Hoof Rehabilitation Consultation Services 

Next Step Trimming | Shelley Walker

Support your horse’s comfort, soundness, and performance through a whole-horse, science-based approach to hoof care. At Next Step Trimming, I provide individualized hoof rehabilitation and consultation services grounded in both internal and external factors that influence their feet. With  a decade of education and hands-on experience, I work collaboratively with horse owners and equine professionals to develop practical, sustainable plans tailored to each horse’s needs.

Qualifications & Training:

Barefoot Practitioners:
Daisy Bicking — Integrative hoof care emphasizing detailed hoof anatomy, mapping, radiograph interpretation, rehabilitation-focused trimming, and composite shoeing.
Pete Ramey — Barefoot trimming and hoof rehabilitation with a focus on laminitis, caudal foot pain, hoof capsule distortions, and whole-horse management for long-term soundness.
 Jeff Eddy — Hands-on barefoot trimming and rehabilitation training over approximately three years, working with a wide range of horses including minis, ponies, drafts, and donkeys.
Lisa Huhn— Functional barefoot trimming within a whole-horse framework that integrates management, nutrition, and movement.
Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners (PHCP) — is an organization dedicated to advancing evidence-based, barefoot hoof care through education, research, and professional standards.

Body Work Certification Programs: 
Masterson Method® — Gentle, horse-led bodywork techniques focused on releasing tension, improving movement, and supporting nervous system regulation.
Balance Through Movement® (Celeste Lazaris) — Nervous-system-based movement and nerve release techniques that improve proprioception, coordination, and postural stability.
Tami Elkayam — Equine bodywork education focused on postural balance, muscle release, and improving movement and comfort through targeted, hands-on techniques.

Posture and Biomechanics
Dr. Judith Shoemaker & Dr. Karen Gellman — Equine posture and movement specialists focusing on postural assessment, compensatory patterns, and the relationship between biomechanics, hooves, and whole-body function.
The Equine Documentalist (Yogi Sharp) — Hoof biomechanics, wear patterns, postural influence on the hoof, proprioception, and documentation of rehabilitation over time.
Dr. Eleanor Kellon — Equine nutrition, metabolic health, bloodwork interpretation, and radiograph analysis to support informed hoof care and rehabilitation decisions.
Gillian Higgins — Equine anatomy and biomechanics with emphasis on musculoskeletal structure, fascia, posture, and functional movement.
Gerd Heuschmann — Equine biomechanics and correct movement, highlighting the effects of posture, head and neck position, and training methods on long-term soundness.
Lindsey Field — Hoof anatomy and internal structures studied through dissection-based learning, connecting external hoof form to internal function.
Dr. Sue Dyson — Recognition of pain and subtle lameness through behavioral and movement indicators in both ridden and unridden horses.

Services 
Hoof Trimming & Rehabilitation

• Specialized barefoot trimming on a 4–5 week schedule
• Support for laminitis, navicular concerns, negative palmar angles, and metabolic conditions
• Guidance for horses transitioning from shod to barefoot
• Radiograph (X-ray) analysis to inform trimming and rehabilitation decisions

Boot & Composite Shoe Solutions

• Fitting and application of EasyCare and Scoot Boots
• Glue-on composite shoe services when appropriate

Nutrition & Hay Analysis

• Hay sampling and analysis through Equi-Analytical
• Forage-based nutrition recommendations
• Equine diet balancing

Management, Posture & Movement Assessment

• Evaluation of daily management and feeding practices
• Postural and movement analysis to identify compensatory patterns
• Review of tack fit, dentition (teeth), and overall comfort
• Use of Sure Foot® Balance Pads to assess proprioception, balance, and nervous system response
• Collaboration with veterinarians, bodyworkers, and other equine professionals

Targeted Exercise Recommendations

• Individualized movement and exercise suggestions to support rehabilitation you can share with your preferred licensed professionals. 

​Bodywork Collaboration

• Actively progressing toward certification in the Masterson Method®
• Referrals to trusted, bodyworkers from my professional network when needed

Together, we’ll create a sustainable, effective plan for your horse’s health and soundness.