James became involved in barefoot hoofcare when severe founder struck the mare that belonged to him and his wife, Yvonne, in May, 1999. Their desperate search to find a way to save this beloved horse led them straight to the controversial and new (at that time!) methods of barefoot trimming. James flew to Canada in September, 1999, to learn from Sabine Kells what needed to be done to save the life of this horse. In May, 2000, James attended Dr. Hiltrud Strasser's seminar in Austin, Texas (her first United States clinic tour), and decided at that point to become a barefoot hoofcare professional. He participated in the first year-long North American Strasser Certification Course and graduated from the "European School for Hoof Orthopedics and Holistic Horse Treatment" (ESHOP) in May, 2001. He then set out to apply his education to the "real world," with a specific interest in finding the compromises to improve hoof health and soundness and make all horses' lives better, no matter what their situation.

Education PLUS Experience: James has had the best of both worlds - a complex, technical hoof education along with many years of practical experience, trimming day-in and day-out. Since 2000, he has trimmed hundreds of horses with a full-time clientele (approx. 200 horses per month, or an estimated 12,000 separate trims!), and learned the specific techniques needed to successfully keep barefoot horses in the extreme environment of the desert southwest.

Happy Hooves: His approach to hoof care goes way beyond theory, and straight to down-to-earth practical application in the real world. Though educated in sophisticated rubber-floor hoof clinic techniques, he has chosen to trim exclusively in the real world for ordinary owners, like himself. Utilizing the knowledge gained from his technical education, he is able to gently redirect hooves towards their healthiest form. He does not believe in a separation of methods, but rather that we are all striving for one common goal - healthy hooves. His focus remains the mustang/wild horse model as a guideline for his trimming. He puts the comfort of the horse first and foremost, and uses his skills to create significant improvement in hoof form while the horse remains sound and happy in its home environment. Every horse is trimmed as a unique individual, with absolutely no forcing of any specific ideals or measurements upon hooves.

Above: James is not just a farrier, but a horseman first. Riding Kendra, a 1999 Paint mare who competes in jumping and dressage.

Based in Phoenix, he currently has clients throughout the state of Arizona, and offers his wealth of experience and education to barefoot horse owners. The horses he trims include trail horses, pleasure horses, barrel racers, cutting horses, dressage horses, hunter/jumpers and endurance horses. His special interest is performance horses, though he enjoys helping all horses acheive better hoof health. Pathological cases (founder and navicular) are accepted with veterinary approval.

James is the Technical Editor for The Horse's Hoof Magazine, a barefoot publication established in 2000 by his wife Yvonne, who is Editor/Publisher. The Horse's Hoof provides a generic, broad-based support for all barefoot horses and their owners, and promotes the basic principles of healthy hoof care for all horses, everywhere. James and Yvonne plan to relocate to their 42 acre ranch in northern Arizona within a few years. "Wishing Welz Ranch" will be the setting for their warmblood breeding and training program.

For people outside the Phoenix area: James and Yvonne also do a bit of travelling around the country, presenting their unique clinic, The Horse's Hoof "Healthy Hoof Clinics." Their clinic is compatible with ALL styles and methods of hoofcare, and will provide information for both the novice and the experienced alike. Click here for more info.

James also offers photo and email consultations. The details will be posted soon, until then just contact jim @ TheHorsesHoof.com (delete spaces) for more info.

Potential trimming customers: James asks that you first learn as much as you can about barefoot horse care and, preferably, go through the first 4 steps on the Getting Started Page before you contact him for more info or an appointment. He has limited openings, so preference will be given to owners who display an understanding of how to make this successful for their horses. For James' current rates and availability for trimming, training, clinics, seminars, presentations and consultations, contact him at email: jim @ TheHorsesHoof.com (delete spaces)

Please note: James' clients' horses are all kept on a 4 week trimming schedule. This regular, consistent trimming schedule is a key factor in success! We do not believe "barefoot" should be done to save money, or to extend out hoof care appointments. There are few horses in captivity today that do not require rebalancing of their hooves after 4 weeks. This concept may be unfamiliar to some people used to traditional hoof care - but maybe that's why traditional hoof care doesn't think barefoot works. We know how to do it, and do it right!

When the health benefits are added up, consistent monthly trims are the most economical way you can promote your horse's long-term health and soundness.

Above & below: James has been using an assortment power tools for trimming since he began in 2000. He finds that by utilizing a combination of tools, including hand tools, he can achieve a superior and more precise trim.

Above: The angle grinder creates a nice rolled edge (mustang roll) on hooves.

Animal lover James and his favority buddy, Tyler the Timneh African Grey Parrot

Below: some of James' favorite feet (horse-customers for many years!):

©2007 by The Horse's Hoof. All rights reserved. No part of these publications may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without the written permission of the publisher and/or authors. The information contained within these articles is intended for educational purposes only, and not for diagnosing or medicinally prescribing in any way. Readers are cautioned to seek expert advice from a qualified health professional before pursuing any form of treatment on their animals. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.