HGM Pony, Mini and Foal Trim Rules.

Size Counts.

When we trim a foal, a mini or a pony ( under 13.2 ) we have a slightly different trim.


Here are the exact rules...HGM P.M.F ( pony, mini, foal )

• Clean the hoof very well especially the seat of the corn, exfoliate any crumbly and or flaky sole/bars.
  

• Trim heels flat to sole level measured at the seat of the corn.
  
• Using a 20degree bevel bring wall to sole level from heel to heel rasping through the whiteline to the edge of the sole. You want to see a clean whiteline from heel to heel. If there is a sole ridge or a flat plateau ( these will be behind the whiteline ) then start your bevel just in front of these.
  

Visual Examples

This is a mini trim (founder rehab), he has been totally great ( sound ) since his first HGM trim and is now in his 3rd year. Even though he has been totally sound the for the whole time it has taken these years for his hooves to “look” better....this last trim was really exciting because for the first time his soles are looking really good
Look closely at the whiteline no dirt present, heels are at sole level ( measured at the seat of the corn ) also no dirt present.
You can see with this trim my bevel starts way behind the whiteline because there was a clear ridge, and was really necessary. Also you will notice the toe is backed ( because of his founder ).

Here are some examples of dirt left in the whiteline ( we don’t want to do this )

Here are some great foal trim visuals

Thank you Kristin Moses for permission to use your trim pics.
Kristin is a practicing Veterinarian living in Jamaica, she is in the process of learning the HGM trim. Ashwa is a 12 week old foal.

---

This is his first trim, top row are post trim, bottom row pre trim.

---

Top row post trim, bottom row pre trim

---

Top row pre trim, bottom row post trim

---

Top row pre trim, bottom row post trim.

When trimming foals you want to start checking them for trims after birth and check them bi weekly till around the age of 2 1/2.


Always the question is “why” is the PMF trim different than horses.
When I asked Maureen this is what she said...
She wasn’t totally sure why but she saw better improvement in the littles when she started taking the heels to sole level.
Her theory was the body weight was not enough to maintain heel height.

Hope this is clear and helpful

Always feel free to contact me if you need some support...