01/27/2026
Why I can trim any horse…. And so can you!
While I was back in AZ, I got to work on some client horses who had a bad rap for being “difficult” for trims again. With a patient and cooperative approach, I had successfully done trims on these horses for months, but they rapidly reverted back to previous behaviors with new professionals when I moved.
I’m talking rearing, kicking, snatching and slamming hooves down… the whole deal.
This got me thinking about why that would be. Why “just a little girl” could trim the horses that were downright unmanageable for everyone else. And why the horses struggled with others, when they did relatively well for me.
I realized it all boils down to my mindset. I have a few key beliefs when it comes to hoofcare that allow me to trim almost any horse with minimal struggle.
Number 1:
Horses are communicating with every behavior they present to me, even the dangerous ones.
When we view behavior as simply communication, we do not allow our own emotions to get in the way of the conversation. I don’t take the horse’s behavior personally, and therefore don’t get upset because it doesn’t mean anything about me.
Number 2:
Horses want to cooperate with me. Horses don’t have ‘attitudes’ and don’t want to fight with me.
This goes hand in hand with the first one. I don’t believe there is a domestic horse out there who isn’t trying to cooperate with humans on some level.
Horses are master energy readers. And I believe horses know the truest intentions in your heart. So when my intention is to help them in a cooperative way, they typically accept it.
Number 3:
I can communicate with horses and they understand me clearly.
This is true of every human being. Everyone has the ability to create an intention and talk with horses on an energetic level. But this only works when we truly believe it.
This doesn’t mean every horse will obey my commands automatically. There is nuance. But I can typically come to a mutual understanding with a horse around their hoofcare with some explanation on my part, just like I would with a human.
Number 4:
A horse’s past behavior doesn’t define the present. Meaning that just because they’ve had a hard time in the past, they don’t have to struggle in the present.
When we hold onto the stories we tell of a horse’s past, there is little room for them to change. I work with the horse I have in front of me, not the horse from yesterday or a week or a year ago.
This belief opens the door for new opportunities and experiences for the horse and for humans too!
Number 5:
I take responsibility for my own emotions and thoughts and do not expect my clients or the horses to take care of them.
If I am frustrated or having a downright bad day, I don’t expect others to change in order to calm me. And I don’t let their behaviors frustrate me.
This responsibility allows me to step back and center myself, instead of taking it out on the horse when things aren’t going to plan. I am not perfect by any means, but this belief enables me to not worry about working with a difficult horse because I am ultimately the creator of my experience.
These beliefs are my most important tools as a hoofcare provider.
And coincidentally, they also allow me to run my business in a way that feels coherent and safe for everyone involved, especially the horses. They help me to create the life I want to create regardless of the outside world.
Hoofcare doesn’t have to be a fight because my mindset is centered around cooperation and mutual understanding. Horses are extremely smart and expressive, and it is incredible to form a working relationship and understanding with them. And they are the reason why this “little girl” can trim any horse... and you can too!
I am now offering coaching to help you discover your own powerful beliefs and develop your powerful mindset around horses. Contact me to find out how I can help you!
