How often should my horse be trimmed?

This depends on the amount of work your horse is doing and the type of riding you do. As a general rule most horses should be trimmed every 8 weeks. Some horses require more frequent visits by the farrier as in those that are being used for competition. Competition horses need to have perfectly balanced feet to be able to perform to their best ability. It also reduces the risk of injury to the lower limb having your horse correctly trimmed. However hacks and ponies used for pleasure riding can be left a little longer. These horses will be ridden a few times a week and will have a wear rate quite near to the growth rate of the hoof. In some cases they may only need a very light trim just to tidy up the ragged edges of the hoof. The other type of horse that is sometimes forgotten is the horse that is not used for riding. Brood mares, unbroken and retired horses fall into this category. They will continue to grow hoof and the wear rate will be very low so they also require frequent visits from the farrier.

Related Topics:
What is the difference between barefoot trimming and a trim that the farrier does?
Is there a transition period from shoeing to bare footing a horse?
Isn't barefoot trimming more natural and therefore better for my horse?