Barefoot Hoof Trimmer

Also called: Hoof Care Practitioner, Natural Hoof Trimmer

Trims and balances horse hooves for horses that go without metal shoes.

A day in the life

Drives to barns with a hoof stand and rasps, trims eight horses a day, and works with vets on horses recovering from laminitis.

Pay over a career

Starting

$30k

Typical

$45k

High

$75k

Estimate.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Hoof care training program or apprenticeship; certification optional.

Ways in: Apprenticeship, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.

Outlook

Growing about average. Steady.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Hoof trimming is physical, skilled handwork under a horse; AI won't take it over.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Agriscience (FFA), Biology, Business or entrepreneurship, Physical education.

• Help a local farrier or hoof trimmer as a summer helper
• Join a 4-H horse project
• Volunteer at a horse rescue

Official data: O*NET occupation 45-2093.

More Horses & Equine Careers careers

• Equine Veterinarian
• Equine Surgeon
• Racehorse Trainer
• Bloodstock Agent
• Farrier
• Equine Dental Technician
• Mounted Police Officer
• Racing Steward
• Equine Breeding Manager
• Jockey
• Horse Trainer
• Riding Instructor
• Therapeutic Riding Instructor
• Barn Manager
• Horse Groom
• Exercise Rider
• Saddle Maker
• Equine Sports Medicine Veterinarian
• Equine Nutritionist
• Horse Show Judge
• Equine Insurance Agent
• Racing Secretary
• Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist
• Assistant Starter

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.