My horse spent his first 6 years barefoot (but the farrier wasn't too good), then with rocky trails I put front shoes on, but those came off when I moved to a barn with sandy rings and no rocky trails. However, he did not like walking on gravels (gravel road to and from ring). I tried boots but couldn't get the fit right and that could be expensive. So back on went the shoes. 

Well his hooves are a bit concave so the farrier has to bend the shoe in toward the frog (but not at all touching it) to keep the shoe on. And I don't like that, I don't think it's healthy long term. And I just found a barefoot trimmer that is  close to my area to come to my barn (for an extra $12.50 travel expense which I think is worth it).

So my next question is, considering I have a budget to keep in line with (you know, as much as possible), how often might I expect he'll need a trim? He went fine for 8 weeks from Jan.-Feb. before he needed shoes. Usually 5-6 weeks in summer. How will that work if he only gets trimmed? Is it any different in frequency if he has the natural trim vs. the usual (traditional) farrier trim?

Thanks for any info! 

I have Starlette done every 6 weeks...I am a bit obsessive with her feet, and want her hooves in perfect condition all the time (I also want to set an example here as I am in an area of non-believers). It seems the longer you go without trimming barefoot, then you will have more chipping, etc.  However, this is going into year 2 for her without shoes, and I have noticed a big difference after the first year...she does not chip, and is not ouchy at all (and we had very hard clay this summer because of the drought, and I started jumping her barefoot, too).  I think this is also a lesson to my farrier...he is younger, and very smart (also does horse dentistry), and is seeing how great her feet look now.

 I keep my horses barefoot and like you at first I didn't know about "barefoot" trimming.  Since I found a good barefoot trimmer my horses hooves are in much better condition.  I have them trimmed at aprox 6 week intervals now. Sometimes at first they may truely need to be trimmed sooner. If you can do a bit of tweaking, with your trimmers instruction and approval, it may help to allow you to get by a tad longer. I like knowing how to do a little filing in case they grow a bit faster and or get a bit off balance.  

Jackie & Starlette:

I have Starlette done every 6 weeks...I am a bit obsessive with her feet, and want her hooves in perfect condition all the time (I also want to set an example here as I am in an area of non-believers). It seems the longer you go without trimming barefoot, then you will have more chipping, etc.  However, this is going into year 2 for her without shoes, and I have noticed a big difference after the first year...she does not chip, and is not ouchy at all (and we had very hard clay this summer because of the drought, and I started jumping her barefoot, too).  I think this is also a lesson to my farrier...he is younger, and very smart (also does horse dentistry), and is seeing how great her feet look now.

Same here.  In fact, in the winter I go at least 8 weeks.  Almost every horse I've gotten has had shoes and I remove them.  The hooves are in better shape, I believe, and they are hard. (I'm also in the non-believer area!!!!).

Summer trims are 6 weeks or more, depending on how they look.  Gaited horse farriers are HARD to find and when I find them, I keep them.  I've got one now that is awesome and trims the way they should be and not as a different breed would be.

Jackie, is your farrier Luke?  If so, he's VERY smart and knows what he's doing!!!!!!

Yes!  Isn't he *wonderful*!   He lives right down the road from me :)

Once your horse is adjusted to the barefoot trim, you will find he/she will avearage out to the same trimming schedule as usual.

When first changing to barefoot trims, they may need to be 4-6 week intervals until the damaged parts of the hoof are grown out (and the hoof adjusts it's growth to the work/terrain it's used on) and to correct balance, as the hoof does tend to change shape after shoes come off. It tends to widen at the heels, and the toes tend to come back to shorten the breakover. The more frequent trims in the beginning help the hooves to transition more rapidly. Once the balance is found and the hooves have adjusted, the growth levels off and the healthy wall has grown down, so the schedule drops to 6-8 weeks in summer riding months and 8 weeks in winter.

