How To Trim Horse Hooves: Barefoot Hoof Trimming For Beginners

First you’ll learn horse hoof anatomy, then what tools you need for horse hoof trimming, then how to trim horse hooves step-by-step. This video is for beginners who want to learn barefoot hoof trimming.
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[@kellymccollian4614]

There is nothing wrong with trimming your own horses hooves. I've been doing it for years, never had an issue infect my vet asked which ferrier I used. It your animal, and I think more people should learn to do their own horses hooves. All part of taking care and maintaining them. Thank you so much for video, this is so informative.

[@julia-py8iy]

Kelly Mccollian some people want to make sure that they are educated as much as they can be before doing something like trimming their horse’s hooves, such as you I would assume. However, there are people like Becky who *think* they know what they are doing when they really don’t. She has no desire to learn either, which is, I think, the most frustrating part. She has no idea what a balanced hoof looks like and shouldn’t be making videos claiming to be teaching people how to trim their horse’s hooves when really, she isn’t even doing it correctly

[@silverkitty2503]

I think the world has gone crazy.

[@rupertchristie2241]

Kelly Mccollian what a joke, not a clue!!

[@watchman4j]

@@julia-py8iy can you share a series that you would recommend? I'm being encouraged by my farrier to do it every other time to start.

[@Equinella2]

@@watchman4j Study Pete Ramey

[@Ra-wd2bt]

I liked your lecture at the beginning! That really helped me! I can tell if you were my high school teacher, we’d have a very fun class!

[@copencorn1491]

You don’t have to completely replace your farrier with this video. But if you’re in a spot, it’s best to know how to do basic things. Great video 👍🏻. Thank you.

[@dromkammarsrebecca9642]

Thank you for a nice and simple video. I believe, like you, that people can learn to do a basic trim by themselves. BUT if the horse have a very big workload (racehorses, showjumpers, policehorses etc) then i think a ferrier should do their feet. The debate in the comments seems to forget that it's a difference between a hobby horse that is ridden very lightly and a real working horse! It's like saying that all humans should only walk in $5000 special shoes approved by the Olympics marathon team. There is a big differece how the horse is used. A home made trim does not have to bad! Most home trimmed hobby horses do really well and have no problems in their legs, back or neck. Sorry for any misspelled words! Love from Lapland, Sweden 💜👍

[@auntlouise]

Absolutely right!

[@aprilrobynh]

Farrier work is a real skill that needs to be studied. I wouldn't suggest trimming your horses until you understand the internal structures and what different functions each part has.

[@aprilrobynh]

Also should keep to a 5 week trimming cycle and it will be less work and a healthier hoof. :)

[@BeckysHomestead]

5 weeks is way to short for mine. 6 to 8 is typical. ❤️😬

[@Sunnylass7]

aprilrobynh finally a voice of reason

[@gracegochnauer7395]

I agree, we do our horses 5 weeks, by that point they need done. For my donkeys we do 8 weeks.

[@madi8808]

theres a such thing as the internet, and many farriers (masters) have written articles after articles about how to trim and shape hooves, along with the structures and even the leg bones.

[@amyperusse8951]

Thank you so much, Becky! I used to trim my horses feet back when I had them (20+ years ago) & I just kind of tried to do what it looked like the ferrier was doing. I never hurt my horses or lamed them. I also didn’t have a hoof jack, so it was a sweaty back breaking job. I am so happy you made this video. I’m once again getting horses and now that there are KZbin videos, I thought I better actually watch someone explain it so I would make sure I’m doing it right. Those hooves looked great! I’m totally buying a hoof jack!! You rock, lady! I love your channel. You are too cute! I can’t believe you built your own cabin. Amazing!🥰

[@skylerdrseuss8682]

