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What is Hoof Care?
In simple terms
Hoof care refers to the routine maintenance of a horse’s hooves to ensure balance, structural integrity, and comfort.
This may include trimming, shaping, and — where appropriate — fitting horseshoes. Good hoof care supports weight distribution, movement efficiency, and overall soundness.
In the UK, farriery (including shoeing) is legally restricted to registered farriers under the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975. Only qualified, registered farriers may shoe horses.
Hoof trimming for unshod horses may be carried out by suitably trained practitioners, but shoeing must be performed by a registered farrier.
Hoof care is a specialist practical service, not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis.
How it’s used
Hoof care is typically designed to:
maintain correct hoof balance
prevent overgrowth and distortion
support soundness and movement
reduce strain on joints and tendons
identify visible hoof abnormalities
Appointments are usually scheduled at regular intervals, often every 4–8 weeks depending on growth, workload, and environment.
Where lameness or pathology is suspected, farriers and trimmers work alongside veterinary surgeons.
What animals it’s appropriate for
Hoof care is appropriate for:
Horses
Ponies
Donkeys
Other equines
Frequency and type of care depend on workload, environment, breed, and whether the animal is shod or barefoot.
What animals it’s not appropriate for
Hoof care services are not appropriate for:
diagnosing complex lameness without veterinary involvement
treating underlying medical conditions independently
emergency injuries requiring veterinary intervention
animals requiring sedation unless overseen by a veterinarian
Veterinary care should be prioritised where pain, infection, or structural pathology is suspected.
What people often seek it for
Owners seek hoof care for reasons including:
routine maintenance
preventing cracking, splitting, or imbalance
supporting performance horses
managing barefoot programmes
maintaining long-term mobility
For many equine guardians, regular hoof care is a foundational part of responsible horse management.
What it’s not
Hoof care is not:
veterinary diagnosis
a cure for lameness
appropriate to perform without legal qualification (for shoeing)
a substitute for professional veterinary assessment
Legal and professional boundaries are essential in this field.
Things to consider
When choosing a hoof care professional, it’s helpful to:
confirm Farrier Registration Council registration for shoeing
understand the practitioner’s training and approach
ensure regular scheduling
involve a veterinarian if lameness is present
maintain safe handling practices
In the UK, shoeing horses without registration is illegal.
How to explore this safely
If you’re arranging hoof care:
establish a consistent schedule
monitor your horse’s movement after appointments
discuss workload and environment with the practitioner
seek veterinary input if pain or irregular gait develops
prioritise safe, calm handling during appointments
For most equines, regular, skilled hoof care is essential to long-term comfort and soundness.
Farriers and hoof care practitioners may be listed in our directory. Providers are responsible for clearly describing their registration status, training, and scope of practice.
Important notice
Alternative Pet Health Scotland does not verify or accredit individual qualifications and holds no responsibility for the experience or capability of any person or business listed in this directory.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always make choices appropriate to your animal and circumstances.