering states and Montana are void of trimmers I had found the map about a week ago when I was doing my mad search for a farrier - I couldn't believe it when I saw that big void in the NorthWest.
Cheryl
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 11:55 am:
Cheryl, if you can't figure it from the site, can you e-mail the photos to me? I will attempt to resize them for you, if possible.
I'm really wanting to see these feet!
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Member:
Fototrop
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Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 2:03 pm:
No matter whether your horse has residual nerve damage or not, a well trained, skilled natural trimmer can only make things better for your horse. Sure no one can get around neurological damage, but a properly trimmed foot over a long period of time where the hoof can grow into its right shape can only help, not hurt.
Pam
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 12:58 am:
At our barn we all have barefoot horses with the exception of one mare....We use a regular farrier....aren't they schooled in trimming bare feet?
If not I would really like to know.
And if they are not and there is no "natural bare foot trimmer" in our area, does that mean I should shoe my horse who has been barefoot his whole life (without incident) or risk damage to his feet because he has been trimmed by a regular farrier? Just a bit confused when some of you said you woiuldn't trust regular farriers to trim bare fit.
If I misunderstood perhaps someone can explain to me a little better as I only want the best for my horse.
Thanks,
Corinne
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 6:51 am:
Corinne, I think Michelle made a statement that she didn't necessarily mean as written in stone. Of course a good farrier can do a barefoot trim. It is, however, different than a shoe preparation trim.
I've had problems when my horses were not trimmed short enough for barefoot--their hooves tend to break around the edges.
A good farrier should be aware of how to trim for barefoot, but with all of us trying to save money, I think the poor guys don't get enough calls for barefoot to make it their art. People who are serious about riding barefoot think differently than some who just want to "take the shoes off for a while". So they end up calling a barefoot specialist. Does that make any sense? I always seem to go on longer than I mean to!
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 8:57 am:
Thanks Erika....that clears it up. We live in an area where it's reverse. The majority of horses are barefoot here and shoeing seems to be less the norm. I sure hope we are moving to an area where the farrier knows how to do barefeet....if not there is a trimmer on your list who is 2.5 hours away I can always bring him too.
I like not to have to worry about complications associated with being shod and being Arabian (I am sterotyping) he has pretty hardy tough feet and I have yet to see a chip.
I also noticed that the majority of natural trimmers are in the tristate area of NJ, NY and PA....nice to know for when we move home!
Well...off to take a final.....who in their right mind schedules one of those two weeks before moving a household?
Take care and don't worry about going on longer than you mean too....more information for me! Yea!
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Member:
Alden
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 9:06 am:
Hello all,
When it comes to a horse going barefoot I'm with DrO, most can go barefoot but it depends on the horse and the conditions.
There is a really easy image resizing tool by MS, it is part of the power tools kit. Once installed you just right click on an image and select resize from the menu.
https://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
On the left of the this window is descriptions of each tool. On the right is a link for each to download. Download to your desktop, double click on the file you download and follow the instructions.
Good day,
Alden (HTG)
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 9:16 am:
The only difference i can see between a farrier (certified) vs. a barefoot trimmer is a farrier will trim either for shoeings, ie paring the sole more, an trim the frog a bit more... Or trim for what they call pasture trim. Doing the same thing for shoeing except leave a bit more sole, and frog, and heel. Their pasture trim could or could not be based on the 4 point trim (some farriers don't even know they are doing it). All the different barefoot trimmers will start with a 4 point trim and than modify from there based on who they follow, etc. So, knowing what you want is important when dealing with a farrier. Not taking off sole, not trimming the frog, except the flakier parts, parts hanging, lowering the heels, and mustang rolling the toe. Not always rasping the outside, etc. Also the angles were taught differently i think to farriers. As opposed to the 30 degree hairline, and ground parallel coffin bone. Especially an old timer.
