The Theory Behind the Trim:

Horses were not born with shoes nailed to their hoof.  Yet why do some insist that their horse "needs shoes"?  It's a never ending question that always leaves both sides of the equation perplexed.  I like to think that the horse should have a say in what happens to their feet.  I've never seen a horse complain when taken out of shoes and given proper maintenance and care on happy bare feet. 

The hoof is designed to absorb shock, give traction and aid in circulation.  Allowing these functions to occur naturally for a horse will lead to a sound and happy horse.  By providing your horse with the ability to tap in to these natural mechanics, the horse is allowed and encouraged to move with comfort and stability.

Nailing a steel rim to the bottom of your horses foot impares the natural mechanics of the hoof.  It prevents the ability for the horse to absorb concussion by decreasing circulation and increasing shock, instead transmitting the concussion through the nails and essentially breaking down the hoof wall.  Horses throw shoes for a reason!

SERVICES: 

Transition Hoof Trims:  Transitioning a horse to barefoot takes time and effort.  Through my knowledge and experience of trimming, and the combined effects of boots, turn-out, exercise and diet, any horse can go barefoot.  During the transitionary period to bare feet, I will note and address any imbalance in the hoof and any flaring of the hoof wall.  I will examine the sole, the frog, bars, sole callous, collateral groove, white line and thickness of the hoof wall.  Toes, heels and quarters will be analyzed and a full set of before/after transition trim photos and videos will be taken.  Transition time is based on the most obvious factor which is the degree of damage to overcome.

Maintenance Hoof Trims:  Completion of transitional hoof trim(s) leads to maintenance trims, which generally should occur approximately every 4 weeks (give or take).  Maintaining healthy barefoot hooves will keep your horse on a working schedule year round and will pay big dividends in savings once you stop shoeing.