Little did I know, but I began the journey through natural hoof care when conventional treatments for my foundered horse were literally a deadend for my horse. Four years later, still being ignorant, I found myself with another foundered horse. Yup, I was killing them with kindness. Only this time I found out about natural hoof trimming. This involves not only a barefoot trim, but looking at and treating the whole horse. Instead of fighting nature, working with it to heal the horse. This second foundered horse, "Lil'Girl", not only missed the deadend exit, but years later is running barefoot across the rocky flint hills of Kansas - healthy, vibrant and with hooves as hard as the rock they travel on. 
After researching and taking clinics with a few different organizations/methods, I weeded through the confusion of barefoot methods out there. I wanted a principled and disciplined method that still took the individual hoof/horse into consideration. Not a cookie cutter method or a "hunch" style of trimming. I took clinics in the Strasser method and also Pete Ramey. Later, when I realized I wanted to become a professional trimmer, I became certified with  Liberated Horsemanship and AANHCP. I am also a Field Instructor for Liberated Horsemanship Barefoot Initiative. Using the mustang of the American Great Basin's hoof and lifeway as a model, we strive to bring out the natural hoof in our domestic horses. It is a principled method working with the whole horse. It's not a quick fix. It's not just a hoof trim. I firmly believe that a barefoot horse properly trimmed along with a natural lifestyle and proper diet is the healthiest thing you can do for your horse. If you want to learn more or think I can help you and your horse, I'd be happy to hear from you.  -Terrie




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Rear hoof     Front hoof
Lil'Girl's hooves today - 3 weeks out from last trim.
Barefoot trimming 'cause it behooves the horse!

The rocky base of the flinthills pastures is seen after a spring burn.