Around fifteen years ago, I became interested in more natural horse care and management methods. While attending equine acupressure school, I met a woman who was a professional barefoot trimmer, and that inspired me to learn more about barefoot, and eventually, start trimming my own horses’ feet. I studied the methods of Pete Ramey and Jamie Jackson, in particular, buying both of their books and reading them cover to cover. I also read anything and everything related to barefoot trimming that I could find online.
Fortunately, my husband had attended farrier school back in his teens and was able to give me some pointers along the way, but I quickly learned that the “pasture trim” that he was taught to do was somewhat different from the barefoot trim that I was learning.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve been trimming my horses’ feet (along with the occasional outside horse) for well over a decade. It’s hard but rewarding work, and I must say I take a sense of pride in being able to do it myself because for so long, I was dependent on someone else to do it for me.
Whether you’re wanting to learn to trim yourself or just want to learn more about barefoot hoof care, in general, I thought I would share some helpful resources that I’ve referred to time and again over the years.
5 Barefoot Hoof Care Online Resources
1.) Hoof Rehabilitation Specialists
This is Pete Ramey’s website and I highly suggest reading everything under the “Articles” tab.
2.) Jaime Jackson NHC Services
On this site, you’ll find information on barefoot hoof trimming organizations, links to related Facebook pages, information on Paddock Paradise, and more.
3.) Progressive Hoofcare Practitioners (PHCP)
Here, I recommend checking out the “Learn” tab under the menu. Also, join the forum if you’re interested in joining a community of horse owners involved in barefoot hoof care.
4.) Hoof Geek
Hoof Geek has a great blog with all kinds of information about natural hoof and horse care.
Joe Camp’s website is a great resource for natural horse care, in general, but there is also a tab labeled “Bare Feet” with good information on hoof care.
So those are my top 5 recommended resources for barefoot hoof care. Of course, if you have one to share as well, please do so in the comments!
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