What’s a Pasture Trim?

As barefoot horse boot retailers, many people ask us here at The Saddlery Shop what the difference is between a farrier’s ‘pasture trim’, and a barefoot trimmer’s ‘natural trim’. This can be contentious, as opinions differ.

Most non-farrier hoofcare professionals would agree that a pasture trim tidies the hooves of a non-working horse at grass, while a natural (or performance) trim aims to produce hard-working hooves for ridden horses. A pasture trim generally just removes excess length, and tidies chips; in my experience, not all farriers performing a pasture trim will ‘dress’ the hoof’s outer edge, eg. bevel with a mustang roll, which strengthens the hoof capsule and helps prevent cracks. A natural trim, which could differ between individual practitioners, generally ensures the foot is properly balanced, flare is addressed, hoof wall is trimmed to hard sole level, and bevelling is applied. Barefoot practitioners also discuss diet and environment at each visit.

However, as I said, opinions do vary! Mike Chawke is an RF(BngC), MF(IMFA), CE-F qualified farrier, currently based in Ireland. Mike believes there should be no difference between the two trims. “A farrier giving a so-called pasture trim should address all the relevant hoof balances, just the same as if the animal was being shod, with the exception of leaving a fraction more extended wall for wearing purposes, if the pasture is hard. Bevelling the bottom edge of the wall to prevent chipping of the bare foot should be normal farriery practise,” he told us.

Opinion does differ regarding trimming techniques, so seek recommendations from several hoofcare professionals before choosing one to trim your horse’s feet.

Many barefooted horses will benefit from wearing hoof boots, especially through the transitionary phase after de-shoeing, and sometimes beyond, for example if extra shock absorption is required over challenging surfaces. Visit our hoofboot page at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk for inspiration!