Barefoot

[10past6]

Does anyone use a barefoot trimmer (sorry if there's a technical name) and how long was it till you could see any difference in your horses feet?

Ive just started to use one for my TB, she has only done him twice and due to do him again one week monday (he gets done every 5 weeks), but i can already see my horses foot changing shape slightly.

Who do you use, do they explain what they are doing, and how much do you normally pay?

Sorry for all the questions!

 

[Dressagebabe]

Hi,
It can take several months befoe you see a difference and its not just about trimming, you have to make sure they are on the right feeds that the barefoot trimmers recommends, make sure the feet dry out by restricting grazing or turning out in a sand school or if your very wealthy - a Pea gravel paddock!! Dont worm with certain wormers etc have a look at www.barefoothorses.co.uk this will give you an insight into what is involved. They usually charge about £45 to trim, some as much as £60. We have one of the barefoot trainers near us (South West) whom does a lot of work with my farrier whom has been trying to get me to treat one of my horses the barefoot way so I have gened up on it quite a bit but my husband (Vet) doesn't feel its suitable for my horse.

 

[Touchwood]

I have used both an EP and a farrier, and in my experience a good trim is a good trim. There may be subtle differences...not convinced I can see them! The most important thing is that whoever does it does a decent job.
An EP/barefoot trimmer will however give you a lot more advice re. diet, conditioning, infection control etc etc. which if you are new to barefoot you will find very useful.

 

[amandaco2]

ive swapped from a farrier to an ep.
main reason-ive been happy with previous farriers but the new one has left my horse with flares and also the heels are starting to under run.
i tried to get onto a good farriers books but all full
went by personal reccomendations
have to say EP was really good.
very good to horses,took lots of time,very hollistic approach and trotted them up multiple times to assess movement before and after.
more expensive though.