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Home > Articles > What Is The Whole Horse Trim™?
What Is The Whole Horse Trim™?
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The Whole Horse Trim™ is a technique of hoof trimming that balances the
hoof in a physiologically correct alignment, creating a ground-parallel coffin bone
and allowing hoof mechanism. The term "hoof mechanism" refers to the expansion of
the hoof upon weight bearing which enhances circulation inside the foot and allows
the hoof to grow strong and resilient. The horse's hoof is the third most vascular
organ in his body, which serves as a heart-supporting circulatory pump. Allowing the
horse to have hoof mechanism is vital to the horse's overall well-being. Since the
horse's heart is relatively small, it must rely on active hoof pumping for adequate
circulation throughout its body. The application of shoes and the practice of incorrect
trimming prevents hoof mechanism, resulting in reduced circulation within the hoof.
The Whole Horse Trim™ has evolved from the study of the hooves of Bureau of
Land Management mustangs. These horses, when left to their own devices, roam wild in
family bans, forage, find water and reproduce bountifully. They travel from 10 to 50
miles a day in rigorous conditions not often found in domestic settings. The balance,
thickness and durability in feral hooves has been studied and documented. Through the
Whole Horse Trim™ many riders are getting amazing performance from their barefoot horses.
We see these horses more and more commonly in show circuits, in competitive trail riding,
and even packing in the rugged high country!
The naturally trimmed bare hoof will have excellent and superior shock absorption.
The hoof will not be susceptible to navicular disease or syndrome, founder, thrush or other
hoof problems that maim our horses all too frequently. A slight case of laminitis will
cause no more problems than a headache.
The Whole Horse Trim™ is not easier for the owner than shoeing. It is a more
complex, time-consuming trim, which must usually be done more often than shoeing unless
the horse gets a great deal of movement. Because of the frequency of the trim, it isn't
a money saving move unless the owner learns to do some of the interim trimming him or/herself.
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