A well balanced foot will be symmetrical in size and shape and land flat on the ground (figure 1). XLEquine - Better Together. Key points. All domestic horses and ponies require regular foot trimming to prevent hoof distortion and lameness.

The external structures of the hoof don't have nerves or blood vessels, so correct trimming doesn't hurt the horse. Excessive trimming though, can be painful and cause complications, so leave it to an experienced professional farrier that you trust.

A general “rule of thumb” for care of the mature horse includes trimming the non-use horse every 10 to12 weeks, trimming a barefoot horse in use every 3 to 4 weeks and/or trimming and shoeing the shod horse every 6 to 8 weeks.