Going barefoot with your horse is a fantastic experience. Many people want to get cracking straight away when they have done their research and made the decision, but you are likely to have better results sooner if you plan for it first.
We strongly advise that you give us a call before you have shoes removed. The approach we take is to gradually allow the hooves to adjust, and the way shoes are taken off and any trimming done at that point is important. We may also be able to advise you on other ways you can prepare your horse and support the change in the weeks before shoes come off, such as addressing their nutrition and lifestyle.
We are available for phone and email advice before we set a date to go barefoot. For the first trim appointment, you will need to set aside at least an hour and a half per horse. There's lots to talk about, and we will take photos and notes about what we observe. It makes a big difference if we can work somewhere dry, with a concrete or rubber matting floor, where there is space to walk and trot the horse up. |
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It is important to think about preparing your horse for hoofcare visits. If you have a young or difficult horse, please let us know and we will be able to plan a 'Training Trim' session. All Barefootworks practitioners are qualified in horsemanship and equine behaviour, and can advise on the most appropriate training and familiarisation approach to take. Our methods are non-confrontational and relaxed.
Preparation not only involves feet picking out and hygiene, but also setting your horse up to be confident and relaxed in the place you plan for us to trim. We do not require your horse to be tied up, and we prefer if we can to work in larger areas rather than loose boxes or stables. This approach allows the horse to feel they can move away if they have to, and is in general safer than restricting the horse.
