Natural Barefoot Trimming; The Hoof Guided Method

by Maureen Tierney

Natural Barefoot Trimming; The Hoof Guided Method offers a unique method of barefoot trimming based on reading the hoof. Learn what to trim and what to leave alone in order to allow nature to quickly transform the hoof. The Hoof Guided Method is truly a less is more method based on the theory that a barefoot trim should mimic – or simulate - the action of the ground on the hoof, and that the true purpose of the trim is to stimulate the foot to grow healthy. Simulate and stimulate. Learn to stop micro-managing the hoof and work with nature instead of trying to force man's ideals onto the hoof.The hoof responds to everything it experiences, and that includes trimming. By trimming only what is indicated, then waiting for the hoof to respond, the foot is allowed to transform itself. And it will. The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and expecting different results. The Hoof Guided Method shows you how to read the hoof and get real results in a short amount of time.

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2012

Reviews

[Melanie Nilles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the kindle version of this in about an hour and a half. It's a brief overview of a minimalist approach to barefoot trimming, but as Ms. Tierney says, less is more. I used her advice after reading the book for help on my barefoot boy who has stretching white lines on all four feet and the sole ridge she describes and saw immediate results. In a week since beveling my horse's toes, those sole ridges retracted already into a more concave shape with the rest of the sole.

This is only a start of many trimming books available. I also recommend reading up on Pete Ramey and consulting a barefoot trimmer who doesn't get too invasive in their work. I like Ms. Tierney's point of view and it was written in an easy to understand way. Thank you!

I had to come back and add an observation I recently made. While my horse's front heels decontracted somewhat right out of shoes (only shod on front), they contracted again with some trimming in the fall. Now, it's been a week and a half since I applied Ms. Tierney's simple philosophy that problems in the heels begin in the toes by beveling my boy's toes where needed, and his heels are decontracted massively! I just realized today that the bulge between the heel bulbs is once more flattening but also somewhat cracking as it opens up. I'm not sure if that's supposed to happen that quickly, but between that and thrush treatments, he wants to move out again. It's amazing how something so simple can have such a profound effect. I will definitely be working more on the toes to get to the heels.

[may Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading.

Clear writing, helpful illustrations.
Maureen Tierney sets out a clear position on how the hoof should be trimmed based on how the hoof works. You may disagree with her and leave it all to the farrier, but by the end of this book your understanding of how this essential, and complex extremity is structured and the forces at play.

[Diana Ricketts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish my barefoot trimmer had read this book

This concisely and clearly written book should be required reading for dogmatic barefoot trimmers who keep trimming over aggressively without ever seeing improvement of thin soles, separation, problematic angles, cracks, and underrun heels.

[Belinda JE Daws · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this years ago, and I remember the changes in my horses’ hooves after applying what I learned. Great book, and worth the re-read.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this. It totally explains the difference between my new trimmer and the previous one, and that it's not "oh, that's just the way her hooves are, they'll always flare like that," but it actually has to do with the last guy constantly rasping her toes away and removing the flares from the outside. Fi can have normal feet too, even at 15!