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Member:
Kthorse
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 9:50 am:
One difference my trimmer does is that he trims so the horse lands heal first rather than flat which is what I think farriers do. Mine actually lowers the heal more than a traditional farrier. He did not need to on my guy, Horses that have never had shoes on naturally have lower heals. The web site below, if you study it well shows how to do it your self or you can show your farrier thats how you would like it done(if he dosent mind of course)
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Member:
Kthorse
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 9:52 am:
web site : sorry forgot to paste
This is the easiest one for me to understand. There are lots out there but this is my FAVOURITE
https://www.ironfreehoof.com/
Katrina
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 11:32 am:
Alden, there must be something wrong with me. I have downloaded Picasa--couldn't downsize photos, now I just downloaded the MS resizer you recommended. I STILL can't find anything that resizes! I have an icon for Microsoft Works on my desktop. Is that the program?
Thanks, Erika
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Member:
Alden
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 2:03 pm:
Erika,
Put your mouse pointer on the picture file you want to resize. You can also drag a box around several files and resize them all at once. Right click, a menu pops up and 'Resize pictures' is the fourth menu item from the top.
There are several preset option or you can select a custom size. You probably will need to use a custom size for HA.
Good day,
Alden (HTG)
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Member:
Ajudson1
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 5:17 pm:
Erika, And Cheryl,
Nope, nothing wrong with you and the picture problem. It took me months to get Picaso to work. A few steps, but it can be done.
Select picture and put it in the picture tray.
Click on Export button, lower RH corner
Export to folder box comes up.
REMEMBER WHERE YOU PUT THE PICTURE NOW. Like My documents/picasoexports/pictures may show up here.
Type in a name for your folder.
On image option, resize to 480 pixels.
Click o.k.
On here this site now, click on upload attachemnt.
type description in browse,
click browse,
look in Picaso Exports,
Click on the folder you saved,
or maybe it was double click, open,
the browse box should now list where you saved the picture: C:\Documents and settings\....
Hit "Upload"...
Now you will see a box that says: \popjgeg, numbers, and the name of the file you uploaded, the picture you are trying to post.
good luck!!!
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 5:33 pm:
Thanks, so much, you two! I will try that later when I can sit uninterrupted.
Thanks again,
Erika
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 5:40 pm:
Okay, here goes again!
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Member:
Cheryl
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Posted on Friday, Jun 2, 2006 - 8:57 am:
To everyone who have posted suggestions in the past few days - I'm not ignoring them - did get the re-sizing program downloaded - but have been too busy to do anything with it. Things will simmer down some in the next couple days and will be able to try to get pictures up - the farrier will be here today - will take pictures before and after - hopefully he will be willing to work on a bare-foot trim.
Thanks,
Cheryl
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Member:
Cheryl
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 3, 2006 - 8:41 am:
Well - yesterday was pretty much a wash - I didn't get before photos because the "farrier" got here an hour early. I ask him if he could do the natural bare-foot trim - He replied no - he didn't do that. I explained that Fox needed her toes rolled due to a stumbling issue caused by nerve damage from EPM. He trimmed her feet totally flat. I ask that he not cut much sole on Lady - because she has very thin soles - He paired away on all four feet - and she limped her way back to the pasture. He also ask if I was one of those natural balance freaks - I was actually at a loss for words --- The Vet will be back out on Monday and I'll talk to him - hopefully he will be able to suggest someone who is willing to work with me. Will try to work with some photos tomorrow.
Cheryl
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 3, 2006 - 9:11 am:
Jeez, Cheryl. I hope you didn't pay the jerk. Sounds like he has a lot of nerve.
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Member:
Cheryl
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 3, 2006 - 9:44 am:
Because of our move - my horses were three weeks past due for trimming - they were getting in really bad shape - It also seems it's going to be very difficult to find a farrier - If it hadn't been for those two reasons I would have sent him away before he even started. I'm just praying that Dr. Brown will be willing to help me find someone - there HAS to be someone doesn't there???
