Welcome to the AHA
The American Hoof Association is an organization of peer-reviewed hoof care professionals offering progressive, preventative and rehabilitative services, education and information.
As a service to horse owners, the American Hoof Association provides a list of peer-reviewed professional trimmers under the section, Trimmer Finder. Each of these trimmers has passed the AHA’s rigorous review process. Applicants are evaluated on their understanding and practice of the AHA’s ‘healthy lifestyle’ paradigm, that is, a healthy hoof results from a healthy horse.
Certified Trimmers possess the qualifications necessary to adequately address preventative and rehabilitative needs of domestic equines. Certified Trimmers are available as clinicians; these experienced trimmers find education to be as important in their practice as is their work at the hoof. Apprentice Trimmers are skilled trimmers who are competent to perform an appropriate trim on a variety of healthy and pathological hooves.
Apprentice trimmers have the potential, but lack the experience needed to qualify as a Certified Trimmer. They are encouraged to continue their education with the goal of becoming Certified Trimmers.
Professional trimmers who desire membership in the American Hoof Association are encouraged to apply. The application process for both Certified Trimmers and Apprentice Trimmers is more completely described under Membership.
Horse of the Month - January
Horse- Spanish Khisses (aka "Rita")
Owner- Lynne and Arlyn Olson
Trimmer(s)- Sossity Gargiulo
Location - Ojai, CA
Info-
"Pictured is Spanish Khisses (aka "Rita"), the USEF Reserve
Champion Working Western Arabian. She is also U.S. Championship Top
Ten Trail in both the amateur and open divisions, with multiple regional
championships. In addition to her show ring success, Rita is a beloved
member of the family for Lynne and Arlyn Olson, her owners. When she's
not showing, Rita and Lynne trail ride and even work buffalo!"
"Rita had chronic lameness until she went barefoot. Rita was at a famous (now infamous) trainer's for western pleasure show as a junior horse. The trainer would keep Rita shod, and front legs wrapped when I visited. We brought Rita home, and took her to Van Snow at Santa Lucia Farms. Rita had an "I wrap" procedure on the left front leg and associated tendon, and a year long recovery! At that time Lindsey at Santa Lucia Farms recommended the possibility of having Rita go barefoot since we were rehabilitating her anyway. Rita was just five years at the time. Rita now has great feet. She is a national contender trail horse, and executes precise and difficult maneuvers. For Rita, the more difficult the course and obstacles, the better! Rita likes the challenge in part because she is comfortable and sound."