Member of the American Farriers Association

Background

Dale is a certified farrier with decades of experience and has experience with all types of riding disciplines, breeds, and sizes, from minis to draft.

He and Robin often work together and employ various Soft Touch techniques with nervous or troubled horses, where necessary, to help them settle into the process. They also have considerable experience working with laminitis, abscesses, quarter cracks, white line disease, and corrective trimming and shoeing. 

Trimming

They believe many shod horses could successfully go barefoot. It is especially true if the hooves are structurally sound and your horse has good conformation. They have utilized all the options over the years and take a balanced view in the barefoot vs. shoeing debate. 

While it is not for everyone, when it does work, your horse can stay sound, healthy, and happy. 

While their primary focus is on horses, we have experience trimming goats, zebras, cows, and pigs. 

Factors to Consider

It is a big decision to transition to barefoot, and may not be for all horses or owners. But, if done correctly, the risk is low. And, if it doesn't work, you can always go back to regular shoes. 

Factors to consider:

• Hoof soundness
• Horse conformation
• Living environment
• Riding conditions

Barefoot Trimming Benefits

It can save you a considerable amount of money. But, if that were your only consideration, you probably would not be in the horse business.

Benefits:

• Hoof health 
• Use of the entire foot
• Energy absorption
• Energy dissipation
• Verticle flexion

Other Options

There are many options aside from metal shoes, including glue-on shoes and boots. Another option we like is Hoof Armor. This is a non-toxic, antimicrobial,  inert material that is thinly spread on the bottom of the hoof from the wall to the frog. It protects the sole, limits abrasive wear, strengthens the hoof, and encourages healthy and more natural hoof growth. It is currently being used by horses at many levels from eventing to endurance riding. It is much cheaper than metal shoes and provides all the benefits of going barefoot while mitigating the disadvantages of metal shoes.