Trimming Very Long Hooves

[SustainableAg]

I just adopted 2 Nigerian Dwarf does this week. Their hooves haven't been trimmed in ages. One doe is pregnant, and the other recently weaned kids - about a week ago. I am going to begin trimming their hooves slowly, because I know the quick will need time to recede before I can cut them further.

How much can I safely take off at the first trim without causing them to bleed? I know this is going to take many sessions to correct.

Once I do the initial trim, how long should I wait to trim again?
Thanks for any input! Photos attached.

 

[SA Farm]

Start with the folded over parts underneath and the tip of the toe and work slowly from there. I would see how they look after the first trim and probably go for once a month depending on how good or bad they look and how confident you are.

 

[Mini Horses]

Agree. After first trim it may not be as bad as you fear.

 

[Baymule]

X2!

Sometimes you can sorta see where the quick is with the foot picked up, so that you are looking at the bottom.

 

[Mini Horses]

Also, as you are cutting....color changes and consistency of the hoof material can be seen and felt as your cutting. How's it going? Yeah, that's a wide load girl.

 

[SustainableAg]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I will start with the black doe, who isn't pregnant. Her feet look better than the pregnant doe, so hopefully they shape up nicely.

 

[SustainableAg]

@Mini Horses Myrtle is doing well. Wish I had a due date for her! The anticipation is going to drive me nuts.

 

[goats&sheep19]

Just take it slowly, and you should be able to see it turning slightly pinkish before you actually hurt them.
When I had a buck with really bad feet, I found triming every 5 to 8 days worked best, just taking off a very small about each time.