What’s a Natural Trimmer Do?
Merry Christmas from Sunny, Dawn and Lily
I apply the Natural Trim to horses, ponies, minis, donkeys and mules. The trim is based on what we have learned from studying the hooves of the feral horses in the western part of the country. This knowledge has been confirmed by research both in the lab and field. I have been most influenced by Jaime Jackson and Pete Ramey.
We have learned through the research of Jaime Jackson that the feral horses in the west generally have short toes and short heels. Even a 1,200 lb monarch stallion with hooves measuring 8” in diameter has 3” toes, as measured from the coronary band to the ground. The frogs are wide and tough. The heels are set wide apart and stand just a nick over an extremely concave and thick sole. The general shape of the hoof is a cone. The edge of the hoof is rounded from wear. The outer wall is not weight-baring.
Internally the coffin bone is placed high in the capsule. Bordering the length and just above the frog is a thick, fibrous cartilage called the digital cushion. On either side of the coffin bone and leading to the back of the foot are two lateral cartilages measuring approximately 1” thick fibrous cartilage. The correct hoof lands heels first, resulting in a strong back of foot.
With these key markers in mind, I trim the horse towards the best hoof he can have at each visit. Eventually his hooves will be in the perfect position for his skeletal system. The hoof truly is a marvel of nature. A well transitioned and conditioned set of hooves will outperform the same horse shod in any situation.
We never make dramatic “cuts” to force the hoof into a shape some expert deems appropriate. I have learned that this leads to sore, lame horses and excessive abscessing. The natural trim requires as much movement as possible. Lame horses don’t move. Rather the Natural Trimmer understands the key markers and correctly trims what the environment of your horses has not removed. If he were in a Paddock Paradise, your horse may well self trim. In Articles see The Barebones on Passive Conditioning for ideas to help your horse self trim.
In the end, it’s the horse, not the trimmer, who will perfect the hoof. Mother Nature truly knows what she is doing and I have learned to trust her.
I don’t strive for a “beautiful hoof”, trimming away perceived imperfections on the sole or outer walls. I have learned that if extra material is on the sole that is because the horse needs it. I don’t “correct” a club foot that is simply a crutch created by abnormalities above the hoof. I balance all feet and if a foot turns in or out, while balanced, I leave it that way. This is correct for that horse at this moment in time.
My guiding voice from American Association of Natural Hoofcare Practitioners says,
Respect the Healing Powers of Nature and Do No Harm.
So how is this different from the trim my farrier does?
Many farriers apply a “pasture trim” to barefoot horses. For many reasons this trim will never lead to any level of performance. It may leave the hoof long in the toes, heels and outer walls. It may be unbalanced and leave the bottom of the hoof rasped flat, as if readying it for a shoe. This style of trim will never help your horse transition or condition to a quality barefoot performance. It’s fast and its cheap.
The natural trim goes hand in hand with the natural lifestyle. No horse can create his best hooves while standing in a stall all day or even half a day. In addition to the trim, I have resources to help owners move towards a natural lifestyle and one that will support the optimal health of their horse.
So let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!
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Posted in Hoof Articles, Trimming | Tagged barefeet, hoof mechanics, trimming 2 Comments
Hi Dawn,
I’ve always been hesitant to do anything to the frog (except tidy it up when shedding) nor have I ever removed sole except when dry season comes and they seem to be knocking off chunks on their own in the pasture and I help the process along. I’ve always wondered if I should do more underneath??? I trim bars which often get too long and that’s about it. From your article, I’m assuming their natural lifestyle does most of it.
Thanks again,
Cheryl
Costa Rica
Hi Cheryl..I thought I got back to you but apparently I didn’t “post”. There are times that horses retain sole and I have to remove it, but that is not typical. Its easy to tell because the frog is so deep in the sole; it’s like you are looking down a hole to see the frog. It is a problem with donkeys and mules because they have such hard feet; the soles don’t wear down. I trim bars when they stand higher than the wall. They should meet the heels and angle down to the sole. The reason they usually maintain quite nicely is because of the three walls, outer, inner and bar, the bars are the softest. The best thing you can do for feet is add 4″ of pea grave to the horse’s loafing area. But never put it where you mow. Those little buggers are like bullets!
I expect to return to Bouquet Panama in November. I wonder how far away you are from there? Thanks for dropping by. D