Hot Topic: What trim style do we demonstrate at our Healthy Hoof Clinics?

We've been asked this question a lot lately. Since James was initially trained, in 2000, by Dr. Hiltrud Strasser, some folks have assumed that we are teaching a trim based upon that method. While we greatly appreciate and respect Dr. Strasser, we have followed a personal path of trimming evolution that has taken us in quite a different direction. This was not something we chose deliberately, as much as something that revealed itself to us over time. James' trimming techniques are based predominently upon his personal study of wild horse hooves, together with his experiences of trimming over 200 horses a month since 2000.

We have been influenced by everyone (Jaime Jackson, Dr. Strasser, Pete Ramey, K.C. La Pierre, Gene Ovnicek, Dr. Tom Teskey, and countless hoofcare professionals) along the way, and we are especially finding lots of great "aha" moments coming from our investigation of Dr. Robert Bowker's studies. The best description of James' trim is that it follows the wild horse model. While some aspects of his trimming techniques have a great deal in common with others following this model, there are many differences (sometimes even contradictions), and some elements are quite unique to him.

For instance: though very little sole is removed, when it does need to be removed, it is shaped in a different way than commonly taught - he explains why through an evaluation of the internal structures, best demonstrated by cadaver hoof cross-sections. He believes that hoof mechanism works differently than the traditional model, and most of his trimming is based upon these assumptions. Heels are trimmed to be very supportive and weight-bearing. Bars are shaped in a way that promotes more sole growth, as thickness of sole is a key to soundness! (Soundness is an absolute priority: a sore horse will not weight its hoof properly, and you will not make progress.) The mustang roll is crucial for successful trimming - he explains the science that seems to back this up, why you need to do it fully toe to heel, and the relationship to the coronary connection that seems to be responsible for increased wall thickness. He can now evaluate hoof health based on this coronary connection, and it all ties in with the latest research, and the concept of relieving the peripheral wall loading stresses upon the hoof to create a healthier hoof.

It is important to understand that we are simply trying to share techniques, not teach a "system" or "method" that is exclusively ours. We want to promote the evolution of barefoot.

Look at the examples below - do you think this trimming is too little, or too much, compared to what you do? We'll explain the decisions made in every minute detail, and explore the possibilities. Very little was actually trimmed on the hooves below. When seen live, people are often surprised at the changes made with so little hoof removed - it is all in the details. We believe there is room for different ways and various techniques, and the important things to us are that #1 - the horse is sound, and #2 - the hoof form does not digress (but hopefully improves) over time.

So we hope to see you soon at a Healthy Hoof Clinic, and we can discuss all these ideas in person!!

Below: some examples of James' trims, these have all been trimmed monthly by him for many years. All these horses are 100% sound, barefoot on rocks. I'll get lots more photos up as soon as I have time!

Above: What a fantastic frog for a desert climate horse! This horse had poor quality, shod feet many years ago - but these are the results of 7 years of correct and consistent trimming. This is indisputably a healthy hoof.

Above and Below: 5 yo Morgan gelding, trimmed by James since birth. This horse's parents had small contracted hooves, but his feet are the size of a warmblood's! Look at his heel bulbs - they are amazing! Notice how far forward his frog's central sulcus is - Dr. Bowker has noted that the healthier a hoof is, the further forward that sulcus is. (Wild horses often have the frog central sulcus nearly to the center of the hoof!)

Above and below: Though less healthy than the 2 examples above, this horse has come so far, it is amazing. James battled with severe white line separation on this horse for many years, due to a combination of the horse's living conditions (the soil is very drying), his initial poor hoof quality (came out of shoes), and some trimming techniques that were not helping the situation. Now the white line separation is gone, and this horse is very sound.

Click on the links below for details:

What is a Healthy Hoof Clinic?

Who are James & Yvonne Welz?

Where can I attend a Healthy Hoof Clinic?

Other Frequently Asked Questions...

Register for a Clinic!

The Horse's Hoof Clinics

Clinics Photo Page - photos from our past clinics, and comments from participants!