Well, just depends on the farrier. If the new person understands how to CORRECTLY trim a hoof, they’ll be fine. If the older farrier hasn’t kept themselves up-to-date and does things that are outdated and wrong, well, then that’s not good either!
A balanced hoof is a balanced hoof is a balanced hoof. Period. In my mind, it doesn’t matter what discipline you are doing. (And yes, some horses have conformational flaws that might limit how balanced you can get them, but there’s still a “right” way of doing things.)
Are there folks out there that go for a certain look? You bet. I even recall in my area, someone with a hunter background specifically looking for a farrier who will leave the heel high and the toe long. ??? I can’t understand that. (she asked on FB and of course some people were lettin’ her have it)
And I have seen western pleasure folks at AQHA shows in my area with their horses heels sky high, and I just shake my head. Of course, it shortens their stride like they want for the WP movement, but dang … so terrible for the horse.
So there are obviously farriers out there that will shoe or trim the way their client tells me. Which I personally don’t agree with. My farrier won’t do that. He’ll tell them to go somewhere else. (But my farrier is also amazing.)
Are you able to go watch each of these farriers for a couple hours? See what kind of trimming jobs they do? Ultimately, you just have to see their work in action to decide who does a good job.
