Ridecamp: Re: [RC] [RC] doing your own hoof trimming

Where may I obtain the written data from these studies?  I would be
interested in seeing it.  I cannot begin to imagine how they were able to
document the trimming and shoeing histories of 4000 hooves that probably
came from a slaughter house.  Furthermore if they did probably come from
such a place, they may very well have had horrible feet (hence their
presence at said place) but I do not believe they are representative of the
majority of horses who enjoy very healthy and useful lives wearing shoes
during a part of it.
I agree that "most" farrier schools do NOT turn out talented professionals.
I prefer to see long term apprenticeships under competent and talented
farriers myself.  I do have some problems with trimming as you described
however and would caution people against doing their own horses' feet.
Especially performance horses such as we have in endurance.  There is just
no substitute for experience and the average horse owner is never going to
have the benefit of studying 4000 hooves, dissected or alive.
Rob also stated..."I'd advise you to leave the task to someone that has the
mettle to handle it."  I am not certain if that statement was directed to me
or Ridecampers in general...but I do believe that I DID say I am NOT capable
and would never attempt to trim my own horses' feet in spite of the
"education" I have received at my husband's side.  I have helped a lot of
people by sharing Nelson's and my experience with hoof problems and related
issues on RC and I hope they are listening now.  Do NOT risk trimming your
own horse's feet and for God's sake, if they need shoes, then have your
farrier put them on!  Every horse is an individual... keep that in mind.  Do
what is best for your horse.
Maggie


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