Barefoot Trimming Group First Meeting

Last month saw the first get together of the Barefoot Trimming Group.  This group was formed with the intention of sharing ideas, expertise, tips and resources in order to improve the standard of trimming among horse owners and professionals alike.  It is aimed at anyone who is interested in trimming whether they do it themselves or have a professional that does it for them.  The first get together took place in Tulla, Co. Clare and was hosted by Christine Kiefer who provided lots of cakes and refreshments.  There were 11 people there who ranged from complete beginner – where the shoes have recently come off but nothing else has been done – to the professional trimmer.  There was everything in between and so there was lots of chatting and ideas exchanged.  People came from Roscommon, Limerick, Clare and Tipperary and were full of enthusiasm and very anxious to learn so that their horses will be even more comfortable.

Two groups there had a track system which is aimed at providing proper hoof wear by ensuring plenty of movement for the horses on a daily basis. And it was interesting to hear that one of the group didn’t have to trim very often as a result of this track being used and enjoyed by the horses and ponies.  We had time to introduce ourselves and to look at each other’s books and watch a little of the Pete Ramey intro DVD before settling back into little groups to pick each others brains.

Pouncing on the one professional trimmer there, Lorraine Daly, it was interesting that everyone there was happy to think about booking her in to trim some or all of the time for their horses. It really seems that people are not necessarily focussed on doing the trimming themselves – rather they are doing it themselves in the absence of having some one appropriate to do the job for them.  Lorraine also mentioned that she does clinics and we will be organising one in the near future so that everyone can improve the standard of trimming that they do.

The next get together will also be in Clare but after that it was proposed that we move to other counties so that some people get a break from travelling too far. This will be on the 14th of May.  The second get together will be more of a hands on affair with the chance to look at some healthy hooves and to share ideas on handling, how best to use the tools and ideas on how to do a good maintanence trim. It was suggested that we stick to healthy hooves for a while and to not get carried away looking at damaged and unhealthy ones.  There will be another experienced trimmer on hand that day for questions and tips.

The level of interest in the trimming group has already been huge and many people who were interested just couldn’t make the first get together.  Awareness of barefoot trimming is obviously growing in Ireland and hopefully there will be more professionals coming on line to meet the demand.

Keep an eye of the front page of Courting the Horse and on the FACEBOOK page for more updates on the Trimming Group.