A Waikato couple are making a living out of encouraging their clients to throw away their shoes in favour of life in bare feet.

Shane and Angela Downs own Holistic Hoofcare, a professional barefoot trimming service for horses in the Waikato that is gaining momentum with the local equine community.

"We know it won't be for everyone, but barefoot trimming is a growing worldwide trend," Downs said.

Instead of putting shoes on the horse, Downs trims a horse's hoof in a way that mimics natural wear.

"We have used studies of wild or feral horses who have nobody looking after them, to see how their hooves are kept strong, and then mimic that in a domestic environment," he said.

The Downs' were forced to close their seasonal agricultural business to concentrate on Holistic Hoofcare after their client base grew from around 50 horses to more than 300.

That growth has seen a United Kingdom business system, used by English farriers and veterinarians, adopted by the Downs who can track clients, send invoices, arrange direct credit and even chase down bad debtors.

"It certainly helps us manage the business and get smarter about the way we do things, and best of all we know exactly where all the money is," Downs said.

While the couple's main focus is on recreational and sport horses, Downs said an increasing number of racehorse owners were showing interest in the barefoot trimming concept.

"We have trimmed a few standardbreds during spelling, but all racehorses must race with shoes or racing plates in New Zealand," he said.

Some racing jurisdictions in England and America are researching barefoot trimming with some trials being conducted with positive results, according to Downs.

"We appreciate it's a long way off here, but there is always interest in seeing what practises may be of benefit in terms of cost and wellbeing for the horse."

Downs said horse trimming was carried out every four to five weeks at a cost of $46 including GST, though he said the "set up trim" was more expensive.

"A shoe will hide an ailment and keep a horse moving but it won't fix an issue or a problem," he said. "But correct trimming can provide balance and eliminate hoof issues leaving a stronger result that lasts."

Downs belongs to a nationwide group of horse trimmers known as Hoofnz. Together they are working on an industry training scheme that would see more trimmers recruited.

"We don't have any guidelines in New Zealand and the majority of us are self-taught.

"It's easy for anyone to pick up a rasp and file a horse's feet but then what do they actually know about dealing with problems and giving the horse a chance to heal and grow stronger hooves?"

The job does come with a degree of danger. Downs was recently kicked by a horse and left with a broken arm. But wife Angela was able to step into the horse trimming role.

"We both love what we do and enjoy helping owners getting the best out of their horses."

For more information visit hoofcare.co.nz.

Sourced from: http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/business/5299959/Barefoot-and-happy-the-latest-in-hoof-care/