Often, it can feel like we are using a lot of trial and error when it comes to hoofcare. Each horse is so different, and the ways they respond are so nuanced, that it can be hard to know where to start to get improvement!
Add on top of that, many professionals have varying opinions based on their experiences, training, and background, and things can get confusing. Some people strongly believe in trimming around the center of rotation, others believe in ensuring a straight hoof pastern axis, others might work based on biomechanics and movement, and still others might use a blend of any of these (and more!) based on the horse and the case. And of course, as with most things, you will even sometimes see heated discussions on which is best to do.
As a professional myself, I will say that I have hoofcare providers and veterinarians in most of the major “hoofcare camps” – all of which I consider friends and respect very much! I wanted to open the dialogue between different ideas and see why various people do what they do with hooves.
I’ve noticed that Yogi Sharp, The Equine Documentalist, is incredibly familiar with research around hoofcare and reached out to him to see if he would be willing to talk about some studies that influence HIS own approach to the horses he sees.
