Becoming a hoof nerd

Last year ( 2025) I decided to take the plunge and really commit to becoming an equine podiotherapist, and am now studying with the Australian College of Equine Podiotherapy.

My intention being to be able to do most of the hoof trimming of my 70 ish Icelandic Horses myself. While I'd been dabbling with trimming horses since I was a kid I finally found that 2025 was the year where all the stars aligned to be able to get away to study for weeks on end. Thankyou to the "home team" that keep everything running while I'm away.

We'd had the most amazing farrier for 15+ years and he passed away leaving a real void in this area. While there are a few very nice farriers or barefoot trimmers in the area, it's just not easy to get onto a regular trimming schedule for so many horses, even if they didn't have full books.

So for me there are lots of benefits of being able to confidently pick up a rasp and nippers and do my own horses.

1. Time - I can trim horses when I feel like it, rather than when a farrier can fit me

2. I am the one is training my little horses for the farrier anyways, so I can train and trim a bit as we go.

3. Cost - I have a lot of horses and hoof trimming is one of my biggest annual bills. Tools aren't cheap either, but it makes sense for me in the long term.

4. Since the course is not just about hoof trimming - it takes in biomechanics, nutrition and other factors to be able to better manage horses, their environment and outcomes. I'm already making changes and plans for how to do things differently in the future.

5. I can be hands on monitoring the quality and health of the herds feet. That should give me an opportunity to change the horses environment to suit.

Since wrapping up the practical sessions in 2025, this year I've got some assignments to do and a bunch of case studies before I am qualified.

Up at the College we also get the opportunities to learn to trim donkey feet! Such sweeties! Their feet are so interesting compared with a horse. The other Mayfield horses are so incredibly patient and generous with us students, helping us to become better trimmers and horse people.

It has also been amazing to have such a super group of fellow students and hoof nerds. They provide endless entertainment, encouragement and share the thirst to learn.

The College also teach owners to pick up tools and learn how to trim their own horses. This can be a super useful skill if you want to keep on top of a horses trim between farrier visits or struggling for some reason to find a trimmer in your area.

Visit The Barefoot Blacksmith for more information about the short trimming workshops.

Amy and the herd