Barefoot Trimming
Barefoot trimming is both a science and an art.
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Obviously, every choice I make as a trimmer is backed up by science, knowledge and experience.
It is vital to understand horse biomechanics and locomotion, and the outer and inner structures of the foot as well as their functions.
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Having said that, barefoot trimming is also an art, meaning it varies between trimmers, over time and depending on the situation.
Finally, it is crucial to understand that every hoof of every horse is different and even though they have very similar characteristics, in practice they are actually all unique.
Therefore in theory, there might be a perfect way to trim a theoretical hoof following certain guidelines (even though it might be impossible to find 2 trimmers or farriers agreeing on them).
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​But in the real world, we have to focus on the best we can do for a particular horse on a particular day at a particular place.
Trimming a horse is a work of precision done with sharp tools on a live animal and that will have consequences, good or bad, on his health and future.
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It is therefore not a job that can be done lightly or rushed, or attempted without the horse's full understanding and cooperation.
Thus, as a barefoot trimmer, my horsemanship skills are almost always required. It is important for me to make sure that the time is taken to properly introduce myself to the horse, making sure he is feeling calm, confident and relaxed around me and the owner, and that he understands that we have a job to do together.
It is also of the utmost importance to involve the owner and to explain to him or her how the hoof is doing, what is good or not so good, what I'm trying to achieve with the trimming and how they can do their part to help the horse building a strong, flexible and balanced foot.
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The truth is, the owner has infinitely more influence over the horse than the trimmer ever will. I roughly spend up to an hour every 4 to 6 weeks with a particular horse while the owner chooses virtually every aspect of the horse's life : his diet, his environment, his hygiene and his level of physical exercise and mental stimulation.
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