This trim will cure all your horse’s woes…

 What separates natural hoofcare from more traditional practices? Is it the trim? Is it possible for one trim fit all situations? If so, which trim? There’s the HPT trim of KC LaPierre, the Natural Balance Trim of Gene Ovnicek , the Four Point Trim of Dr. Ric Redden, The Hooftalk Trim of Bernie Bergeleen, the Strausser Method of Dr. Hildred Strausser, The Wild Horse Trim of Jamie Jackson and others such as Pete Ramey, and of course the good old fashioned pasture trim practiced by many traditional farriers. So, which is the best?

Reasonable questions, especially in light of the growing number of trims being marketed on the internet as cure alls. In reality, many of the latest and greatest trims now surfacing are simply repackaged versions of established methods. Furthermore, many of the established methods I mentioned share some common characteristics. So, which is best for your horse? I believe the answer lies in the methodology and principles behind the trim more than the trim itself. While I am open about which methods I utilize, my goal is not to describe, compare or criticize the trims, but to put the role of the actual trim in perspective. Many of the differences between the various trims lie in the refinement of the various structures of the hoof. An example being the toe; one method may roll the toe; another may leave a sharp bevel, while another will trim a rocker on the toe.

Unfortunately, I believe far too much focus has been placed on the trim versus the theory behind the trim. Early on, when I first studied with KC LaPierre, he stressed the fact that the trim is only a tool. Like any tool, it must be used properly in order to be effective. No trim, in and by itself, will yield its maximum effectiveness without taking into account each horse’s unique environment and needs. Prior to trimming a foot, each structure must be evaluated, both on an individual basis and on a relational basis with the other structures of the foot, both external and internal. Whether rehabilitating or refining, the recognition of imbalances and subsequent deformities is paramount. The trim is only the tool used to reestablish balance.

When trimming a horse, simply attempting to duplicate a particular methods model hoof will many times result in a sore horse and unhappy horse owner. When I transition a horse to go barefoot or have an already bare foot with issues, rarely do the initial trims result in a model foot. Rather, each trim results in a gradual and consistent return of equilibrium. While we all want a quick fix, the reality is that it took months and perhaps years to create the problem or deficiency, so it will take some time to refine the foot. Fortunately, the foot is very adaptive and results are typically accelerated from one trim to the other.

An instance where the principles behind a trim should take precedence over the application is when working on conditions such as those resulting from a lower leg injury, calcifications such as ringbone, and underrun heels. Underrun or crushed heels, which are usually accompanied by a long toe, requires some thought beyond the scope of merely attempting to make the foot appear a certain way. While the condition is manageable, there are instances that the foot will never attain the ideal form of any method. The same is true of other pathologies, but they to can be successfully maintained when the proper principles are applied and the horse is managed accordingly.

So, which trim is best for your horse? That generally will depend on who you’re talking to at the time. As horse owners it is our right and I would go so far as to say our responsibility to ask questions before we let anyone work with or on our horses. A competent trimmer or farrier should be able to explain the principles behind their method and actions, rather than just explain the trim itself. Just remember the trim is only one piece of the puzzle and should not be portrayed as a cure all. Environment, nutrition and conditioning all play vital roles in maintaining healthy feet, as well as, an overall healthy horse. Until next month God Bless you and your equine partners.