Barefoot or shoes?

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x_Fiona_x

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I have never really had shoes on my horses. I was at show jumping competitions about every second weekend through the summer last year (outdoor on grass) and once a month through the winter (indoor). I had set up a jump cross course in my fields and went hacking, each a few times a week. I never needed shoes for any of this and her hooves have always been in good condition. My other horses dont have shoes either but at competitions everyone else has shoes on. Is it just me that doesn't see the point in shoes? Obviously they are good for putting in studs for eventing ect, but other than this?

Also, I have always used a farrier to trim their hooves, but after a fallout we have booked a barefoot trimmer, is there any difference??

Thanks
 
You are lucky that your horse has good feet. I do a lot of roadwork, so my horse is shod. The difference between a registered farrier and a barefoot trimmer is simple, one has a formal qualification and has done a 5 year apprenticeship. The barefoot trimmer will not.
 
Depends on the horse whether they need shod - my chap is shod on front because he always has been, and although we had a spell of trying to go naked he was not happy on anything except grass so fronts went back on. He is 18, and I don't have a year or two to spend getting his feet reconditioned for the sake of it. However, if he had never been shod then I would not put shoes on because everyone else has them on.

I have had both farriers and trimmers out. Good and bad experiences with both. It depends what 'school' your trimmer trained with as to how good they are - check who they have affiliated to. If they are not affiliated to anyone then I would watch - you will have no recourse if something goes wrong, as there is no professional body to back them. Personally, I will be sticking with my farrier to do trimming as needed, and obviously the shoeing, as there are no trimmers round here that I rate as being good enough or honest enough.
 
I know the barefoot trimmer went to the swiss school of bare hoof trimming. If that means anything :confused:

Good farriers seem few and far between in my areas. Reliability always seems to be an issue, either that or temper.
 
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Strasser? If so, do not touch with a bargepole - this trimming method was the one that advocated pain (basically destroying the hoof) to make the horse eventually sound with no shoes. What is your trimmer's name, perhaps we can find out more about them? PM me if you want.
 
Liz Lamb is who I have booked. I know someone who has her and they think she is brilliant. Ive always been a bit wary, but my horses really need trimming.
 
tracey01 said:
You are lucky that your horse has good feet. I do a lot of roadwork, so my horse is shod. The difference between a registered farrier and a barefoot trimmer is simple, one has a formal qualification and has done a 5 year apprenticeship. The barefoot trimmer will not.
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LOL - I do a lot of roadwork and all mine are barefoot!

Whilst anyone can set themselves up as a barefoot trimmer if you look for one that is a member of the one of the professional organisations and has done the training and qualifications, plus recommended by word of mouth then you can rest assured they will be more than competent. The advantage of a barefoot trimmer is that all their clients are barefoot and they will be fully aware of all the ups and downs and problems that commonly arise. Absolutely not saying a farrier can't do an equally good job but IME they don't get enough training on the diet/environment side - both of which are just as important as the trim itself.
 
Ive had a look on the website. Seems ok.

I'll be there anyway, so if theres anything im not happy with I can always tell her to stop. I'll see how it goes.
 
I don't know Liz or her work but I do know an excellent trimmer who covers your area (well he covers the same area that Liz does i.e. all of Scotland!). So if you want a second opinion get in touch with him - Nick Hill at http://www.cloverroseequine.co.uk I've seen him work, met lots of his very happy clients and horses and you won't find a better trimmer in the UK.
 
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