It is essential to start out with a sharp knife. The back side of the knife should be sharpened flat, starting at the sharp edge moving back. The prevents the edge from folding over. The curve side is sharpened at an angle, also from the sharp edge.



This is an example of an well maintained hoof. Heather Smith from Gillette, WY has been trimming her horses' feet for 2 years and is doing a great job!! This could be your horse's foot!!!


These feet are contracted in the heels. The heels have been growing long and the bars have been pinching the frog from continuous shoeing for years. This contracted state has restricted the hoof's ability to expand and contract properly, and has made the frog unable to function. This horse has been unable to be ridden, while once a high earning performance horse. The owner was trying to keep the horse comfortable, based on conventional shoeing concepts. We are anxious to hear how Frosty comes around!!


Notice the flares on the right foot. These flares restrict normal breakover and affects the flight pattern by causing the horse to "wing" or "paddle." The long toe causes the foot to break over slower. It also causes a prying action which tears the laminae (white line) connection.
The left foot is balanced. The mustang roll allows for correct breakover and for a clean flight pattern.


A hoof stand can sure make trimming a whole lot easier!

This picture shows how to take the work out of finishing the hoof, by utilizing the hoof stand and a sharp, good quality rasp. The stress is not on your back and you can see the entire foot while you are working.


Notice the difference between the finished (L foot) and unfinished (R foot). You can see how the foot is turned out and the inside of the pastern is showing, making the horse interfere (plate) as it travels.


Look at the difference in the hoof-pastern axis. The far (R)  foot is the correct angle. The near (L) foot is too upright, due to a long toe.