Cheryl
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Member:
Juliem
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 3, 2006 - 9:40 pm:
I feel as if I'm sounding like a broken record, but if your horse walks off limping after a trim, FIRE the farrier!! And if he won't have an open mind to the new research and science FIRE the farrier! And if he deliberately does what you tell him not to do, FIRE the farrier! Look on the web sites that several of the proponents of a natural trim have and some list certified farriers by area. I think Gene Ovenick has a website called hopeforsoundness.com but a google search of Natural Balance or Four Point Trim, should help you find a list of farriers who do what any professional should do--continuing education! And in parting just let me say "FIRE the farrier"! Julie
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Member:
Cheryl
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 4, 2006 - 10:12 am:
Guaranteed - he is FIRED - I can handel rudeness to me - but hurting my horses is out - Holly was kind enough to send me a web site - have been searching it all morning - still no one listed in Montana - which seems really strange because there are horses every which way you look here. I've checked every web site I've been able to find and nothing in this area. Lady and Fox are both gimpy - Fox just on hard ground - but she has never been gimpy after a trim. The vet will be here tomorrow - Hopefully he will be able to help.
Cheryl
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Member:
Suzeb
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 4, 2006 - 11:40 am:
Hi Cheryl,
Have been following this post with interest because we just pulled my geldings shoes last week.
I am sorry what that FIRED Farrier did to your horses. While you are still searching for that "Barefoot Person", you could try looking here: https://www.americanfarriers.org/find_a_farrier/search_by_state.php
These are regular farriers and a lot of them Certified and Journeyman status. You might be able to find someone from here that is more professional than the "Butcher" you had out on your farm.
Hope this helps,
Susan B.
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 4, 2006 - 11:49 am:
Cheryl,
One thing that the trimmer I spoke with said is that Pete Ramey just had a clinic in Montana, so if you call his office, he may have a list of attendees . . . Of course, Montana is a BIG state, but maybe there are some of his proponents near you . . . they just aren't registered anywhere.
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 4, 2006 - 1:54 pm:
try this site too.
https://www.thehorseshoof.com/
there is a trimmer list on there. not sure where you are in montana but, i know of two trimmers personally that are just awesome. Phil Morrare (CA) www.softouchnaturalhorsecare.com
and Cheryl Henderson (oregon). https://www.abchoofcare.com Both do clinics too. If you email them they probably would know someone in Montana. And you can find trimmer links on this site.
https://barefoothorse.com/
https://www.healthyhoof.com/links.htm
and this link has everything you could ever want to find on it. with all the links to all the sites. information overload...grin
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Member:
Cheryl
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 6, 2006 - 9:00 am:
Well - I finally have some good news. When Dr. Brown was through pulling Lady's two teeth I asked him what he thought about the bare-foot trim - He said he liked it - that he used it on his horses and would be happy to look at Fox and Lady's feet. He got his rasp out and fixed both their front feet. Explained what he was doing - said there is a farrier who does the trim. Both horses looked so much more comfortable when he was finished - especially Lady whose hoofs are flat splayed out platters. The difference was amazing - neither one of them gimped when I walked them across the gravel drive.
Thanks every one for all your suggestions and help. Hopefully the problem is resolved - that is if I can get the farrier to travel this far - - -
Cheryl
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Member:
Cpacer
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 6, 2006 - 1:46 pm:
In the spirit of sharing -- my horse had his first trim by a certified barefoot guy last night. All the horses at the new barn are barefoot (all 8). Anyway, I'm sure I asked him questions to the point of annoyance and told him everything I ever knew of my horses hoof history.
I wanted to know what his thoughts were on Biotin supplements which my horse has been on for a year now. This time last year he couldn't keep his toes, they kept cracking and breaking-off. Now that they’re better I asked him if the Biotin would be necessary now that he's getting “real” barefoot trims and better care/diet. The farrier thought that the breaking was probably due to a fungus and that spraying the feet w/a mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and Tea Tree Oil would prevent that from happening again--anyone heard of that remedy? (2 oz TTO, 30 oz ACV in a spray bottle).
