My approach to balanced hoofcare is built on my experience with my own horses. What this experience taught me is that some horses can go barefoot and some horses can’t. For years I’d heard the age-old adage, mostly from farriers, that horses should always be shod. Now I’m hearing the opposite adage, mostly from barefoot advocates, that horses should never be shod. From my own experience, both as a horse owner and as a farrier, neither side is wrong, nor is either side 100% right.

This argument about shoeing vs. barefoot misses the point. What really matters is balance. The horse is an amazing athlete capable of amazing feats. In order to perform at their best, the horse’s hoof needs to be trimmed to the correct proportion and balance for its size and confirmation. This means that the toe, if left too long will over stress the tendons, if cut too short will leave the horse foot sore, if trimmed low to one side, will overstress the boney alignment by twisting or pushing it up one side or the other. Whether going barefoot or being shod, what matters is the hoof balance.

My number one goal is to get your horse properly balanced.

The second most important aspect of shoeing a horse is need (see Barefoot vs. Shod). What is the horse being used for? What does the horse need to get the job done? Most horses that are turned out on pasture do not need to be shod. On the other hand, I have worked with a number that just cannot stand going barefoot and yes I have tried. They are not comfortable for whatever reason unless they are shod.

My second goal is to provide care that keeps your horse in top form.