On the far left a very thrushy frog, the center is healing, the right is strong and the sulcus has closed in. Maintaining a horse's hooves is vital for their overall health and performance. Among the many aspects of hoof care, trimming the frog holds a special significance. The frog, that V-shaped structure in the center of the underside of the hoof, plays a crucial role in shock absorption, traction, and blood circulation. Properly trimming the frog not only ensures the horse's comfort but also prevents potential issues like thrush and caudal hoof pain. In this guide, we'll delve into the e ..read more

A peripherally loaded hoof, meaning only the the hoof walls are touching the ground surface. This frog is severely prolapsed, hanging down past the weight bearing surface of the hoof. The concept of peripherally loading the hoof is not really something most barefoot trimmers endorse. While this approach aims to shift weight-bearing forces away from the internal structures of the hoof, such as the digital cushion, frog, and coffin bone, it can inadvertently lead to a host of issues, including a weak digital cushion and prolapsed frogs.  Peripherally loading the hoof involv ..read more

In the world of hoof care, one of the most intriguing and vital structures is the digital cushion. Often overshadowed by discussions of the hoof wall or frog, the digital cushion plays a pivotal role in maintaining hoof health and soundness, particularly in barefoot horses. Let's explore what the digital cushion is and why it's so important for equine comfort and performance. Understanding the Digital Cushion The digital cushion is a unique, elastic structure located within the back of the horse's hoof. It serves as a shock absorber, cushioning the impact forces generated with each strid ..read more

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I have been trimming for about 15 years now, and my trim has definitely evolved and changed along the way. There are many cases where I don’t trim from the top - if the hoof doesn’t warrant it, but there are a lot of cases that I do trim from the top, and a lot of it, as I specialize in founder rehab. I learned a long time ago, that the best trimmers and farriers (and bodyworkers and trainers and coaches and horsemen), don’t subscribe to a specific method, but stay flexible to adapt to each horse, each hoof, and each moment as needed. I live by the philosophy to never say never or always when ..read more

Aspen arrived here on Feb 14 2023. She is a 6 year old Quarter Horse that was purchased by a previous client. Aspen was professionally trained and started and the client bought her as a confidence builder. As it turned out, shortly after purchasing her Aspen started bucking quite dramatically when saddled. She was sent to a trainer who suspected the issues were pain related, and then the vet was called. The vet took radiographs of her back and legs and the diagnosis he came up with was boney growths on the suspensory branch attachment points likely caused by Degenerative Suspensory Ligament ..read more

The following video shows a barefoot trim on Mustang, a previously wild horse. He has huge strong frogs and digital cushions, and very thick hoof wall. This video shows the trim on the front hooves only ..read more

This first video shows the trimming of a pretty well maintained "vertical" bar. The second video shows bar that is a bit more "overlaid" or "embedded" and how I would trim them differently.  I try not to get too hung up on the "type" of bars, but instead just try to trim the bar to match the solar concavity and to allow the bar to function as it should - to help structure the shape of the back of the hoof and the collateral grooves. .  ..read more

Winter can transform the landscape into a beautiful wonderland, but for barefoot horses, it can present unique challenges. With a pro-barefoot mindset and strategic care, you can ensure your equine friend not only survives but thrives in winter conditions. The Winter Impact on Barefoot Hooves Moisture Imbalance Embrace the natural moisture regulation capabilities of barefoot hooves. The wetter weather in winter can provide moisture to the hoof that is lost during the dry season. A little bit of moisture is a good thing, too much and we can start to see a weakening of the tubules or potentia ..read more

I get asked this question often from horse owners.   Let's talk Quarter Flare to start.   There are two issues that can cause the quarter to flare, first is mechanical stress placed on the hoof itself, the second is metabolic stress.   In a healthy hoof, the bond or interdigitation of the sensitive lamina to the insensitive lamina is tight. This connection is the white/golden line we see on the bottom of the hoof. The golden line is formed by the terminal papillae's around the rim edge of the coffin bone as they secrete a flexible type of keratin. This keratin (golden line ..read more