I remember watching this when I was much more unknowledgeable, and it still never settled right with me. Now I am much more educated on the topic and just a few things I noticed... The frog is very contracted and unhealthy. It seems that this horse would benefit from more frequent trimming cycles so you can battle that toe length and help balance out the foot by bringing that toe back and those heels back. The heels are very under run. You would personally benefit from some newer tools that would form a cleaner and faster job. I personally prefer a “roll” around my horse’s feet to create a stronger foundation. You need to attack the foot from the top and from the bottom, so that you can really bring that toe back and get a better visual of the shape of the foot. You are not required to remove the top layer of sole, but different methods advice differently. I would suggest just making sure the hoof is free of debris by using a pick and a brush to see where the sole is. From my perspective you still had a lot of dirt left but you started hacking away at the sole. Once you clean the sole properly, you can have a better judgement on where the sole is flaking off and then you can help exfoliate it but don’t hack away. There are obvious flares on those feet which need to be addressed because it is weakening the hoof structure and causing physical stress and strain on the legs and tendons. Really there is so much to be discussed about your trim, so I would advice finding a Facebook group that can give you advice if you post pictures. You can also never stop learning! There are amazing books by Pete Ramsey and many many more (hoof guided method). So far no one is a perfect trimmer, but we are learning more so continue your research and find which methods work best for you, but I would say this one just isn’t good. I know it’s an old video so you may have changed and learned more, but for other viewers please apprentice under a barefoot trimmer, preferably not a farrier since the trimming methods differ, and pick up some books about barefoot trimming! Never stop learning, especially since you are directly impacting anther living being!

[@Equinella2]

I love every word you have to say. Bravo! Pete *Ramey. (I bet autocorrect got you there.)

[@mouthofthesouth4267]

Thank you so much I've got brand new tools that have never seen a hoof out of fear that I may hurt my babies but I still want to know how to do it correctly before "trying"

[@user-bx7nw1ve6y]

@@mouthofthesouth4267 I empathize. I was there once. I would strongly recommend the book "Making Natural Hoof Care Work For You" by Pete Ramey. He has also published another, much more detailed and esoteric book: "Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot", which is a lot more expensive, but well worth it. Both can be found on Amazon. --10 year owner/trimmer

[@alexiscoley5430]

Thanks for commenting, I was looking for someone like you 😂

[@braeburnhilliard8340]

Thanks for an informative video. I always like seeing how others do hooves just so I can add or hone my hoof trimming skills for my mini. I appreciate your well explained methods.

[@tracyharper7987]

I appreciate your help and making this video, out of all the videos out there this one has helped me the most! ♥️ My farrier is helping me do my trims today, your video set me up very well! I'm very greatful

[@user-bx7nw1ve6y]

The danger here would be to assume it's possible to learn how to competently trim after watching a 23 minute video. If you are that naive, then it's probably best to pay someone to do the job. Otherwise, if you aren't afraid of expanding your horizons a little and can commit to learning how to do it properly, it's certainly a worthy, attainable goal. There are many benefits to learning how to do the job yourself; here are a few: 1) it allows me to be independent. I can do trims on my schedule, not whenever the farrier can find time, 2) I understand and am sensitive to my horses' needs. One has arthritis, and I treat her far more gently than the farriers used to. My poor mare used to HATE having her feet done, probably because the farrier used to make her bend and would pull on her to suit his purposes. I am careful to work around her idiosyncrasies, and she quickly learned to trust me, making the job easier on both of us. 3) Cost wasn't an issue, but after a $300 investment in equipment, I have saved literally thousands of dollars over the 8 years I've been doing the job on my own, 4) I enjoy spending time with them, and their feet have never looked better.

[@wwonan]

1 1 m

[@shannoncarter6352]

I started without any videos. Just from watching my farrier over the years and knowing how my horses are to look for their body structure. Any videos with accurate information are going to be helpful.

[@terekworley3713]

that depends on your intelligence, how quickly you learn and remember, and how quickly you can understand and implement skills learned.

[@Popovishka]

I’m currently in quarantine and passing the time. Not sure how I got here….I don’t own a horse, but this was very informational. Thank you ^^

[@LinehandWi]

Very helpful, thanks! In southeast Wisconsin, theirs's pretty much no farriers left, gonna have to be my own trimmer.

