If you’re unsure of where to look to find a barefoot trimmer in your area, or if you’re looking for a second opinion on your horse’s hoof health, here are some options for you to try.
Ask Around
If you have a friend with a barefoot horse, ask them who they use for trims. Your trainer, barn manager, or barn owner may also know of someone who works in the area. It helps if you like the way their barefoot horse is looking and moving! But that’s not the sole judgment of a farrier’s skill (no pun intended. Okay, pun intended a little!)
If you already know who services your area and are looking for another opinion, continue on down this list to find a hoof care provider.
Facebook Groups
There are a few Facebook groups you can post in to find a barefoot trimmer in the United States.
Barefoot Trimmers Only – with 11k+ members and mostly hoofcare professionals in the group, you’re bound to get a response!
Barefoot Trimmers Connect – started specifically with the purpose of connecting owners with barefoot trimmers.
Hoof Care and Rehabilitation – this group is at 29k+ members and growing every day. I am an admin for this page and many of my colleagues are members or admins. Great place to ask questions and look for an excellent farrier near you.
Your Local Equine Facebook Groups – you will likely have the fastest and best responses from people in your area. Specify what exactly you are looking for in your post and when your horse is due next.
Post “ISO farrier/barefoot trimmer/hoofcare provider” in these groups with some details — what you’re looking for, where you’re located, how many horses, etc.
PHCP website
The Progressive Hoof Care Practitioner organization, which I am certified through, also has a list of professional trimmers on their website. See if anyone works in your area here: https://progressivehoofcare.org/directory/.
*If you don’t see any geographical matches, contact someone who works in your state or general area and ask if they know of anyone trimming in your specific area. The barefoot trimming community is small and you’re bound to get an excellent referral.*
The Horse’s Hoof Professional Trimmers List
This is a more extensive list of trimmers all across the country. Look for someone in or near your area. This list includes trimmers of all kinds and methods, so you’ll have to ask some questions to find out if individuals will be a good fit for what you’re looking for. Find the list and search in your state here: https://www.thehorseshoof.com/trimmers.
What to Say
When I’m contacted by a potential client, helpful information for me to know is:
- Location
- Best way to contact you
- How many horses?
- Age + breed
- When are they due / preferred trim or shoeing cycle?
- Shod or barefoot?
- Specific concerns? Vet diagnosis? Hoof health history?
- Anything else you’d like to share
If you’re looking for a referral, the same information is still helpful.
Best of luck finding the perfect hoofcare provider for you and your herd!
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