TLC Hoof Trimming

11/09/2025

An excellent example of a toe callous on a barefoot OTTB. The toe callous serves as a protective structure for the tip of the coffin bone and the blood flow that runs along it.

This horse largely self trims, and is kept on 10 acres with horsey friends. It just goes to show how mimicking the wild horse's lifestyle is beneficial to domesticated horses.

11/07/2025

11/03/2025

As requested, a finished trim of a hoof with retracted sole with accompanying hoof wall separation. This mare also has some high-low syndrome going on, and this hoof is her "low" hoof. Thusly, extra care to keep her heel height as high as possible is necessary. Ideally, her toe would also be farther back on this hoof, but with the pathology of the retracted sole and potential for soreness, it was not worth the risk to her soundness.

10/30/2025

Anyone have any tips or tricks on getting cute trimming pics? Asking for a friend 😅 🤞🏻 😅

10/29/2025

For long ear lovers! 🫏

In an attempt to offset several vet bills and personal medical bills on top of being furloughed, I am offering some seminars and clinics.

10/29/2025

Lola isn’t taking quality assurance too seriously today, and figures that resting while on the clock is an acceptable pastime instead.

10/28/2025

10/26/2025

The first 2 pictures are before & after from June 4. The last photo is August 29th.

Drastic improvements can be made from simple principles of orienting the hoof around the center of rotation. Without excessive pull from the toe, the heel is able to develop. Strain on the pastern and fetlock joints (and corresponding soft tissue structures) is relieved with less incidence of pathology in the long term.

https://tlchooftrimming.com/services/

10/25/2025

Before & after of an extreme bullnose. After the trim, this mare was comfortable enough to stand square on this hind hoof. Without so much pull from the toe and displacement from a shallow plantar angle, the heel height can begin to develop and gain height. This mare will be able to use her limb and body more comfortably by simply orienting the hoof around the center of rotation.

10/21/2025

I’m thinking of putting on a clinic this fall/early winter in NE Tucson for owners/beginner trimmers. What topics would you find interesting? What aspects of equine hooves would you be interested in learning more about?

10/14/2025

Identifying Retracted Soles

With this huge storm system passing through Tucson, I figured it was a great opportunity to discuss retracted soles again.

This phenomenon occurs in very dry and also very wet conditions. It occurs because the sole gets stuck up under the coffin bone. Horses present with symptoms similar to thin soles and can be very tender without support. These symptoms can occur after a trim or even later in the trim cycle such as after a rain.

Extra care is needed when trimming a horse with retracted soles, and a skilled hoof care provider can keep them comfortable until the phenomenon resides.

I have found that retracted soles generally go hand in hand with hoof wall separation, so careful measures need to be taken to address both pathologies simultaneously.

https://tlchooftrimming.com/services/