The Secrets of Soundness Clinic (& Resources)
The 3-Bell Ranch offers a 2-day hoof trimming clinic based on our book, Secrets of Soundness: A Manual for Natural Horse and Hoof Care.
If you are interested in attending a clinic, drop us a line. We offer private or small-group instruction.
We know most of you are coming from miles away, so we offer accommodations for four over-night people (with or without their horses); additional participants who wish to camp may do so on-site.
From this hands-on clinic you will learn what a correct hoof form looks like and why it is imperative that your horse's feet be maintained correctly and often.
You will learn that hoof cracks, flat feet, under-run heels are no big deal and that, with work and over time, founder, navicular and even ringbone are not death sentences!
You are invited to bring your own horse (BYOH) or mule (BYOM) or learn by trimming one of ours.
In this two-day workshop you will go home with a basic foundation in these skills:
... and you will be able to tell the difference between healthy hoof forms versus those which are causing or will cause the horse to have soundness issues.
If you are interested in attending a clinic, drop us a line. We offer private or small-group instruction.
We know most of you are coming from miles away, so we offer accommodations for four over-night people (with or without their horses); additional participants who wish to camp may do so on-site.
From this hands-on clinic you will learn what a correct hoof form looks like and why it is imperative that your horse's feet be maintained correctly and often.
You will learn that hoof cracks, flat feet, under-run heels are no big deal and that, with work and over time, founder, navicular and even ringbone are not death sentences!
You are invited to bring your own horse (BYOH) or mule (BYOM) or learn by trimming one of ours.
In this two-day workshop you will go home with a basic foundation in these skills:
- how to trim a basic, physiologically correct trim.
- how to handle your tools.
- a few tricks to save your aching back.
... and you will be able to tell the difference between healthy hoof forms versus those which are causing or will cause the horse to have soundness issues.
 You won't need hoof knives...
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 ... but you will want your rasp (and nippers and hoof stand).
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 You will learn some "red flags" of hooves in trouble.
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 You will find there are new dimensions to your relationship with your horse.
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Resources
Why Should Your Horse be Barefoot?
Equinox: Comparison hoof touchdown: same horse shod and unshod
The title says it all.
Final Proof 1 and Final Proof 2
What is the role of the frog in soundness? How do shoes impair hoof function? These videos present a compelling argument in favor of "going barefoot."
In this pod-cast interview Robert M Bowker, VMD, PhD. Dr. Bowker discusses research on Osteoporosis, an unrecognized clinical problem in the equine foot.
Sandy Judy Equine Art and Hoofcare
Sandi has a wonderful page that contains informational videos that help one understand the structure of the hoof.
The title says it all.
Final Proof 1 and Final Proof 2
What is the role of the frog in soundness? How do shoes impair hoof function? These videos present a compelling argument in favor of "going barefoot."
In this pod-cast interview Robert M Bowker, VMD, PhD. Dr. Bowker discusses research on Osteoporosis, an unrecognized clinical problem in the equine foot.
Sandy Judy Equine Art and Hoofcare
Sandi has a wonderful page that contains informational videos that help one understand the structure of the hoof.
Horse Hoof Overview
Hoof Trimming for Balance and Performance
This You Tube video clip provides an overview of the hoof suitable to the layman or beginner.
Hoof Care
In this You Tube video, you'll see that a shedding frog is not as scary as it seems!
This You Tube video clip provides an overview of the hoof suitable to the layman or beginner.
Hoof Care
In this You Tube video, you'll see that a shedding frog is not as scary as it seems!
The Art of Trimming
The Barefoot Horse - A Maintenance Trim
This is a demonstration You Tube video in which Hoof Tech, Bill Campanelli of Benson, Vermont demonstrates a maintenance trim. The outstanding quality of the horse's frogs and hoof condition is testament of Bill's skill as a barefoot hoof trimmer.
Montgomery Barefoot Trimming
Here are photos with brief descriptions of a barefoot trim.
SoleMates Tru-Comfort Hoof Stand
KC la Pierre demonstrates positioning and use of his SoleMates hoof stand. (This is the brand of hoof stand I bought and I've been pleased with its performance.)
This is a demonstration You Tube video in which Hoof Tech, Bill Campanelli of Benson, Vermont demonstrates a maintenance trim. The outstanding quality of the horse's frogs and hoof condition is testament of Bill's skill as a barefoot hoof trimmer.
Montgomery Barefoot Trimming
Here are photos with brief descriptions of a barefoot trim.
SoleMates Tru-Comfort Hoof Stand
KC la Pierre demonstrates positioning and use of his SoleMates hoof stand. (This is the brand of hoof stand I bought and I've been pleased with its performance.)
Tools of the Trade
It is my personal recommendation that you spend the money and purchase quality tools. Below are approximate prices for the trimming tool brands I use:
Rasp (Bellota) ($22)
Hoof nippers (12" G.E. Forge Half Round Hoof Nippers brand is superior) ($200)
Gloves (I prefer leather but many people like the rubber Atlas gloves)
Knife sharpener (I use a little fish knife sharpener or a chainsaw sharpener)
Hoof stand such as Hoof Jack or SoleMates ($180)
Hoof Knives (Frederick Dick Ascot Knife: Left AND Right handed) ($25 each) (NOTE: a very curved blade is difficult to control and it can go very deep very quickly. A poor quality blade will drive you crazy and make your job oh-so-very-miserably-difficult)
You can find these tools at "reasonable" prices on the following web sites:
Rasp (Bellota) ($22)
Hoof nippers (12" G.E. Forge Half Round Hoof Nippers brand is superior) ($200)
Gloves (I prefer leather but many people like the rubber Atlas gloves)
Knife sharpener (I use a little fish knife sharpener or a chainsaw sharpener)
Hoof stand such as Hoof Jack or SoleMates ($180)
Hoof Knives (Frederick Dick Ascot Knife: Left AND Right handed) ($25 each) (NOTE: a very curved blade is difficult to control and it can go very deep very quickly. A poor quality blade will drive you crazy and make your job oh-so-very-miserably-difficult)
You can find these tools at "reasonable" prices on the following web sites:
- The Horse's Hoof
- Marshallton Blacksmith Supply
- Georgia Farrier Supply
- Crossroads Farrier Supply (Best price on GE nippers I've found)
- Star Ridge Company