[@Jack-rh5br]

Nice job ! I've been trimming my horses for about 18 years. I need to get a hoof stand !! It's kinda rough on my back now that I'm older.

[@marilyngandhi4213]

Your horses and ponies always look as though they think you're their best friend :-)

[@goatherderextraodinaire2280]

Thank you for a well made video on trimming your horse. I had a farrier teach me to trim my horses and your technique was more informative.

[@destinyscroggs2099]

This video was very informative! It really helped a lot. I’m going to let the farrier do it a few times while I watch and learn so I can get more comfortable and eventually I’ll be doing it myself.

[@jamesbach1827]

My rescue mare was terrified of a new farrier and also has some arthritis. I have gained her trust and she’s doing pretty good.

[@LarisinBrazil]

Best video I have seen! Only after seeing your video do I feel ready to give my horse a pedicure !☺️ short concise and detailed. Thank you for the theory and the hands on. Even explaining that we can trim only 2 feet at a time, and which ones. You just got a new subscriber from this video alone.

[@Pyr.0.maniac]

It's scary if this is the best video you've seen 😬

[@Deej496]

Excellent video! Your close up shots are perfect. I have watched several how to videos on trimming and yours is PERFECT. Very precise . It all makes sense now. Been trying to trim my own horse and donk for years in-between shoeings but couldn't figure out how much to take off. Your demonstration has helped tremendously. THANK YOU!

[@veselinnedkov643]

Thank you so much! I need to do that tomorrow, we've not been able to get our usual girl to come since forever due to covid reasons, and, well, someone's gotta do it. I was a bit intimidated, but your video is very informative!

[@earthandmedicine3667]

Thank you so much for your step by step tutorial! I have been wanting to learn how to trim my pony's feet :)

[@hafffie76]

Thank you so much! I learn a TON and now im ready to trim my own horse!

[@brynnplays3018]

Thanks for the advice i just got my first horse!!

[@olympiaklassen]

Thank you so much! This video made me feel so much more confident In Doing my horses hooves!! God bless you❤️

[@tilly_horses]

I’m doing a hoof trimming course at the end of the year and I’m very excited I’m only 14 but my instructor thinks I’ll be fine and a good horse person should be able to do everything. this was some good advise 😊🙏

[@lionessdez]

Thank you so much, this was so in depth where I could understand why and why not and what’s important, perfect! ♥️

[@TheBestMoonEver]

Thank you so much! Next year sometime I’m getting a horse, so I’m taking all my time to learn what to do and how to do it! I’m doing it so early to make sure I know most of everything I actually need to know. 😊

[@missrachael1709]

Becky thanks so much, I've just started trimming my ponies feet and this was super helpful, wishing yo the best from Australia!

[@narellerobinson7246]

Thank you Becky, from way down at the bottom of the world, Tasmania, Australia 😊😊

[@catalinasalazar755]

thank you so much for sharing this! I am just learning about my new horse, he's spoiled, and I have learned how important hoof health is! Im am learning so that I can care for him on my own and especially to save $. Cant skimp on the cost, so I can save by doing it myself. Especially since it has to be done quite regularly I know it would be the responsible thing to do. You explained everything so well, in order and to the point! Thank you again for helping others learn this skill! Im saving your video as my guide.

[@jamesclark604]

This has been by far the best and most helpful tutorial I have seen. I am only 5 minutes in to the vid. Thank you 😊

[@shea5542]

You’re amazing and I love you. Thank you for putting forth the effort to make this

[@tracyblack1509]

I have 5 horses and 5 minis. I had to teach myself to save money. When my farrier charged me the same for a mini, that he charged for my horse, it was time to do it myself. I truly enjoy the time with them. I take advantage of the weather. After a rain the foot is softer. My knives are not always sharp. I’ve learned so much and will never put iron on a horse of mine. An iron shoe doesn’t protect the sole, and it restricts the function of the foot. On a long rocky ride I will use boots. Only to protect the foot from a bruise. I mostly ride barefoot. Same for the minis. The minis drive and they will wear boots on long drives.

