Equine Hoofcare Code Consultation

That is so weak. It is still giving a certain sector of the barefoot trimming brigade carte blanche to lame horses.

In one breath its saying horses shouldnt be made lame or sore by footwork and on the other saying its fine to cripple a barefoot horse for months.

For heavens sakes someone develop some backbone.
 
I pay a trained barefoot trimmer and I can't see anything in that Code that would cause a problem.
Any trained "trimmer" insists on working with vet and with x rays if the horse is lame.
Anything that could be invasive should be done by a vet, it is surgery. My trimmer only uses a rasp, and occasionally a hoof knife to trim the frog.
Most of the trimmers I have come across have got degrees in various subjects and have spent lots of time and money doing proper courses, they have insurance and are members of a professional group.
 
I also use a barefoot trimmer. She is under constant training with Anni Stonebridge and she goes to training in Switzerland and England. Id never use anyone else now, shes doing an excellent job. I think that code can only be a good thing provided people use common sense and choose trimmers carefully. If anyone was going to do it themselves to the point of hurting their horse Id imagine theyd have done it anyway, code or not.
 
Oh dear...you obviously arent reading what Im reading.

Lets not get into the barefoot debate again, its great that some people find GOOD BF trimmers that DONT leave horses in pain....they seem to be a rarity.
 
Well it is a consultation paper spaniel. If you feel strongly you should reply and put forward your views
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I am sure many barefoot enthusiasts will be putting forward their views so it is important that others such as yourself make yourself heard too.

All of the people with barefoot horses I know would be horrified at horses being left in pain, so it looks like we are all reading from the same page. I am not sure what you are referring to as regards 'crippled' - is it the 'footsore' bit at E1? I agree that it is very vague and says and does very little! I read footsore as mild discomfort and unlevelness (not actually lame) but I would be VERY, VERY unhappy if others interpretted this as crippled being ok so I agree it should be tightened up.
 
Sarah Braithwaite is an excellent trimmer. my mares are working beautifully now they have been trimmed by her, no tripping, good surefootedness and a very happy owner.
 
I've had my horses trimmed / shod by farriers who have caused pain, and left my horse extremely lame. Of course its great if you can find GOOD farriers, etc. etc....

I think these guidelines get the right balance, really.

Though I suppose it does seem that a professional (farrier or trimmer) is possibly able to leave you with a slightly footsore horse whereas you mustn't make it footsore yourself....
 
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