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Tom, the whole reason I went barefoot on my horse was because I could see things that each farrier I have had over the years did the same kind of trim. Long in the toe, and constricted the heel.

At least the farrier I have now works with me, and I am sure rolling his eyes sometimes at what I ask for.  lol  But, he can see the improvement and does as I ask. :)

The main thing I find is to keep the flare off the hoof, and the hoof will eventually come around to where it needs to be...but that is a simple answer to a more complex situation.

Go to www.Ironfreehoof.com and read on what they have to say.  Also, once you get the boot situation figured out, you will be so darned happy you went that way.

I finally got it dialed in at the Grand canyon ride, thanks to Karen Chaton for some suggestions to try. We went 50 miles with no rubbing or problems. Lots of mud puddles and even then, the hoof looked great when I pulled the boots.

Good luck and keep trying!

 

Lori B.

Tom Sites <goearth@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

First off let me start by saying i'm not leaning towards any position, yet see the best both have to offer, hense the compromise.

 

i had a shoe farrier trim Gabriels feet for over a year and it always seemed to me he had too long a toe.  With 2 trims by a 'barefoot' trimmer his foot is the shape i always thought it to be.  But she said it'll take a few more trimmings and growth to get it where we want to be.  I am considering a number of hoof protection boots and i again admit, i'll lean to what seems easier to me to fit and works best for the horse.  Any suggetions would be appreciated.  And if it works here in the mountains it'll work anywhere, except we don't have too much swamp but there are a few bogs in the wet season.

 

Why do farriers leave such a long toe?  Does that not put stress on the tendons?  I *think* farriers compensate the usage of shoes to cover up inadequate trims. Correct me on your perfect farriers, but they won't come and see me and as i look back all my horses had too long a toe.  I must admit Jody had a good trimmed foot on all her horses w/ shoes

 

Perhaps i may be wrong (again) but this lesson late in life will perhaps change me or take me back to where i was w/ long toes and steel shoes.  But if i see i ever again go to shoes, i'll keep this barefoot trim program going, hense the compromise.  ts