[@jessykapop]

Your hair looks so much better very nice :)

[@jacelyngalloway7388]

this was so helpful. thank you!

[@CErm12TS]

Thanks, has just given me enough of an idea to help my horses while in lockdown

[@jima1878]

Nice beginner tutorial -- very helpful for me. Thanks!

[@precicorona6586]

Excellent video it’s my first time trying waiting on my tools to come in

[@Allhisranch]

Nice job. Thanks.

[@DR7905]

Very Helpful Thanks for posting!

[@christmaself9891]

YOU ARE AWESOME. HOPE YOU ARE WELL. I WATCHED MY FIRST SOAP VIDEO WITHYOU A LONG TIME AGA. THANK YOU

[@BeckysHomestead]

Hahaha thanks, we are doing fine and are very happy ☀️❤️☀️

[@randybbbvaughn567]

Thank you. Just came across this. Very informative for me.

[@linorics]

Perfect refresher! Thanks

[@kozhapakaran9121]

Thanks it helped a lot❤️

[@jesusisalwayshome5658]

THANK YOU SO MUCH .YOU SHOULD DO MORE VIDEOS ,YOU ARE GIFTED IN THIS BEING ABLE TO TEACH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

[@FeralSwift]

I don't have any horses but I'm learning this because for whatever reason, I think its a good skill to have under my belt for whatever reason. Zombie apocalypse maybe.

[@jniterry4194]

Great video. Very helpful.

[@brushbuck]

So well explained and the voice cracks me up! Makes me think cookies 🍪 are baked and ready at the end of the video! I really enjoyed this, thank you.

[@Anna-rv3fv]

I highly recommend watching some David Landreville videos and seeing the transformations he achieves in pathological hooves.. by ensuring that the horse is landing on the caudal plane first. A flat landing isn’t terrible, but a heel first landing is ideal. To anyone who is looking into trimming their own horses’ feet, investigate as many sources of information as possible. Learn the internal structures of the feet. Books, videos, watch your farrier. Ask questions. Be respectful, but if your farrier isn’t okay with you asking questions, find one who is. You have a lovely attitude and clearly you’ve done a good amount of homework. I’ve found that in the horse world especially, there’s always more to learn.

[@pennyadair8732]

I enjoyed you video and wanted to thank you for all the information. You are amazing and you have the life I dream of. Your horse is so kind and well mannered what a beauty too! I like that you both have so much trust in each other. ♥️

[@cindystevenson9669]

Love the hoof jack!

[@ShavaahnT]

Thanks Aunty very informative

[@CasandraLeahhh]

Really nice video thank you for informing and helping others

[@COPPER71]

Awesome video very educational and helped a lot

[@sarahchapman3452]

Thank you!!

[@catherinetexas1006]

Can you upload a picture of the hoof crack you healed. I would like to see the progress.

[@jamesbach1827]

Thank you so much! We’ve had a few good farriers. But for some unknown reason ( our horses are well behaved) the farrier must get heavy pockets they don’t come back. Or we get one that’s not reliable or your horse is done in less than 10 minutes. I decided to my own feet trimming.

[@texaspatriot2841]

Thank you for this helpful video. Very thorough. How often should hooves be trimmed and cleaned?? Thanks

[@MsSSnow]

Thank you so much for this video. My god-daughter was looking for a ferrier so I thought wouldnt it be nice if she could learn to do it herself. I gave her your video.

[@analarson2920]

Nice video, I would work with a barefoot ferrier first, then try this. Thanks and keep sharing. Blessings.

[@efklijzing]

thank you very much for you informative clip. Really nice. It is the first clip that I see in this field that starts to have my curiosity, and I already have learned a lot. Thank you Sincerely yours, Ernst, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

[@MeliTX]

Fantastic video!!! Thank you!

[@londongabrielle9080]

Thank you SO MUCH

[@richardduvall6512]

Good video thanks for sharing

[@leroymorris6036]

Thank you so much

[@nicolecourt7829]

This should be a in between trimm, when my trimm lady can’t come. But don’t wait so much before doing it that can affect the internal structure of the hoof. 😘♥🐴

[@diesellady5904]

Thank you for making this video!

