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Hoof Trimming

With no hoof, there is no horse.

As a specialist in barefoot hoof trimming, I provide personalised hoof care for your horse or donkey and work with veterinarians to give your maned friend the best quality care.

There are many benefits to barefoot trimming. In many cases it helps the horse achieve an optimum hoof that is able to adapt to and cope with the environment in which it is living. I’ll help to pinpoint any issues with your horses’ hoof, help you identify lameness and recommend the best course of hoof care.

Being an advocate for barefooting my preference is this, however I will always recommend what is best for you and your horse.

Understanding the hoof

To understand trimming, we need to first understand the hoof. The capsule protects the coffin bone and is a dynamic structure that can adapt and change according to stressors and pressure. The hoof capsule is like an upside-down cone that flexes in all directions when the horse is in movement and the hoof strikes the ground with each foot-fall. We want to promote this flexion however I have found that in many cases, if the hoof is incorrectly balanced or has grown out of balance, the hoof capsule torques and this creates issues.

With correct understanding of the hoof function we can promote optimum flexion and help eliminate torque.

I see lame horses every day and yet many owners are unable to detect lameness or know what lameness is. Learn how to recognise a lame hoof so we can better understand why your horse is showing signs of lameness and start an appropriate course of action.

Finding balance with hoof trimming

Correct trimming helps balance not only the hoof capsule but also the entire leg. I consider the balance in relation to the static horse standing still as well as balance for the dynamic moving horse in its various gaits of walk, trot, canter and gallop.

To achieve this balance, I adjust the hoof capsule by trimming it while keeping in mind four key areas:

  • Front to back, or heel to toe balance
  • Side to side, or medial/lateral balance
  • Consistency of width of the hoof wall (including the laminae/white line)
  • Shape of the ground bearing surface of the hoof capsule matching the shape of the coronet band for that individual hoof.

Shoeing your horse

In some cases, and for certain disciplines, I will recommend to my clients that their horse be shod. I usually arrive at this after careful consultation with you and after we have tried available alternatives. In this event I work with local farriers and continue to care for your horse when the shoes are no longer required.

Book a consultation or hoof trim

If you’re in the Ballarat region & along the Western Highway area from Ballan to Stawell and in need of a horse trimming specialist you can trust and who your horses will love, contact Martin Godwin Equine.

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View my other services Boot Fitting  |  Equine Massage  |  Saddle Fitting

The people who trust me with their horse

Martin actually really cares about the horses and is passionate about his work. He is very reliable, always here when he says he will, so no waiting around for him! We always have a laugh and some good discussions. But best of all my horses are always sound. Thanks Martin!

L. McLaren - Ballan

I’ve been using Martins service for the past 6 years and I have always found him to be reliable, professional and has a fantastic manner with my horses and all their different personalities. Martin is very knowledgeable and keeps up with modern practices which greatly benefits my horses in their disciplines. Highly recommend Martin.

C. Blackley - Ararat

I have been using Martin Godwin for a very long time. His very reliable and always on time.  Excellent with horses, as he truly understands them. My big babies truly love him. I am a Clydesdale breeder and my horses feet are well cared for.  Martin truly is a genius with horses’ feet.  I highly recommend him. I have never ever been disappointed with Martin.

C. Caps - Beaufort

If you want a farrier who is always on time, kind, patient, trims and balances their hooves to perfection. Plus has knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lower limb and teaches you and your equines every visit. Martin Godwin should be your farrier as he has been my farrier for 13+ years for my Clydesdales, mini ponies, mini donkeys and mammoth donkeys.

C. Trotter - Winchelsea

Martin, Best Trimmer Ever!  8 years ago, I made the decision to go barefoot and after extensive research on qualified barefoot trimmers, I decided to contact Martin. I have been using Martin ever since and I continue to be impressed with Martin’s professionalism and reliability. My horses’ hoofs have never looked better, Martin continually demonstrates genuine care and pride in his trimming and hoof care of my horses. Martin has excellent horse handing skills and I cannot recommend him highly enough.

M. Cooper - Gordon

Martin has been trimming my horses for 6 years now. He does a fantastic job (even with my sometimes difficult horse). Both my horses and dogs love him and he’s always on time. Martin would easily be the most reliable farrier I’ve dealt with in over 25 years of owning horses.

S. Morris – Mt Egerton

Martin builds a bond with the horses and they interact well with him. The appointments are always met and he is never late. Martin can be trusted to look after your equine friends to the highest standards of hoof care. Certainly recommend!

S. Ryan – Great Western

Martin has been trimming all of my horses’ feet for many years. He is a man of great integrity, always reliable, punctual and honest.  He demonstrates compassion to all horses and humans.  Everyone of my horses’ feet have improved considerably in condition and strength with Martin’s expert trimming and advice.  His dedication to his craft and the safety of the horse and owner during the trimming process is commendable.  With the added bonus of great conversation, he is my first recommendation as a barefoot trimmer.

J. Van Opstal – Ararat

A farrier that has a diary, books you in advance and turns up!  Martin has a fabulous relationship with the horses and his attention to detail and work overall is to be applauded. The horses’ wellbeing is his priority, couldn’t be happier.

H. Tatchell - Ballan