1 Examine the hoof. Check the placement and conformation from the front and the side and determine whether there is anything wrong with the symmetry (from the front or sole) or angles. If the hoof is too steep, the toe must likely be left alone (it usually is too short).

2 Compare coronet diameter and toe length. If the toe is shorter than the coronet diameter, do not trim any sole in front of an imaginary line drawn across the frog apex (not to be confused with trimming sole concavity immediately around the tip of the frog, which is necessary). Slight correction to the toe may be made after the rest of the trim is complete, for coronet and toe angle adjustments, levelness, etc.

3 Starting around the frog apex, trim the sole to expose the juncture between frog and sole horn. At this depth, carve a furrow immediately beside the frog toward the heels, to the halfway point of the frog (where the bars should end). There should be no more dirt or crevice between the sole and frog horn in this furrow than from the apex to the midpoint of the frog.

4 Trim the bars. They have their beginning at the midpoint of the length of the frog (where the bar is at the same level as the sole), and their highest point at the heel (turning point of bar to wall), where they become the wall. They run in a straight line from their origin to…