What is a Natural Performance Barefoot Trim?
The Natural Performance Barefoot Trim, is a trim designed to reflect the interior anatomy of the hoof, as well as the feet of healthy wild horses - this creates a hoof that has all the functions nature intended. This trim creates a hoof that is healthy and functional for any activity you may want to do with your horse - including mountain trail riding & equestrian sports where shoes are usually considered necessary. A healthy, balanced and conditioned hoof is far superior to a shod hoof.
How much do you know about your horse's feet?
Are your horse's feet healthy?
Are you unsure of what a healthy hoof looks like?
When you look at your horse's feet what do you see?
Do you see a hoof that is symmetrical, or is it oblong?
No matter what you do, do your horse's feet crack or split?
When you pick out your horse's feet, do they smell?
Are your horse's strides stiff and choppy?
These are a few of the issues that all horse owners have had at one point or another. The real question is, how do we fix these issues?
There are three key ingredients for, not only healthy feet but a healthy horse as well.
Feed: Horses are grazers and require grass or grass hay.
Movement: Being grazers horses are movers. They tend to move more at night than during the day.
Trims: Regularly scheduled trims. 4-6 weeks. The feet do not stop growing in the winter.
Successful Barefoot Trimming is a process. It takes time to rehabilitate a hoof to reflect health.
Every horse has a story that is told with their feet and reflected in their body. Barefoot trimming can help solve lameness; eliminate the effects of laminitis and founder; and solve body issues in the horses frame.
Yet none of this is done without the help of YOU, the owner. For with horses that have issues, it's a team effort to enable your horse to heal as quickly as possible, many pathologies take time to develop - meaning they can take time and work to resolve.
It's more than just trimming.... I educate clients about their horse's feet, this is also part of the trim. Owners that better understand their horse's feet, end up with not only healthier hooves, but healthier horses.
Set-up trims consist of an evaluation, not only the feet but movement as well.
Before and after photos are taken to see the changes and to use as a reference in future trims.
The hoof of a wild stallion
Sharon Leney
403-392-4452
happyhoof@hotmail.ca
Trimming Services & Clinics
All my clients are on a 6-week schedule Oct - April, at which time it will change to a 5-week rotation. When possible your horses next trim is booked before leaving the premises.
Trim cost: $65* plus travel ($0.70/km where applicable)
Testimonials
“Sharon is the best trimmer I have ever worked with. Literally has saved lives for me, of horses who would have been put down due to hoof problems. I run a busy training stable and her expertise with trimming, and her kindness towards the horses is an invaluable part of our program. Whether it’s correcting a deformity or pathology, or making sure that our performance horses are at the top of their game - there is no one I trust more than Sharon with our horses’ feet.”
““Whiskey could hardly walk before Sharon started trimming her. It was so bad that I thought that I was going to have to put her down. There was a noticeable difference after the very first trim Sharon did, and now a year later I’m riding Whiskey in the mountains.””
““Pickles is a dwarf who developed a hoof deformity very early in life. His hooves collapsed on themselves and he ended up walking on his pasterns. Sharon was able to help restore some of the natural shape of Pickles’ hooves and his legs get straighter every day.””
“Sharon has been mentoring me in trimming my own horses feet for the past year. I’ve taken courses and clinics in the past but never had the confidence to continue trimming until now. Sharon, thank you for sharing your wisdom, knowledge resources and even tools to help support me as I learned. I have progressed from struggling to trim one horse with assistance to trimming two independently and getting a little help with our draft cross (those big feet count as at least two regular horse hooves!). Her hooves used to break down and crack within 2 weeks of a professional trim, which would be explained away as “just because she’s a heavy horse”. She hasn’t had anymore episodes of hoof wall cracking with Sharon’s techniques; the horse is all the evidence I need. I appreciated that Sharon has always been willing to stop in whenever I needed help with a trim and always arrives on time as scheduled. Thanks Sharon!!!”
“The knowledge I gained from attending Sharon’s hoof trimming clinic will save years of riding life for my mare & I’m proud to say I’m doing the work (learning what to do and following through)! Her clinic was also great to enhance & take the hoof into depth to add to what I’ve learned as a certified equine therapist, equine first aid & other related safety course instructor. I highly recommend Happy Hoof Inc. for clinics and hoof trimming.”
“Sharon is a phenomenal trimmer and an equally amazing teacher! If you are looking for a hoof care professional, are interested in learning how to trim, or just seeking more information so you can play an active roll in your own horses hoof care, I highly recommend Sharon.”
“The Pathology and Trim Clinic is the perfect balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Sharon is an engaging clinician, and it was truly a privilege to learn from such a dedicated practitioner. The opportunity to work on cadaver hooves and then on a living horse under the careful instruction of Sharon is an invaluable experience that I recommend to all. The knowledge gained from the clinic is empowering, giving horse owners not only the ability to assess hoof structures and pathologies, but also positions them to better advocate for their horses. Truly one of the best investments I have made in my equine education!”