Natural Barefoot Trimming Services -

At Storm Creek, we practice Natural Barefoot Trimming on all of our horses. We offer our services to neighboring farms, businesses, and private owners. After years of horse ownership we have discovered that barefoot trimming is the way to go. The end result is a rock hard, strong, healthy hoof that can travel on any terrain or perform in any discipline without cracking, chipping, or causing the horse lameness or pain.

We are a reliable, patient, and knowledgeable source of hoof care. Our fee is $25 per horse. We are willing to travel with gas compensation only (no "travel" fees or driving time charges). Barefoot trimming is beneficial to all breeds and types of equines. The fee is the same for all horses, mules, ponies, donkeys, and minis. Trimming should be done every six to eight weeks for optimum results. At first, to correct any problems, trimming may be done every four weeks.

We do not charge a handling fee for difficult horses; however, we do request that you let us know when problems are anticipated. We will spend time with you and the horse to achieve a trim safely and patiently but we do not want our appointments with other clients to run late. If we know ahead of time we can adjust our trimming schedule to compensate.

Consultations can be done for the same fee. We have had experience with all types of hoof deformities and lameness issues including founder, laminitis, navicular, P3 penetration, flares, cracks, and sole problems (thrush, shedding, etc.). Please don't give up on your horse until it has been evaluated!

Keep reading for more information on barefoot trimming, why shoes are bad, and photos.

About Natural Barefoot Trimming -

Natural Barefoot Trimming is a way to trim that mimics the way the horse's hoof would be in the wild. Wild horses travel between 20 and 30 miles a day to get food and water. This means that they wear their hooves in a way that domestic horses cannot hope to achieve on their own. We trim to strengthen the sole of the foot, the wall, and the frog. This improves circulation to the feet, eliminates the need for shoes, and drastically reduces the chance of chips or cracks. Barefoot horses gain quality of movement because a light, naturally shaped hoof with an early breakover helps to free the entire leg for movement and allows the foot to land heel-first.

The barefoot hoof should have low heels, short toes, a rounded (rolled) hoof wall, healthy frogs, and a straight hairline (indicative of the coffin bone being nearly parallel to the ground). It should be round in shape, acting as a shock absorber for the leg.

Barefoot trimming stimulates circulation in the hoof wall as well which makes for a healthier hoof and total limb. The hoof is a vascular structure and requires blood flow to grow and function properly. When a hoof is shod, it reduces the blood flow to the hoof by inhibiting the way the sole, walls, and bulbs are supposed to function.

Why Shoes Are A Problem -

When a horse wears shoes, the hoof cannot expand and contract as it meets the ground. The frog and heel bulbs are suspended instead of meeting the ground and acting as a cushion, adding stress to the entire structure of the leg but especially to the navicular bone and ligaments. Instead of expanding, shod heels are made to pull inward on landing, contracting and compressing the navicular bone. Many horses with Navicular Syndrome can be cured in a few months by a barefoot trim because it simply allows the hoof to work in the way it's supposed to. By developing the digital cushion and lateral cartilage in the heel, you can stop toe-first landings and further allieviate pain and discomfort in the navicular horse.

Photos -

Six year old paint mare - Before -

After first barefoot trim -

This mare's heels still need to come down quite a bit but we didn't want to make her sore. She will be trimmed in four weeks.  

Burro - Front left hoof before trim. 

          Burro - After first barefoot trim.