James was, in his “former life,” a technical wizard and computer systems administrator until a very special mare belonging to his wife, Yvonne, foundered in 1999, and changed the course of their lives forever. In a desperate attempt to save this horse, they immersed themselves in the new barefoot movement, which had only just begun. James immediately began hands-on training with the only educated barefoot hoofcare specialist in North America at that time, Sabine Kells of British Columbia, Canada. In May 2000, he attended the controversial German Veterinarian Dr. Hiltrud Strasser’s first U.S. clinic tour, and promptly enrolled in her one-year course, the first holistic barefoot educational program ever offered in this country.

After studies in both Canada and Germany, James graduated in May 2001 in Tuebingen, Germany, with a certificate from the European School of Hoof Orthopedics (ESHOP). Here is a photo of his Certificate, which represents graduation from a 1 year long academic and practical course, overseen by a licensed German veterinarian:

James had been trimming about 100 horses professionally while attending school, but upon graduation in 2001, began trimming full time, soon more than doubling the number of horses. He maintained a consistent client base of about 200 horses per month since then (cutting down a bit in recent years, of course).

During this time, he concentrated on learning from the horses, and developed a system that could merge his own theories with practical reality. His studies included wild horse hooves, Jaime Jackson’s research, and Dr. Robert Bowker’s research. His most important studies were conducted upon his own horses: seeing the cause and effect of every trim decision, month after month, year after year, upon the same horses. Without that experience, he never could have developed the system as it exists today. Many of his theories about the hoof are unique: building upon information from prior sources, but combined in a way that can only come from a truly mechanical mind.

In addition to barefoot trimming services, James was the Technical Editor for The Horse’s Hoof Magazine, and very involved in all our website development. In an effort to promote barefoot, James & Yvonne began offering in person Barefoot Hoof Trimming Clinics from 2006-2013, and as a result, traveled to Hawaii, Texas, California, Oregon, Canada, North Carolina, New York and Florida. Hoof care conferences also brought them overseas to Germany and Australia.

In 2011, James & Yvonne launched their first version of “Hoof Help Online” to assist ordinary horse owners in creating healthy barefoot hooves, and to provide a location for James to document his distinct trimming system. In 2023, the entire Hoof Help Online site was rebuilt onto the Mighty Networks platform, and fully integrated with The Horse’s Hoof by providing access to the magazine’s back issues and other unique material.

A life-long horse lover, James’ horse experience spans back to his youth, and includes working on a dude ranch as a teenager in Texas. After his marriage to Yvonne in 1986, they began taking English riding lessons in college, and soon purchased their first horse. A second horse followed shortly after, and then another… and James & Yvonne enjoyed riding, training, and competing together for decades. James particularly enjoyed jumping, and showed in Jumper classes on the A-circuit in the 90’s (with palomino mare Shayla, photo below). His horse life is a bit quieter these days, and usually involves magical horse-whispering, so that new horses take to power tool trimming with barely a blink!

James on Shayla, the greatest horse who ever lived.

Potential trimming customers: James asks that you first learn as much as you can about barefoot horse care, but keep in mind that the Welz system has some differences from other trimming systems, especially in technique. There is nothing extreme in what James does. However, this is not a generic trim or a farrier type of barefoot trim, so we advise that you learn all about what James does, with lots of resources right here on this site.

James’ clients’ horses are all kept on a 4 week trimming schedule for best results. He is very strict about the 4 week schedule to get good results, as Dr. Robert Bowker recommends (this schedule will be mandatory).

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 (although proper barefoot hoofcare does end up becoming more economical in the long run – our client’s horses rarely need to see the vet outside of routine appointments). There are few horses in captivity today that do not require rebalancing of their hooves after 4 weeks. 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.

Worried about power tool trimming? Most horses actually prefer it because the trim is quicker and smoother. Tools are cordless. James is a “power tool horse whisperer” and there are few horses that don’t take to it beautifully. He usually starts on the hinds, and the horses are just fine!

If you are located in the Phoenix, Arizona area, and are interested in James’ trimming services or hands-on education, you may contact us for availability and pricing.

Contact us! or email jim@thehorseshoof.com