How to Find a Natural Trimmer

Buyer Beware! After you have found a trimmer, check out their web site. Read their resume. Who have they learned their trim from?

I have noticed that because Pete Ramey is popular, some trimmers will drop his name when their trim looks nothing like the natural trim. If they routinely trim the sole and frog they are not natural trimmers.

Personally I am most influened by Pete Ramey and Dr. Bob Bowker. My trim is least like that of Dr. Strasser (her buzz words/concepts are hoof mechanics, noting specific angles of the hairline at the coronary band, abscesses are normal part of transition, releasing toxins.)

Here are some resources on finding a trimmer nationally:

The American Hoof Association founded by Pete Ramey and others is a certification organization. Any of the members should know other good trimmers in the area. There are not a lot of members yet. If you get stuck, just email any member for help.

The Equine Science Academy is on of the best holistic trimming schools I am aware of. If you check out their site you can find certified trimmers. If no one is in your area, be sure to ask Derry if she can help. Often excellent trimmers are going through the program but have not yet been certified. She will be able to help you.

Tribe Equus is run by long time trimmer and international teacher, Cindy Hawk Sullivan. She is one of the founders of the Equine Science Academy. She will list anyone who sends her information so it is up to you to ask about their experience, trim style and references.

Locator Board at AANHCP. If you don’t see someone in your area, ask anyone listed in the state or nearby. Most of the time they will know of competent trimmers who are not posted on the site for whatever reason. There was quite a turnover in membership in 2007. Tip: ask PITs (practitioners in training) if you can’t find a trimmer in your immediate area.

Locator Board on Easy Care Boots. Again a great site but you have to do your research about the trim style and experience.

Trimmers Lists on The Horse’s Hoof (anyone can put their name up so again, “buyer beware”). Initially this magazine was a Strasser-oriented publication but now reports on all trims. I get this magazine by e-mail and really enjoy it.

Run by a long time horse expert, Natural Racehorse trainer, long time trimmer, Maureen Gould, this site is my favorite, Yahoo Group: The Barefoot Truth. All concerns and discussion are allowed. Very open, honest and yet respectful. Maureen is particularly experienced with OTTBs.

Another excellent Chat Group on Yahoo: Barefoot Horse Care which is run by Walt Fredrich. He does exert control on the discussion when it gets too heated.

Hope this helps! If you stumble on other useful places, please send me a comment.

If you enjoyed this article please consider making a donation via Paypal.

Posted in Hoof Articles, Trimming | Tagged barefeet, trimming Leave a comment