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Is now the time for the barefoot trimming industry to be regulated?

In our latest H&H subscriber-exclusive investigation into issues affecting the equestrian world today, H&H senior news writer Becky Murray looks into the laws governing who is allowed to trim horses’ feet, which professional organisations are involved, and whether regulation is needed...

  • Going barefoot is a topic that can generate heated discussions in the equestrian world.

    Many top showjumpers compete on surfaces barefoot, and it is widely accepted that not all horses need to wear shoes. But that decision should be based on the individual horse and discussed with its hoofcare provider.

    The debate perhaps should not be whether shod or unshod is best, but who is delivering that service. In the UK, only a qualified and registered farrier can legally prepare the foot of a horse for the immediate inception of a shoe and fit a shoe by nailing or otherwise.

    But there is no regulation on who can trim a horse’s hooves, so a person does not need to hold any qualifications, registration or insurance. A person who has never been around a horse can legally offer a trimming service and charge money for this – as can a farrier who has been removed or suspended from the Farriers Registration Council’s (FRC) register.

    • Do you feel that the barefoot trimming industry should be regulated? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, and nearest town and county, for consideration for publication on our letters page.

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