The part that Phil is trimming is called the frog, it provides a cushion and grip. As it grows some of it dies off and that needs to be carefully trimmed away so that the horse can stand comfortably.

Before doing this, the rest of the hoof and shoe will have been assessed to decide whether or not the farrier needs to attend to trim the growing hoof and fit new shoes.

On average a horse needs new shoes every six to eight weeks.

Checking and trimming Bob's hooves.