[@brittanyspangler5206]

I’ve taken an in person class for trimming as well as studying the anatomy for a long while now and doing as much in-depth reading as I can for different methods, etc. I absolutely don’t consider myself any sort of expert, but I DO feel much more confident knowing that if I’m in a pickle I can trim my own and not to major damage. Frankly I’ve had way too many “professional” farriers/trimmers do more harm than good with my horses and I’d rather work on them myself if I’m able.

[@rhiannonfugatt3269]

Needs done as soon as the hoof is out of alignment with the internal foot, these hooves in your video should have been trimmed a while ago. Any imbalance like that pushes a distortion into the hoof capsule taking it out of alignment which can cause internal injury. I trim every four to six weeks for most horses, not to allow the hoof wall to exceed 1/4 inch of length past the sole. Though there are a few horses in my schedule who can go longer due to a lot of travel and lots of wear. See horses hooves are meant to be in balanced alignment 100% of the time according to mother nature. But with domestics we have to help keep them on track as frequently as any imbalance is showing up. Once you understand how the horn tubules and the laminae work together you better understand how a small distortion is a monster waiting for you to leave them untrimmed just a little while longer, they can distort many other areas of the hoof capsule just from one small imbalance. Check out The Natural Hoof Pro on facebook, tons of articles and info on the anatomy of the internal foot that fits inside the capsule of the hoof.

[@stopndrop4588]

It's 604 am in atlanta ga and i'm here watching this

[@jimwarren6081]

This was so cool. I feel like this nice lady literally makes the best pies and hot chocolate in the world on a cold winter day. When they say it's made with "love" they're factually talking about HER recipe!! Lol GREAT VIDEO! THANKS!

[@nataliakotlyar7664]

Huge thank you for sharing with us uour knowledge!

[@BeckysHomestead]

Your so welcome☀️❤️☀️

[@snowbound4078]

You're a very smart person.

[@shannoncarter6352]

Thanks for posting for others just starting out. I have been trimming my 3 horses for years. You did mention that the hoof wall has no feeling, this is incorrect. One CAN trim too short causing bleeding, pain and maybe future abcess. Also a good tip is to trim when the ground is moist after its rained for a while. Moist hooves are much easier to work with. ALSO my goodness wear gloves! I almost removed my thumb with a hoof knife.

[@stetsonnecaise3507]

She actually did say that you can hurt the wall if you trim too short. But hey, I don’t know anything about this, did she do all of this the right way? I’m asking because you have years of experience and I’m curious about this for my horses.

[@Pyr.0.maniac]

@@stetsonnecaise3507 No. I'm in horseshoeing school and she did many things wrong. Leave trimming to your farrier unless you've taken real classes on this and actually know how to trim.

[@montealexx]

Great video thank you

[@fjrholdings]

Nice job thank u

[@jades_equestrian_life]

Really informative. My welshie is scared of the farrier (well all humans) so I'm looking at was I can help her be comfortable until she's more accepting of other people that aren't me

[@cindystevenson9669]

Most of my rescues have come with laminitis and/or joint injuries so I need to use a farrier who works closely with my vet but for every day upkeep on a sound hoof, I see no issues with doing ones own horse.

[@saulsrappin]

14:20 if you can’t tie a rope halter the right way what makes you think you can trim their hooves.

[@BeckysHomestead]

Are you picky about something that doesn't matter. Concentrate on what's important. ☀️❤️☀️

[@Equinella2]

It does matter. And so do all the "little" things, especially when it comes to horses.

[@chan108dra]

good tutorial

[@annadavis7975]

Watching this for a refresh, there are zero available farriers in my area, I'd rather trim myself than let them get too long. There are three in my area trying to retire and not accepting new clients, gotta do what you gotta do

[@walkyourdog6584]

Very very helpful. Cant find a farrier where I live and I am on my own.

