04/24/2025
There isn't nearly as much information in relation to pig hooves as there is for equine, but the premise of this post still stands.
Long-term functionality of the hoof is the goal. Or at least it should be. Learning is uncomfortable. Critiquing your own work is even harder, but the end goal should always remain the same.
We ALL should be constantly learning and adjusting based off of what we learn. Openly embracing that the way you started may not be the way to continue is difficult. It means admitting fault in a sense that you didn't know everything you could at that time.
None of that makes anyone bad. It simply means that you learned. Change is okay. That's the point of life. To change and grow.
Allow yourself that freedom without judgement. When we know better, we do better. 💙
Good Form
It took me a long time to get good at improving long term structural soundness without compromising short term functional soundness. There is a spectrum that every trimmer should be aware of...and honest with themselves about where they fit on it. My margin of error is much smaller than it ever has been, but I’m still trying to improve it with every trim.
Some trimmers leave some wall height at the trim to avoid post trim pain or discomfort. In my opinion ( from experience ) if this is done often, especially when combined with long trim cycles ( over 4 weeks ) it compromises long term form and structural soundness for short term functional soundness. Conversely, if a trimmer is consistently taking the wall tight to the peripheral edge of the sole and the horse is always lame then the heels and frog probably aren’t being shaped properly.
In my opinion, following nature’s example and simulating miles of wear is the best approach. The problem with this is that nature seems very simple when it’s allowed to work; when man interferes with nature’s perfectly balanced system, it can be very complicated to restore sustainability. Where horse’s feet are concerned, the back of the foot is 10 times more complex than the front of the foot. It is very difficult to imitate Mother Nature’s effect on these complex caudal structures. The trimmer has to have a vision in their mind of the perfect balanced system and be able to apply that knowledge incrementally to the distorted version, knowing when to expect more and when to accept less.
Even with this approach there is the possibility of human error. This is due to individual perception. For example, ask 10 people to draw a tree. If you want to make it more like facebook, ask 10 people at a bar to critique the artwork.
It takes lots of open minded observation, mindful trimming, and then more observation to see what is needed for continual hoof development. The foot is the proof. Is the form, function, and performance improving over a long period of time?
- Performance with bad form is not sustainable
- There is no quality of life in good form without performance.
When seeking advice about trimming ask for photo documentation. The more photos, the better. Preferably, multiple case studies with obvious progress made over a long period of time. Beware of one foot wonders, and beware of people who merely parrot others and have no proof. You help people by holding them accountable. This can be uncomfortable but so is listening to their b.s.
It’s easier to find a good foot that makes your trimming look good than it is to make a bad foot good again with your trimming.
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