 I don't ever recommend gong past 8 weeks before having the hooves touched up, even if there aren't signs of damage or an extreme amount of growth. The key is PREVENTION of damage, not correcting it once it's happened. In summer the hooves grow faster, it's linked with warmer temperatures and the fact that horses get more exercise in the warmer months by riding or the motion of grazing,  instead of standing around eating hay in a stall. Movement equals growth. The type of surface you ride on will affect how often the trimmer needs to come back as well. Gravel and pavement wear off material faster than soft dirt and grass, so while the hoof is growing, it may not appear to because it's worn off. However, you still want your trimmer to check that balance is maintained periodically, regardless.

Oh, and I forogt to mention boots. They are initially expensive, but they do last and in the long run are cost efficient. Heck, I think AppyT has had some of the same boots for years...am I right, AppyT????

Also, investing in quality boots, though they cost more, are a better investment. You will get a better fit and enjoy them, and your horse will perform better. You may need a hoof trimmer to help you measure for them and determine what brand/style is best for your horse's hoof shape and his "job" . I find different brands fit different shapes of hooves better, and some are easier on/off but aren't as good for hard riding. Yet the harder-to-get-on boots are better for hard riding such as jumps, polo, barrel racing. And some boots don't run true to their size chart, or you need to know how his shape affects his size. But your new trimmer may be able to help you with that.

I never, ever recommend the Davis Hoof boots for riding...they never fit right (the soaker boots are great for soaking, though!!!!) and the old style easyboots tend to come off too easily. They are only handy for foundered horses that don't move too quick until they are healed up..

Brands I DO hear a lot of good stuff about from my clients- The top three are:

  Cavallo Simple Boot for trail riding,or short durations of hard riding as they come above the hairline, so extended hard rides could cause chaffing, Best fit for large, round hooves. Worst fit-boxy, contracted hooves. Best feature: easiest on/off and great drainage holes if you cross water.Sold in pairs. Runs about $120

Boa Boots by Easycare-another great boot for trail riding, short durations of hard riding and for foudnered hroses that may need them on for theraputic barn wear. Pretty easy on/off, easy to adjust with a knob. Best trail riding boot for boxy, contracted heels. Worst fit-really round hooves.Sold in pairs Runs about $140

Easyboot Epics: (basically an easyboot with a "gaitor" ankle wrap added for protection and securtiy-protects boot and hoof from "overreaching" Great boot for hard riding, harsh terrain, long durations. Has most available features you can custom order. The sizes run true, they don't rub at all. Can be used for any kind of riding. Can fit most any hoof, except the drafts are hard to find a size big enough. Best fit for any hoof. Can add therapuetic pads. This is my favorite for versitality. You can order the "bare" sole design (actually a different style boot, but you can order the boots interchangebly) or have a different closure design. These are the hardest to get off/on. Sold individually, so if your horse has different sized hooves, you have more freedom. Runs about $56-60 a boot, or about $115-120 a pair

boosiler:

I think AppyT has had some of the same boots for years...am I right, AppyT????

Yes, I have a pair of the old fashioned easyboots I bought over 10 yrs ago. I have used them sparodically depending on who they fit etc.. I keep them clean and dry.  *ok ok, well dry anyway* 

I also have some cavallo's and love them except they are too large. They seem to run large.   My Boa's fit several horses. TG.

Agreed -- my horse's trimming schedule did not change when I pulled his front shoes and went back to barefoot.  His feet grow fast, so we're on a 5 week schedule.  Boots are actually not expensive at all, because good ones last.  By switching to a barefoot trim, I save $40 every time the farrier comes (barefoot trim is $30, front shoes are $70).  My pair of Easyboot Epics for his front feet cost me $120 -- so in 3 trims, they pay themselves off.  Well, we're already on our third, so voila!  Now I'm saving money every time.  And these boots will last quite a while, although I ride hard in them, galloping, jumping, rocky trails, gravel....but probably only once every month or so do I need them, only if we go off-property.