[@anonymoose116]

Same reason Im here. Lol.

[@savannahabbott6416]

We have a farrier write down the street so I just have to walk my mini there XD

[@user-bx7nw1ve6y]

Before you get started, you should do some research and spend time with a natural trimmer. In the meantime, I'd strongly recommend "Making Natural Hoof Care Work for You" and, if you want more detail and have more money, "Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot", both by Pete Ramey and available on Amazon. Learning how to trim is well worthwhile, but a serious knowledge and time commitment. Good luck and happy trails.

[@tracirussell8036]

ThankYou, You are a Very Caring Person. Great Video!

[@mmouse8627]

The heels are still under run, it's going to cause the horse to lean back instead of upright, like ke a rocking chair, the heels have to be all the way back under the leg.

[@vanaruone6767]

Great video. I agree, it’s not rocket science. For normal hooves not in need of correction, owners should take the time to learn how to do a simple trim. My trained carrier caused my horse to have a flare. Another carrier tried to force the hooves into an unnatural shape. I do it myself now and their hooves are great. No more holes, cracks, or flares! Also, in regards to the times between trims arguments, it depends; what is the ground, the use, the season, and the horse? Common sense, assess the hooves every time you ride or groom and you’ll learn a lot.

[@swissbean1893]

Finally, someone who isnt hating on her for not calling a farrier. Its good to get a proffesional to do the hard stuff, but you should always know how to do some yourself. If you don't, everyone but yourself is knowing how to take care of the horse.

[@eaglecamphomesteadswfl9006]

Becky that was a great review video, thank you for sharing and teaching . My Donkey thanks ya

[@deonhinton2861]

Thanks for taking the time to provide this video.

[@johnhagggard4192]

Thank you for the video. I can't find a farrier to come out for just on horse. Our horse is more of a pasture ornament that gets ridden about once a month so It's hard to justify trailering to a farrier. I wish I would have watched this video before I tried trimming the back. I think I may have taken too much of the sole. It didn't seem to hurt the horse though so maybe it's fine.

[@lindarogers8994]

Hi Becky, why didn't you cut the dead part of the frog away, I would have like to see you do that. Very informative video though.

[@sythex92]

Me watching this and I've never even seen a horse in real life and probably never will but hey, never know when you're gonna have to trim a hoof.

[@katemarshall5855]

i own a wild desert Brumby from south Australia on the northern territory border she has encapsulated feet from the desert and they were self trimming but the place i have her says i need to trim her toes wish i had seen your video sooner id be doing my girl for real all the time. i dont think shed mind if i did two front feet and two back feet with time in between like do front feet go out for abit come back do back feet. when i clean i already give her a walk in a large circle between feet any way so this would be no different.

[@angelarisner5984]

Thanks:-)

[@jamesbach1827]

I have a mare who is resisant. She is terrified of the farrier. Bolting, hyperventilating, kicking. I started gaining her trust and so far her feet look pretty good.

[@dominantshxrk4649]

I dream of living on a homestead someday.

[@sarastilson8669]

Yes farrier work is a skill. However, if you live in a remote area as I do and can't find a farrier this is the best we can do

[@BeckysHomestead]

Trust me the first thing I look at is a horses feet and there are a lot of sloppy, crappy “professional farriers” out there. Learn, practice and do it yourself. I have been trimming horses, minis, donkeys, mules for decades and never a lame step. Giddy up☀️❤️☀️

[@jenny9545horse]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm confused about the bars and i thought you were supposed to knife out the frog so it can clean itself. So use the knife and cut out the back by the heel so it's open.

[@BeckysHomestead]

When you keep the hoof trimmed, no need to “cut” anything out. The frog sheds off every year. Less is more ☀️❤️☀️

[@angeleenaquintero2603]

Yes!!!another horse trimming video!!!😀😄😀😁

[@_.l_m_k._]

Hey

[@jakefisher589]

Can you make more garden videos?

[@jakefisher589]

You should check out Starry hilders off grid homestead and watch her garden videos