My barefoot adventure

09/06/2026

I really love this explanation!

Not because the information is new, but because it’s communicated in a way that people can actually comprehend.

We need more of this 🙌

One of the most persistent pieces of misinformation circulating on social media is the claim that the Suspensory Apparatus of the Distal Phalanx (SADP) does not exist.

The argument usually goes something like this:

“If the coffin bone is suspended by the lamellae, then once laminitis occurs the bone should continue to drop through the hoof capsule. Because that doesn’t happen, the SADP must not exist.”

The problem with this argument is that it treats laminitis as an all-or-nothing event.

In reality, endocrinopathic laminitis is typically a progressive failure of the lamellar attachment. Insulin-induced damage does not usually cause every lamella to fail simultaneously. Some lamellae become weakened, some fail, and many remain attached.

Think of a suspension bridge.

If a few cables fail, the bridge doesn’t immediately collapse into the river. The remaining cables continue to carry the load. The structure may deform and become less stable, but it still functions because many of the supporting cables are still intact.

The same principle applies within the hoof.

Even when laminitis has caused displacement of P3, many lamellar attachments may still be functioning and carrying load. Those remaining attachments can be sufficient to prevent catastrophic descent of the bone through the sole.

This is why we commonly see varying degrees of rotation and distal displacement in endocrinopathic laminitis rather than complete collapse of the suspensory apparatus.

Catastrophic failure, where the bone penetrates the sole, is a different situation altogether. That level of structural failure is most commonly associated with severe, advanced disease where the remaining attachments are no longer capable of supporting the load.

The fact that a bone does not continue to plunge through the sole is not evidence that the SADP doesn’t exist.

It is evidence that enough of the suspensory apparatus is still functioning to support the bone.

The real question is not whether the SADP exists.

The real question is how much of it is still working.

08/06/2026

It’s an interesting time to be a hoofcare professional… information is more accessible than ever. But it’s also really confusing.

There’s so much information out there, and everyone has a voice, experienced professionals, newer practitioners, horse owners, Betty Sue who got her first pony last week, and now AI too, it’s getting harder to know what to believe.

AND we’re seeing more and more conflict.

Hoofcare is a huge topic, covering biomechanics, diet, environment, pathology, maintenance, physiology, management, and on top of all of that, you’ve got people.

And not just any people… horse people 🤪

When hoofcare professionals speak with absolute certainty (or in opposition) about just one part of this topic, it doesn’t stay as debate. It creates confusion for owners who are already trying to navigate a complex topic.

And that’s where we need to be careful. Because it’s not always a case of one side being right and the other wrong.

I’ve learned from people focused on diet, lifestyle and environment, those focused on anatomy and physiology, those with various opinions on shape, proportions and angles, those with long term case studies, success stories, and those focused on comfort and performance.

None of these perspectives are useless. They have all helped to build a more complete picture.

I’ve been asked, “Who do you follow?”

The honest answer is… no one and everyone.

I value the foundation I received from IBEM, I take bits and pieces pieces from many, I question things, I chat with my friends, I get feedback from the horses I trim, I adapt my trim to what works for me and my clients, and I keep learning.

Different views aren’t the problem. It’s how those views are communicated, that matters. We don’t need less discussion. We need more humility and compassion within it.

If there is one thing I am certain of, it’s that the foot doesn’t exist in isolation. It doesn’t separate itself into physiology, biomechanics, environment, or management. It is all of those things at once, and when our perspective becomes too focused on proving a point, we lose balance.

At some point, perspective stops being theory and becomes practice. It plays out in real outcomes for horses and owners when important factors are overlooked.

We should learn from each other, not tear each other down, because more than one piece of the puzzle can be true at the same time.

In the meantime I’ve got my popcorn out 🍿👀

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 ❤️

21/04/2026

Spot the difference 👀

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. 

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.

🤎🤎🤎🤎

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 😅

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).

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.

08/11/2022

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