Philosophy and Guiding Principles
Horses are grazing social animals that are meant to be on the move for most of their lives. A great hindrance to this has been domestication where humans keep horses in ways that are convenient for us, but unnatural for the horse. While it’s tricky to simulate a horse’s natural habitat in a domesticated setting, there are creative, affordable, and uncomplicated things we can do to maximize space and a horse’s movement. In turn, this will reflect in happier horses, healthier hooves, more balanced teeth, correct posture, and muscle development.
My general philosophy regarding horses is that as natural as possible is generally what’s best for them. Horses require proper and consistent hoof and equilibration dentistry care, as many grazing hours as possible, companionship, and ample movement to live their best lives in our care. These things dictate so much about the comfort, health, happiness, and longevity of our equines – all the way from mental stimulation, digestive health, to their posture.
My trimming style mimics natural wear for horses and a less is more approach. Trimmers are paid for taking off hoof just as much as we are paid for what we leave on the hoof . Natural callousing is healthy for horses and a key to their soundness on various terrain. Barefoot hoof trimming is now being scientifically studied and proven that regular trimming where the right anatomy of the hoof is in contact with the ground develops the best hooves possible for domesticated horses. While some hooves require “less is more” and certain rehab cases require taking a lot of hoof off, the guiding principle I follow in ALL cases is to properly align the hoof/pastern axis and to keep the horse moving comfortably, whether barefoot or booted if they are rehabilitating.
When trimming, I find it paramount to understand the hoof mechanism, and I base trimming decisions on how the horse and hoof will flex and move. I also take static balance into account and trim the hoof so that it is supporting the limb without distortion.
Correct posture is also a staple in my trimming method. Horses that do not have correct posture will have unnecessary stress on their joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, etc. which leads to a poor quality of life and an increased likelihood of breakdown. How a hoof is trimmed can have a great impact on the horse’s posture and compensation patterns, so my goal is to always ensure that the horses I trim have relaxed “table top” posture so they have the freest and most fluid movement as possible.
