My barefoot adventure

My barefoot adventure Barefoot trimming with an emphasis on hoof mechanism and correct forces on the hoof capsule.

I’ve been thinking about the reality of being a hoof trimmer and the cost that comes with it. It’s not just financial, b...
04/06/2026

I’ve been thinking about the reality of being a hoof trimmer and the cost that comes with it. It’s not just financial, but physical and mental. This work is hard on the body and has a higher risk of injury than most jobs, and pays less than many other trades. There are many unpaid hours, and client support outside work hours. There’s no sick leave, holiday pay, and no guaranteed income.

Trimming is an appointment based service, like getting a haircut. AND like going to the hairdresser payment is expected on the day. When I was a kid we always had the cash ready for the farrier when he arrived. Trusting clients to make online payments doesn’t change the payment terms.

The text message above suggests this client values his own time more than mine? 🤨

This is a reminder that respectful communication and timely payment will help keep your trimmer (farrier/vet/bodyworker) coming back!

On a positive note, recently a client baked me a cake to say thank you after a tricky trim. Stuff like this shows how appreciated we are by most of our clients ❤️

Spot the difference 👀
21/04/2026

Spot the difference 👀

I’m a hoofcare professional not an equine dietitian… but often end up giving guidance on diet as part of my job, BECAUSE...
19/04/2026

I’m a hoofcare professional not an equine dietitian… but often end up giving guidance on diet as part of my job, BECAUSE there’s such a strong link between diet and hoof quality.

AND this time of year needs extra awareness!

Autumn pasture can be:
☘️ High in potassium
🌱 High in nitrogen (crude protein)
☘️ Lower in fibre
🌱 Lower in magnesium

That combination can create an inflammatory response, even in horses that don’t show obvious metabolic problems in blood tests. Insulin matters, but it’s only one factor in laminitis.

When I ask clients to consider their horse’s access to pasture, I’m asking them to consider inflammation and the suitability of their pasture, because it directly influences hoof health.

Don’t ignore what your horse is telling you:
If your horse is sometimes happy walking over stones but sometimes looks careful or tender…
If you’re picking up a digital pulse day after day…
If they’re just not quite right…

Those are warning signs.
Do your own learning and consider your horse as an individual.

📸 Not every setup looks like this, but here is a great example of one client’s thoughtful management for an at risk horse. 

It’s always a pleasure to trim for my youngest client (aged four).Today she was out with her gorgeous little miniature p...
09/04/2026

It’s always a pleasure to trim for my youngest client (aged four).

Today she was out with her gorgeous little miniature pony NV and making fun out of the awful weather we’ve been having. What started as a beautifully dressed little girl quickly turned into a full on ‘mud monster’…. let’s just say she fully committed and ended up completely covered in mud from head to toe.

🤎🤎🤎🤎

Thanks Aimee for joining us, and for the great photos! So glad you had fun - nothing like a cadaver hoof to make learnin...
18/01/2026

Thanks Aimee for joining us, and for the great photos! So glad you had fun - nothing like a cadaver hoof to make learning memorable 😅

🐴 Barefoot Trimming Available 🐴I have a few openings available for new horses in Pyes Pa and surrounding areas. No heavy...
07/11/2025

🐴 Barefoot Trimming Available 🐴
I have a few openings available for new horses in Pyes Pa and surrounding areas. No heavy breeds (my back isn’t up to handling the big ones anymore sorry).

When you message a client to cancel their trimming appointment and you get a care package personally delivered to your d...
03/01/2023

When you message a client to cancel their trimming appointment and you get a care package personally delivered to your door ❤️

Thanks to my wonderful clients for their flexibility and understanding over cancelled trimming appointments due to this silly body of mine!

Also grateful for my trimming buddy who came and trimmed my own 5 horses last week… when they became embarrassingly overdue eek!

Definitely feeling the love 🥰

I hope to be back trimming soon so I can wish you all a happy new year in person.

Did you know we trim donkeys too?Thanks to student trimmer Keeley for the awesome photo 🙂
08/11/2022

Did you know we trim donkeys too?
Thanks to student trimmer Keeley for the awesome photo 🙂

09/08/2022

I took this pic midway through trimming the front feet. This horse stays on a strict 4 week schedule and you can see how much growth we have even in that short time. (hooves grow fast here this time of year) The untrimmed foot doesn't necessarily LOOK overgrown but it still needed a trim. You can see, by contrast with the trimmed foot, that there was a lot of toe that needed to come off. All of this to say "don't wait until your horse looks like he's due for a trim before you get his feet done". If your horse looks due for a trim then he is most likely OVERDUE. I'm thankful that my clients understand this very important concept.

Natural Horsemanship Yard/GrazingPyes Pa, Tauranga * 20x40m sand arena* 20m sand round yard * Horsemanship obstacles * T...
10/07/2022

Natural Horsemanship Yard/Grazing
Pyes Pa, Tauranga

* 20x40m sand arena
* 20m sand round yard
* Horsemanship obstacles
* Tack room
* Undercover tie up area
* Picnic table and BBQ area
* Winter grazing (paddocks reserved)
* 25 acres of grazing and paddock riding
* 10 minutes from Tauranga Crossing & The Lakes
* 15 minutes to TECT Park

Horses live barefoot and coverless in a big herd/large paddocks.

We honour the 3 F’s:
* Freedom, to move and act naturally.
* Friends, allowed to be social/herd dwelling animals.
* Forage, access to grass and/or hay.

Relaxed, friendly, supportive, non competitive culture with owner and 3 other wonderful grazers using the facility. Rope twirlers and positive reinforcement crowd welcome!

Horses must respect electric tape.
Responsible horse owners only please who are able to check in on their own horses most days, and lend a hand from time to time feeding out hay and moving tapes.

Long term grazing only please.
Bond and contract applies.

3 places available. $75/week (per horse).
Preferably all new horses will arrive on the same day to make integration into the herd smoother.

Address

Betty May Drive, Pyes Pa
Tauranga
3173

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