Advantages to trimming the frog?

[HaffiesRock]

Can anyone tell me what the advantages are to a farrier trimming the frog on an unshod horse?

Thanks

 

[Fat_Pony]

The farrier should only take off the flappy bits that might harbour a bit of thrush. Otherwise mine leaves it well alone

 

[WelshRuby]

I think farriers are trained to trim probably so it looks neat. Barefoot people say it's a no-no as the frog will "trim" itself.

 

[amandap]

I have no idea. However perhaps we should ask what are the advantages to the horse?

In bf horses some say don't touch frogs at all, others, remove flaps and keep central sulcus clear. Trimming infected frog material is also an individual preference it seems and depends on the severity of the infected/eaten tissue.

I can think of lots of disadvantages to the horse for regular full frog trimming.

 

[LucyPriory]

If the frog is in good condition, hard and healthy, leave well alone. If it is full of necrotic material it can be advantageous to remove the dead tissue. But not too aggressively.

 

[amandap]

You might find this article interesting HaffiesRock. http://www.hoofrehab.com/frogtrim.htm