The Natural Trim

What is a "natural trim" and why is it important to my horse?

Natural trimming allows a horse to have feet as they were meant to be - barefoot. The challenge is in determining what a hoof should look like and how it should function unshod. It makes perfect sense then to study wild mustangs who have for generations lived barefoot on some of the roughest terrain around. Lameness is extremely rare in these horses who live completely unshod and unfettered.

Wild horses travel 20-30 miles each day doing the things that make horses happy, like eating, interacting and visiting their favorite watering holes. This movement wears their hooves to rock hard perfection, a miracle of form and function.

Your horse may not be wild but with proper diet, movement and a consistent natural trim he can enjoy the benefits of comfort and soundness that are natural for his wild cousins.

Often when shoes are pulled and the first natural trim is done it is necessary to fit the horse for boots. This is because the horsehoe has damaged the hoof wall and kept the hoof up off the ground. Without direct contact and friction the hoof is weakened and sensitive. Hoof boots provide protection while the horse transitions to barefootedness. Many horse owners choose to use boots on a continuing basis much like putting on their own hiking boots.

Photos courtesy: AANHCP Clinic in a Box