I gave ChatGPT the following command: ‘I want you to do a thorough analysis of traditional hoof trimming, as taught by most schools around the world, and the F-Balance concept.’

And this was the result:

Aspect

THT: Traditional hoof trimming (classical schools)

FB: F-Balance® (Daniel Anz)

General philosophy

THT: Achieve a functional hoof by moving it toward an ideal biomechanical balance through alignment, leveling, and symmetry.

FB: Allow the hoof itself to define its functional limits, using visible and repeatable natural references.

Starting point

THT: The limb and its alignment with the hoof.

FB: The hoof capsule itself and its functional markers.

Primary reference

THT: Hoof–pastern axis (HPA), center of the foot, mediolateral leveling.

FB: Functional sole (“level 0”) and longitudinal hoof flexibility.

Unit of measurement

THT: Geometry, angles, relative lengths, and visual assessment.

FB: Visible anatomical limits (level 0, stress points, capsule contours).

Concept of balance

THT: “Correct” balance based on alignment and functional symmetry.

FB: Individual balance based on the horse’s real functional capacity.

Symmetry

THT: Desirable whenever conformation allows it.

FB: Asymmetry may be accepted if the hoof indicates it as functional.

Mediolateral leveling

THT: Essential for load distribution.

FB: Not a priority unless natural references indicate the need.

Heels – main criterion

THT: Frog base + HPA alignment + caudal support.

FB: Heel stress points + level 0 (avoid trimming “by eye”).

Heels – philosophy

THT: Adjust heels to restore caudal function and proper alignment.

FB: Respect the heel height the hoof itself “tolerates” according to its markers.

Caudal hoof area

THT: Focused on support, stability, and alignment.

FB: Focused on flexibility, expansion, and functional lowering.

Toe / breakover

THT: Adjusted to improve mechanics, reduce leverage, and maintain HPA.

FB: Defined by the functional sole and natural capsule contour.

Sole

THT: Structure to be preserved; trimmed only if clearly exfoliating.

FB: Key element: defines the functional trimming level.

Bars

THT: Adjusted to avoid sole invasion and restriction of expansion.

FB: Respected according to level 0 and functional contours.

Frog

THT: Important as a reference and caudal support structure.

FB: Important as part of the caudal system, not as a geometric rule.

Hoof flexibility

THT: Acknowledged, but not always central to decision-making.

FB: Central concept (closed in front, open behind).

Correction of limb deviations

THT: Compensation is sought within biomechanical limits.

FB: Correction allowed only to the degree indicated by the hoof itself.

Use of radiographs

THT: Very common in clinical and complex cases.

FB: Not central to the method, but compatible when used judiciously.

Repeatability between professionals

THT: Highly dependent on training and experience.

FB: Aims for high repeatability through visible references.

Learning curve

THT: More standardized; strongly dependent on instruction quality.

FB: Requires training the eye to read hoof markers accurately.

Typical risks

THT: Forcing a geometric ideal; over-trimming for alignment.

FB: Misinterpreting markers in pathological or highly compensated feet.

Main strength

THT: Solid biomechanical and clinically accepted framework.

FB: Practical system to avoid blind trimming, especially at the heels.

Main limitation

THT: Can become rigid if applied without individual judgment.

FB: Strongly dependent on correct interpretation of hoof signals.

Compatibility with other approaches

THT: High (therapeutic shoeing, barefoot, vet-farrier models).

FB: Medium to high if applied without dogma.

Professional profile it attracts

THT: Farriers with a technical and clinical orientation.

FB: Trimmers/farriers seeking objective hoof-based references.

Overall approach

THT: “Balance the hoof according to general biomechanics.”

FB: “Read the hoof and allow it to balance within its limits.”

Future-oriented concluding perspective

This is not a binary choice.

Traditional trimming provides the general biomechanical map.

F-Balance® provides a fine-tuned system for reading the hoof itself, particularly valuable for sole depth and heel management.

👉 The most complete modern professional often integrates both: they control alignment and overall limb function, while trimming using clear, hoof-derived references to avoid relying solely on visual estimation or rigid geometric rules.