Cons of Horse Natural Trim Hoof Care

Natural trimming, also known as barefoot trimming, has become increasingly popular with horse owners. The advantages are widely known -- it costs less, is less intrusive for the horse and can even help with conformation or physical problems.



However, this method of hoof care also has disadvantages which should be considered before making a decision.

  1. Natural Versus Traditional Trimming

    • Natural trimming is a process that mimics the way a hoof would wear naturally if the horse were in the wild. It should not be confused with traditional trimming, which farriers do to prepare the foot to receive a shoe.

      Modern horses are very rarely kept in a situation where they are able to wear their hooves down naturally, and natural trimming can be used to simulate a wild environment.

    The Disadvantages of Natural Trimming

    • Natural trimming appeals to many people because it simulates natural wear and growth. However, it is not suitable for all horses. Depending on the type of work the horse does, he simply may not be able to cope without shoes. If you ride on hard or rocky surfaces, do a lot of fast work or the horse has brittle or poor feet, you may have to resort to metal shoes, or at least to expensive hoof boots.

      Although trimming is less costly than traditional shoeing, it has to be done more regularly and can be more of a time commitment.

    Preparing for Natural Trimming

    • When you first decide to have your horse's shoes taken off, particularly if he has been shod for a long time, there may be a substantial period of readjustment before he can cope with a natural trim. Horses become acclimatised to being shod, just as humans become used to wearing shoes.

      If your horse has poor feet, you may have to spend several months conditioning his feet by walking him on a range of different surfaces, which can be time-consuming and restrictive.

    Finding a Natural Hoof Trimmer

    • Another problem associated with natural trimming is finding a suitable practitioner. You can learn to trim your horse's feet yourself, but you should never attempt it without initial supervision.

      The old saying of 'No foot, no horse' is particularly applicable with trimming because an inexperienced or poor trimmer can damage the foot, causing pain and lameness. The best way to find a good trimmer is by word of mouth and personal recommendation.