Natural Hoof Care .com

About Us

Welcome

So I'm guessing that you have heard all the fuss about barefoot horses and decided to look into it, or maybe you are already there and just want to see what like-minded horse owners are doing....

Let's talk

A barefoot horse is certainly not the only way for horses to be kept, but it is recognized by countless knowledgeable and educated horse owners as the best way to keep their horses healthy and sound. I'm here to tell you that the barefoot horse lifestyle is the only choice for owners whose horses are not just pets, but are a beloved part of their family. And when the love is that strong you want what's absolutely the best in hoof care...that's where I come in.

Who am I ?

My name is Jim Apple and I am a 4th generation farrier and blacksmith. I started shoeing horses with my father and grandfather in 1980 at the age of 14. in 1990 I graduated from the Kentucky Horseshoeing School at the age of 24, and at the age of 28 took my anvil and forge out of my truck and walked blindly into the world of barefoot horses. I can tell you it was lonely in 1994 being the only barefoot farrier around, but I've never looked back!

Contact info

Jim Apple - 39 years of Farrier Experience

Specializing in a variety of horse hoof problems including sore feet, laminitis, navicular, thrush, hoof wall cracks, club feet, heel contraction, and thin hoof walls.

The only Farrier and Trimmer providing the natural hoof care alternative for horse owners for over 20 years.

850.582.2646

Call today and your horse will thank you tomorrow!

Proudly serving Santa Rosa, Escambia and Okaloosa County areas in Florida plus Baldwin County, Alabama

Drop us a line!

A little more about me

I grew up in middle Tennessee and travelled quite a bit working on different breeds and disciplines of horses; shoeing everything from backyard horses to hunter jumpers. But what I really liked was a lame horse to work on. I had my farrier rig full of shoes and if I didn't have what you or the vet needed I would just get out my anvil and forge and make it!

I worked on hundreds of foundered and navicular horses plus just about anything else you can imagine. I had moved to Connecticut and was working as a blacksmith at Old Sturbridge Village living history museum and, of all things, they had me shoeing their oxen. During this time I had my first two articles published, one on oxen as a historic draft animal and the other on how to make and apply oxen shoes....

How's that for a barefoot farrier story?

But there was a problem. I had 4 horses at four different barns. Three were foundered and one had been vet diagnosed with navicular disease. I did it all "by the book" and they just got worse. This was huge blow to my ego. I wasn't used to failure, and let me tell you I tried it all; eggbar shoes, heartbar shoes, pads and wedges, you get the picture?

Then in one swoop all the owners wanted to pull all the corrective and therapeutic shoes at about the same time. I advised against it and so did the vets. Surely the horses would all have to be put down if we did that.

I had an idea..... I had had some success with keeping horses sound WITHOUT shoes, crazy right? So I pulled the shoes (the vets were not happy) and I bet you know what happened. All four improved at a alarming rate. Maybe I was on to something, no one else was just trimming foundered and lame horses but I did, and they got better! That was in 1994 and I'm here to tell you I was the only one doing this it seemed and I was almost totally shunned by all the vets and other farriers. But like I said I was onto something....

I moved back to Tennessee and went to work, leaving my forge and anvil at home (after about a year, I thought I would eventually need it) and I worked full time as a Natural Hoof Care Specialist from 1995 till 2016 when I moved to Navarre Beach, Florida.

There are plenty of more stories that I have to tell about what I learned along the way so call and schedule me to come out and trim for you and I will share a few!

For what it's worth, the oxen were the last thing I put shoes on...

Livin' the Barefoot Lifestyle

Services offered

Professional Farrier Services

Standard Horses, and Donkeys $40

Draft Horses $60

Shoe removal $5 per shoe

Scoot Boots fitting specialist

Let me size your horse after trimming for a perfect fit!

www.scootboots.com

Renegade Hoof Boots Dealer

I can trim, size and fit your horse for hoof boots on site

www.renegadehoofboots.com

No trip charge in most cases within my normal service area.

Out of service area, emergency visits or other unscheduled circumstances will be subject to .50 cents per mile one way

If your horses can stand still for the farrier I can trim them

If you have a horse that is unruly an additional fee may be charged

I always schedule in advance for your next trim date, bring your calendar to the barn

Testimonials

Karen said....

Everyone told us that our old farrier was hands down the best and we never questioned their knowledge. He said that 6 to 8 weeks between trims was perfect for horses, boy was he wrong!

we used to have cracks and flares, but no more. No more chipping and sore feet after trims. Plus Jim trims her with without a halter or lead rope!

If you think you farrier or trimmer is really good, I promise you Jim Apple is better!

Valerie said....

Jim was our farrier here at Avalon Farms in Tennessee for many years. He did a great job and we were sorry to see him go. You are lucky if he's in your area.

Laurel said....

I totally trust your judgment and you have became a good friend. You can get along with any horse and make beautiful hooves.

Julia said....

Happy for you that you went south to Florida, but wish you had come to Texas!

Charlie said.....

Jim Apple rocks! My horse Prophet loved him. Jim was so good to him and did such a wonderful job. Always dependable and caring for the horse.

Jackie said....

I wish he never moved! I trim my own now since no one stacks up to the expertise and knowledge that Jim has and shared with me over the years

Mary Ann said....

Yes he is a fine trimmer for sure! I miss my buddy.. my TRIM BRO

Michelle said....

Jim Apple's hoof and horse physiology knowledge is superior. He not only provides hoof trims, he also offers education. Listen to him!

His main concern is in the horse's best interest. Diet, environment, hoof maintenance and veterinary care.

Jim was always reliable and my horses loved him. Any equine would be lucky to have Jim be his/her, hoof trimmer!

Becky said....

I'm so very sad that you didn't come a little further south :( Been missing your expertise since I left Tennessee!!! Best hoof trimmer ever!!!

Amy said...

Jim Apple is the best ever hands down if you don't use him you're crazy. So mad at Fl. for stealing my farrier. If you want someone who researches and reads and is passionate about the physiology of not just the foot but the horse as a whole Jim is your man!!!

Kelly said....

Jim kept my herd's feet healthy for about 12 years. Sad to see him move on to Florida, but just know he's the best farrier I have ever used.