Also, while I thought my horses feet looked like they were good and working well, he said the previous trim was not allowing my horse to land baring weight on his heels as they should. So they are getting a bit of a makeover, even after being done by a good regular farrier for over a year now.
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Member:
Mleeb
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 6, 2006 - 3:33 pm:
Well, way up in here in Canada a new farrier moved to our area a year ago(well, 3 hour drive, but he comes here every 8 weeks) and he is very much a Pete Ramey fan and talks a lot about balance, proper weight bearing etc. There are plenty of guys around here doing farrier work, but this is the only one who went to college for it. My previous farrier was doing a good job, then went and took a course, and when he came back everything changed slightly and didn't look quite right. It was one of those things where I didn't have the knowledge to say THIS is what is wrong here, but it just felt wrong. I had no lame horses because of his trimming, but took a chance anyway and went to this new guy a mere 2 weeks after having my horses trimmed by the original farrier. He pulled out his file and in a few quick swipes completely changed the entire hoof. Suddenly, things looked good! The heels were UNDER him, the toe was round, not square, and it looked like a foot instead of a flipper. I was very greatful to have found him as soon after that my daughters mare foundered and was standing around in lovely styrofoam shoes, doped up on Bute and desperately needing some professional help. When my original farrier had trimmed her a month earlier I had mentioned the chance that she had likely foundered previously (I had just bought her) and just looking at her odd feet, it seemed pretty obvious. I was quite disappointed when he gave her the same trim as all my "Sound" horses. Since then, all my horses go to the new farrier. He explains what he is doing and why, hands out reference material, websites, e-mails to check up on problem feet and keep track of improvement, and constantly researches to see if there is another option for the care of the horses he treats. He is truly fabulous.
Also, so many posts mention horses in shoes, horses that have been barefoot for this many months etc, entire barns where barefoot is the style, and barefoot trimmers. Maybe it's just that whats normal in one area is not the norm 100 miles away, or maybe we just have more forgiving ground here, but ALL horses go barefoot ALL the time until there is a need for shoes. I would guess that 1% of the horses here wear shoes. All the farriers trim for barefoot, and shoeing a horse makes up a very, very small part of their income.
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Member:
36541
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 7, 2006 - 5:51 am:
Cheryl, don't toss out the idea that you can do it yourself, with some study and attention to the detail. I am doing three of my six horses now, because of the info from this site and Pete Ramey's website and www.tribeequus.com. It is really amazing to see the difference in three months, especially in my main dressage horse whose hooves were getting more and more under-run. He stands up at 51 degrees, has heel and is sound. It has been really interesting to watch the sole change shape and texture. Good luck, Stacy
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Member:
Jivete
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 7, 2006 - 10:31 am:
I trim mine myself which for a while I never thought I'd be able to do. I even gave up and got another trimmer who is a natural balance shoer/trimmer. But when I noticed my mare's heels were completely out of balance and I was having to do the mustang roll myself, I decided to bite the bullet and start trimming again. I think it just takes a while to be comfortable with the tools. Right now I just use nippers and a rasp, and it seems like that's all I'll need unless I start slacking and the frog gets ugly. At any rate I'd give trimming a try. If you follow Pete Ramey's guidelines of simply following the sole, it's pretty simple. However I must say my girl has alway been barefoot and doesn't have any hoof problems. I might not be so eager to do it myself if she did.
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Member:
Cheryl
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 7, 2006 - 12:17 pm:
I would love to be able to trim them myself - but - I have connective tissue injuries to both my arms - have no idea how many cups of hot coffee I've dumped in my lap because I pick it up at the wrong angle. I'm hoping the guy Dr.Brown recommended will work out - Dr. Brown took a bunch of Lady's toes - didn't realize how much until I picked up the hoof trimmings this morning - Her foot no longer looks like a saucer - first time ever - All he did to Fox was round the bottom of her toe - but it worked - she walks fine on gravel and hasn't stumbled since.
Cheryl
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