Question and Answer Series on Barefoot Hoofcare; Part 2

Our new blog series is taking a look at barefoot hoof care with a variety of Questions and Answers from our customers. The questions will be answered directly by our very own barefoot hoof care expert The Saddlery Shop’s proprietor Lucy Nicholas! Question 2: A friend keeps her horse barefoot and says that hooves need to be trimmed differently if you keep your horse without shoes. Is this true? Yes; the type of trim given to prepare the hoof for a shoe is completely different to a functional trim given to a working horse. There are two types of trim commonly performed on non-shod horses. Essentially, a pasture trim tidies the hooves of a non-working horse at grass, and is sufficient for companion or retired horses. Meanwhile, a natural (or performance) trim aims to produce hard-working hooves for ridden horses. The type of trim your horse receives depends entirely on your choice of practitioner and their understanding of your needs. A pasture trim generally just removes excess length and tidies chips, and does not shape the hoof in what is termed a ‘mustang roll’. This rounds the edge of the hoof to strengthen the hoof capsule and help the hoof withstand chipping. The natural (or performance) trim ensures the foot is properly balanced, addresses flare, trims the hoof wall trimmed to hard sole level, and applies the mustang roll. Barefoot practitioners should also discuss diet and environment at each visit. Seek recommendation, whether via friends or on equine forums, to find a recomended hoofcare practitioner. Simply removing the shoes and tidying the hoof will not produce a functional bare foot. A wide range of Hoof Boots and Hoof Boot accessories are available from The Saddlery Shop.