Our Story
Trusted hoof care,
built on experience
About Us
Who We Are
Diamond Hoof Care Limited is a locally owned, family-run business based in the Waitaki District. We work closely with farmers to deliver practical, reliable hoof care that supports animal welfare and farm productivity.
Our services include professional hoof trimming for dairy, beef, and lifestyle cattle, with an emphasis on balanced hooves, low-stress handling, and sustainable herd performance.
Matt leads the trimming work and is trained in the Dutch 5-Step method. His practical farming background and advanced training support careful, accurate and consistent hoof care. Our business is guided by clear communication, dependable service and respectful stock handling.
We understand the daily pressures of farming and the importance of sound hooves for herd health and productivity. Our goal is to support farmers with hoof care that reduces lameness, improves comfort and helps cattle move with confidence across the season.
Let's discuss how professional hoof trimming can help.
METHODOLOGY
The 5-Step Dutch Method
Using the internationally recognised Dutch Method, we trim proactively to correct issues before lameness occurs and to ensure the fastest recovery time for lame cows.
The cow’s hoof is formed by the corium. If there is stress on the cow or the corium is unhealthy the result will be poor hoof production, leading to issues down the line. Correct hoof trimming removes stress on the corium allowing it to recover quickly and support healthy hoof horn production.
Functional Trimming
The first 3 steps in the Dutch trimming method are about trimming the hoof to the ‘normal’ shape. This balances the distribution of weight evenly between the medial and lateral claws, reinstates stability and removes pressure points. This is known as preventative trimming and the aim is early intervention to prevent the cow progressing to a clinical lame case.
Curative Trimming
Steps 4 and 5 in the Dutch trimming method is dealing with any damage present like lesions or ulcers. Now we aim to shift the cow’s weight from the damaged and painful claw to the healthy claw. If this can not be achieved in step 4 by lowering the claw, a hoof block will need to be applied to the healthy claw. Then in step 5 we remove loose horn and hard ridges.
Step 1.
Shape the Inner Claw
Make the inner (Medial) claw 7.5cm long. Leave 5-7 mm thickness in the tip of the toe. Spare the height of the heel.
Step 2.
Match the Outer Claw
Make the outer (Lateral) claw equally long and bearing surface equally high as the inner claw (if possible).
Step 3.
Create a Sole Slope
Make a slope (scallop out) in the soles.
Step 4.
Reduce Pressure
If one of the claws is damaged (often the outer claw) lower this claw towards the heel 2/3 of the sole, if possible. The weight is now partly transferred to the sound claw. If the damaged claw is still bearing too much weight, apply a claw block to the sound claw.
Step 5.
Remove Loose Parts
Remove loose horn and trim down hard ridges.
