Regular hoof care is critical to maintaining a horse's overall health. Hooves grow continuously grows, like human fingernails. Wild horses cross hundreds of kilometres over all kinds of terrain which naturally keeps their hooves trim and in good health. However, domesticated horses experience a lot of unnatural conditions, such as confinement, and aren’t able to properly wear down their hooves. If a horse’s hooves grow too long and unevenly, the negative effects go beyond just hoof splitting, chipping or breaking. Damage can be done to the internal structure of the hoof and up the tendons, ligaments and even to the skeletal structure of the horse. That's why proper trimming and shoeing are essential to keeping a horse's hooves healthy and at a proper length and angle.

A good farrier will assess your horse's hooves, trim away excess material and ensure that the hoof wall is at the proper length. If you are keeping your horse barefoot, enough hoof wall is left at the ground surface to take most of the weight, preventing the horse from walking on its soles and bruising them. Shoes may or may not be necessary, be sure to discuss your horses’ needs with your farrier as well as the option of boots. By keeping the horse's feet balanced and functioning properly, the hoof will be elastic and resilient, optimizing movement, agility, and hoof health.

Maintaining a horse's overall health and function requires regular hoof care. Horses should have a farrier appointment every 6 to 8 weeks. The average hoof wall grows about ¼ to 3/8 inch per month. Proper trimming and shoeing are essential to keep a horse's hooves healthy and at the right length. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help to keep your horse's hooves in good condition, making your farrier's job easier.

Maintaining a positive relationship with your farrier is crucial for your horse's health and well-being. One key aspect of this relationship is ensuring that you always pay your farrier bills on time. This not only shows respect for your farrier's time and expertise, but it also helps to establish trust between you and your farrier. Another important factor in maintaining a good farrier relationship is being prepared for your horse's appointments. Make sure your horse is caught and ready for the appointment, and consult with your vet if your horse requires sedation.

In addition to being prepared for appointments, it's also important to work on your horse in between appointments. Remember, your farrier is not your horse trainer and your farrier is not being paid to train your horse. By taking these steps, you can help to establish a positive and productive relationship with your farrier, and ensure that your horse receives the best possible care.