"This 2012 edition of my natural trim guidelines replaces the earlier 'AANHCP Official Trim Guidelines' I first published six years earlier. Working closely with my AANHCP colleague Jill Willis (CP-CA) over the past 6 months, we have made every effort to clarify further each delineated step of the natural trim. To this end, we have strategically positioned many questions throughout the instructions, cross linking them to an extensive "answer key" that encourages the aspiring NHC practitioner to think critically in terms of 'solutions' rather than simple 'yes' or 'no' answers. While this enables the reader to follow my own line of reasoning in each case, it is also invites one into the deeper nuances of this complex method based on nature's wild horse model. New sections have been added that demonstrate the natural trim's applicability to hooves suffering the effects of laminitis, Navicular Syndrome, and, of course, horseshoeing. To further stir the reader's attentiveness to detail, we have added two "quizzes": one for the NHC practitioner to check their understanding relative to the ISNHCP final written examination (requirement for AANHCP certification); and a second for horse owners. Finally, and long overdue, the guidelines are indexed.
     "There are now two versions of the natural trim guidelines. Both include exactly the same information in the same layout, however, one is "perfect bound" (like my other books) at $39.95; the other is "spiral bound with laminated cover". The latter is more expensive to produce, but is probably more practical in the field due to its sturdy cover and spiral binding.
     "On a very technical level, and concerning the horse's foot in particular, this may be the most important thing I have written to date. To me, and strictly for humanitarian reasons, much rides on being as clear and accurate to the reader as I can possibly be. Were it just a novel, it wouldn't matter, but we are talking about the health and well-being of another living thing that serves us the best he can and with no say in the matter whatsoever. That is an entirely different matter! -- J. Jackson"