I posted before that I decided to go with a natural trim for my horse. He had no shoes until 7, then front shoes for seveal months. During that time and 2 farriers, his heels were becaming contracted. Because of how his hooves were shaped, farriers would push the back ends of the shoes in a little so that the things stayed on (there were flares in his hooves). The last farrier trimmed him so that his hooves were about straight up and down and then said he had club feet!
Well a natural trimmer started doing his hooves a few months ago. She has reshaped his front hooves so that they match the back ones! No flares, no contracted heels, and he's doing great. I ride in a sand ring, 3-4 times a week. We walk on pavement and gravels and he does fine. No ouchy feet. He's a Morgan and has very hard hooves (which farrier #2 actually complained about). So this has been an interesting experience and boy does he move out much better now. It may not be for all hroses but it sure works for my gelding. And to my surprise it is NOT cheaper! The farrier takes her time - about an hour to get everything just right.