Hoof trimming courses for horse owners?

[maya2008]

My husband has been tidying up between farrier visits for over a decade now, with tips given by the various farriers we have had. Current farrier is lovely but not always available easily, and has to be careful with the young ones due to a previous back injury. He’s been getting my husband to trim the youngsters under his supervision for a year or so now, and my husband would quite like to further his knowledge as he’s regularly doing the work. We would still get our farrier out, but the difference is that we would have more knowledge in between times.

Any recommendations for courses? Happy to travel within the Uk.

 

[McGrools]

My husband has been tidying up between farrier visits for over a decade now, with tips given by the various farriers we have had. Current farrier is lovely but not always available easily, and has to be careful with the young ones due to a previous back injury. He’s been getting my husband to trim the youngsters under his supervision for a year or so now, and my husband would quite like to further his knowledge as he’s regularly doing the work. We would still get our farrier out, but the difference is that we would have more knowledge in between times.

Any recommendations for courses? Happy to travel within the Uk.

The barefoot horse magazine has some 3 day courses around the uk. Think there are still a couple this autumn. Check it out xx

 

[Fieldlife]

The barefoot horse magazine has some 3 day courses around the uk. Think there are still a couple this autumn. Check it out xx

I’d be very cautious based on what I’ve heard. Make sure whoever you train with has a book of sound largely unbooted barefoot working horses.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I’m going to go on a three day course next year. Yeah ve been tidying my horses feet for years now and I think it’s Time to do a proper course. Espresso with prices rising the way they are and some prices being more than double what they used to be for a 15min barefoot trim.

 

[Orangehorse]

My barefoot trimmers took a lot more time than 15 minutes. They also gave good advice as to diet and exercise. They also have a lot of experience of dealing with many horses and know what works and what doesn't.

By all means go on an owner course, you will learn a lot, but you might need occasional back up from the professional.

 

[Nasicus]

I’d be very cautious based on what I’ve heard. Make sure whoever you train with has a book of sound largely unbooted barefoot working horses.

Yup, some of them are absolute nutters that shouldn't be anywhere near a set of trimming tools. Do your research as much as possible!

 

[Fieldlife]

My barefoot trimmers took a lot more time than 15 minutes. They also gave good advice as to diet and exercise. They also have a lot of experience of dealing with many horses and know what works and what doesn't.

By all means go on an owner course, you will learn a lot, but you might need occasional back up from the professional.

i think

My barefoot trimmers took a lot more time than 15 minutes. They also gave good advice as to diet and exercise. They also have a lot of experience of dealing with many horses and know what works and what doesn't.

By all means go on an owner course, you will learn a lot, but you might need occasional back up from the professional.

Agree with this. If like your trimmer ask them who they recommend? And eek the intervals out for their visits.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Yup, some of them are absolute nutters that shouldn't be anywhere near a set of trimming tools. Do your research as much as possible!

This. Just because they title themselves a trimmer and even if they have a barefoot qualification it doesn't mean that they know what they are doing. They do all seem to manage to talk the talk, though, and charge the £££s .

Here is a post of mind from 2020 showing pics of what a fully qualified EPA trimmer thought was acceptable, and how the farrier was able to rescue it.

My senior Cushing’s mare’s feet went from this effort after more than a year’s regular care from a qualified and registered EPA trimmer:-

View attachment 53241

To this, 5 months later, after her foot care was taken over by a farrier:-

View attachment 53242

Don’t believe all the barefoot trimmer hype, folks .

Additionally, when I asked the trimmer shortly before I sacked him whether we should get up to date X rays of the horse's feet, he airily said 'Don't bother, no matter what the X rays showed, I would not trim her any differently' .

 

[Fieldlife]

This. Just because they title themselves a trimmer and even if they have a barefoot qualification it doesn't mean that they know what they are doing. They do all seem to manage to talk the talk, though, and charge the £££s .

Here is a post of mind from 2020 showing pics of what a fully qualified EPA trimmer thought was acceptable, and how the farrier was able to rescue it.




Additionally, when I asked the trimmer shortly before I sacked him whether we should get up to date X rays of the horse's feet, he airily said 'Don't bother, no matter what the X rays showed, I would not trim her any differently' .

Does sound like you had a lemon of a trimmer. But there are good, indifferent and bad farriers AND trimmers. The trick is finding a good professional

 

[AntiPuck]

I can't comment at all on how good this it, haven't done it and know very little about trimming, but I was starting to look into reviews of it, as my horse has just gone barefoot, so posting in case it's of any use to you https://www.holistichoofcareforhorseowners.com/weeklytrim