Hoof care school: why every horse owner should learn about hooves

Every horse owner has probably heard the same advice when it comes to hooves: “Just call the farrier every six to eight weeks, and they’ll take care of the hooves for you.”

But here’s the truth: hooves don’t work like that. They grow and change daily, responding to diet, movement, and environment. If your hoof care professional is the only person paying attention to these changes, you’re fighting a losing battle; problems might be spotted too late, and even then, you as the owner still feel unsure of what exactly is going on.

This is where learning hoof care as an owner matters. Whether you call it barefoot trimming, natural hoof care, or even think of it as joining a hoof care school, one thing is clear: owners are the most important influence on the health of their horse’s hooves.

Why correct hoof care is so important

Healthy hooves are the foundation of a healthy horse. If the feet are weak or uncomfortable, everything else suffers. Correct (and truly effective!) hoof care goes far beyond trimming; it’s about the horse’s whole lifestyle.

Good hoof care means:

• Better movement: strong hooves keep horses comfortable and free-moving.

• Less discomfort: cracks, flares, or stretched white lines are warning signs.

• Longer working life: a horse with healthy hooves stays sound for years to come.

The trim is important, but it’s just one piece of the bigger puzzle.

Different hoof care schools of thought

When you start researching, you’ll quickly notice there isn’t just one method. Every hoof care school, organisation, or trimmer seems to have their own philosophy.

This can feel confusing, especially when you’re new. But here’s what helps:

• Learn from different sources. Don’t rely on one single “guru.” (In fact, if someone claims to be a "guru", maybe stay away from them altogether...)

• Ask why. If someone says, “this is the only way,” challenge it.

• Look at the results. Is the horse comfortable, sound, and improving?

• Do they make sense? Can they explain things to you in a way that you actually understand? This is super important!

No single hoof care school or trimming method has all the answers. Start with a learning source that can explain things in a logical, step-by-step order. Ideally with a person or an organisation that has 'been there, done that' and has the evidence to prove that they have helped horses in real, practical ways. The key is to use common sense, and judge what you learn based on what actually works for your horse.

Why owners should take control

Here’s the game-changer: the most important hoof care professional in your horse’s life isn’t the trimmer or farrier. It’s YOU.

• You see your horse daily. You’ll notice changes long before anyone else.

• You control lifestyle. Diet, movement, and environment are all on you.

• You can act quickly. Six weeks is too long to wait if something’s wrong.

Learning the basics of hoof care empowers you. You don’t have to become a professional trimmer, but you should understand what a healthy hoof looks like, how it functions, and how to make small improvements if needed. This is part and parcel of standard horse ownership.

Take everything with a pinch of salt

The horse world is full of strong opinions. For every hoof care school promoting one “method,” you’ll find another saying the opposite.

The best approach? Learn widely, stay curious, and always put your horse’s comfort first. Don’t get caught up in dogma, but use your head, observe your horse, and take what works.

Where to start if you’re searching for a hoof care school

If you’re googling “hoof care school,” you’ve probably already seen how much noise and contradiction exists online. Some resources are excellent, but others can be misleading or overcomplicated.

That’s why we built Hoof School. It’s a learning space created for everyday horse owners who want clear, practical, down-to-earth knowledge. We teach you what matters, without the drama or jargon, so you can make confident decisions about your horse’s hooves.

Check out our courses here

Final thoughts

Learning hoof care might feel overwhelming at first, but it’s one of the best skills you can develop as a horse owner. You don’t need to know everything at once. Start small, grow your knowledge, and always use common sense. (Our Tier 1 membership is the ideal place to start!)

Remember this: no one cares more about your horse’s hooves than you do. By learning, you’re setting your horse up for comfort, soundness, and a long, happy life.

Ready to take control? Explore our courses at Hoof School today and join a community of owners who are stepping up for their horses’ hooves.