There are of course many opinions as to what constitutes a "correct" natural trim. As I have continued to trim more and more horses over the past 8 years, my own opinion has gradually changed. It will no doubt continue to change as I continue to learn more from the feet of the horses I trim. The following description can only apply to feet that are not seriously impaired before you begin the trim, in other words a fairly "normal" foot.

Trimming pathological feet will be covered in the section on hoof pathologies (under construction).

At this time I believe the basic parameters of a "good" trim are as follows: (check out the links along the way for more details)

When you are finished, the hoof should be relatively symmetrical with a shape that will encourage breaking over at the center of the toe. The medial (inside) and lateral (outside) heels should be of the same height.

The hair line, level (parallel to the ground) when viewed from the front.

The heels low enough to provide a 30 degree hairline slope when viewed from either side.

The quarters scooped (floated) so that they are slightly passive to the ground.

The toe shape should follow the curvature of the hairline when viewed with the foot on the ground.

The walls should be of equal thickness all the way around unless there was flaring which needed to be removed, or if toes needed backing up in which case the walls may appear to be thinner in those areas when viewed from the bottom.

The frog will comprise approximately 2/3 of the the bottom total length from heel buttress to toe tip.

The bars should be level with the sole and plainly visible.

The sole will be at least somewhat concave and all flaky dead sole removed.

The walls will be level with or very slightly above the level of the sole at their juncture and have a rounded edge or what is known as the mustang roll.

In my opinion there is no need to take any measurements in inches or centimeters to achieve an excellent trim, in fact I feel this practice can be detrimental.

The only measurement I ever take any more is to check the 30 degree hairline slope.

A well trimmed hoof is a beautiful sight.

Before you even start:

The first step is to examine the feet as they are.

Look for uneven wear, medial lateral imbalance and lack of symmetry in shape.

Next observe the horse in movement watching for uneven or out of rhythm steps.

Then watch how the horse stands, is one front foot always behind the other?

Are the feet pointing straight forward or do they toe in or toe out? If they do either is it due to the shape of the foot or is it caused by something further up, check the line up of the joints. Observe if the leg comes down centered on the hoof. These are all things that can greatly affect how the hoof wears consequently also affecting balance.

These things can all be helped if not actually corrected by how you trim.

~Phil