comparison of barefoot trimming methods

[MotherOfChickens]

I wondered if some of you more experienced barefooters could please summarise the main differences between the different 'schools' for me please? I am mainly interested in the differences between KC LaPierre and Ramey/other natural horse trims. I know some but would like to hear other peoples experiences and preferences and the reasons why please


and at the risk of sounding rude-comments about using a farrier have not been asked for, thanks.

 

[Oberon]

I have been using UKNHCP trimmers for 6 years now.

My trimmers focus on allowing a healthy hoof to do it's thing.

When faced with an unhealthy hoof they use small corrections to allow it to become healthy again.

With a new client they assess soundness and usually advise a visit from a bodyworker if they find stiffness. They also advise on diet and vit and min balance to obtain optimum hoof health.

Alot of the time with a barefoot horse it is knowing what not to do. Less is often more with trimming. Just a tidy up and a mustang roll and away we go.

I could spend less on trimming but the farriers I had were not giving me the same, sound feet that my trimmers do.

 

[intouch]

I've done courses with several different schools - even - oh horror - a Strasser trimmer! - and what I have found - barring the SHC one - is that they all aim to get the individual foot balanced to suit the individual horse - the Ramey trimmers I have watched tend to do a more agressive roll than the others, EPAUK are based originally on KC's work - it's mostly the theories that differ, the end results are to get a sound, balanced horse.

The EPAUK training is excellent http://www.equinepodiatrytraining.co.uk/ but I'm sure the others are too.