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FAQs
What is Applied Equine Podiatry?
Applied Equine Podiatry (AEP) utilizes a variety of tools to restore health and correct structure to your horse's hooves. Within the science of AEP, we utilize the High Performance Trim TM Method (HPT) to balance the hoof neurologically and biomechanically according to the internal structure of the foot, and not to the distal limb, as in traditional farrier practice. Within AEP, we believe that the horse has the innate ability to heal itself, given the proper stimulus and environment. We believe that it's never correct to overuse or misuse horse shoes in lieu of developing proper structure on the horse, correct environment and stimulus.
Are you a barefoot trimmer, or a farrier?
I am a trimmer, and not a farrier. However, trimming is only one of the tools I use to restore healthy, correct hoof structure to horses. In some cases, the horse doesn't need to be trimmed at all, but rather needs to grow more hoof. I prefer to focus on whole horse hoof care, not just the feet. When I see your horse, I will be evaluating everything from his diet and environment to your riding schedule, to the gait and conformation of the horse, and so forth. We know without a doubt that everything we do with our horses affects the feet in some manner. Something like a new saddle which doesn't fit quite right can cause flares within a matter of weeks. My job is to help you discover WHY changes are happening to your horse's hooves and address those situations specifically. Simply fitting shoes to the horse to "fix his problem" isn't fixing the problem at all, but only addressing one symptom.
I don't prefer to use the term "barefoot trimmer" because (1) the trim style I use is not based on the wild horse model, and (2) a shoeless horse is not necessarily a barefoot horse. A shoeless horse can use boots for protection when needed. The term "barefoot" implies bare footed all the time.
Do you use and set horseshoes like a farrier does?
No. My job isn’t to shoe your horse, but to give you and your horse the tools to grow proper hoof structure that is correct, healthy, and comfortable for your horse. These tools include a properly balanced trim, diet and environmental evaluation, and instructions for proper stimulus which will promote proper growth. If extra protection is needed until the hoof regains health, I will help fit your horse with the appropriate hoof boots.
What if my horse is wearing shoes? Can you still help my horse? Are shoes bad?
The shoes will need to be pulled by your regular farrier, or I can pull them for you. At that point, YES, I can help your horse. Shoes are not necessarily bad. There are certain instances where they may be the best option for your horse. That is determined on a case by case basis. In the case of some severe pathologies, a special shoeing package is sometimes needed. The Spectrum of Usability will help ensure that you are not working your horse beyond his capabilities, and allow him to grow healthy structure. Once healthy structure is established, most horses can go shoeless that once required shoes to be in work. Of course some horses will always need some type of protection for various reasons, and in those situations, I recommend hoof boots with pads inside. I personally like the Easyboot line, though there are many on the market to choose from.
What about my show horse who needs shoes for jumping, gaiting, or to be successful in competition?
If you are uncomfortable removing your horse's shoes for competitive reasons, it is best that you continue on with your current farrier and the current shoeing protocols, or whatever your farrier feels appropriate. I never try to convince anyone to remove shoes. It is your choice based upon your specific situation. However, if you are interested in trying to compete shoeless, I will be more than happy to assist you in that journey. But ultimately, the choice is always yours based upon your own comfort level, your specific horse, and various other factors.
Can I use plastic or rubber horse shoes instead? What about glue ons?
There are several "alternative" horseshoes on the market, including Epona, and Easywalker. Sigafoos shoes are gluable. While these are desirable over traditional metal, nailed on horseshoes, these shoes are still not superior to the bare hoof. The main attraction to non-metal horseshoes is that they absorb more concussion than the bare hoof does. Within the field of Applied Equine Podiatry, we don't seek to dampen all energy created by the hoof at impact. Through scientific research, we know that this energy is crucial to proper hoof function and growth. We also know that a healthy, correct hoof is more than able to deal with all the energy created during stride impact. However, in some cases, if shoes are needed, this newer technology is usually a better option than traditional metal, nailed shoes.
Is the trim radical, painful, invasive, or otherwise “weird?”
No, no, no, and NO! The trim style I use is not invasive at all, does not inappropriately thin or remove hoof structure, does not cause any pain or trauma to the horse, and in fact is highly respected and admired by many certified farriers! In fact, I generally remove LESS structure than a traditional farrier trim, or natural horse trim would because I don’t thin the sole, or take the wall down to the level of the white line. The frog isn’t “butchered” but only neatly trimmed along the edges. The end result is a beautifully balanced hoof, a happy horse, and a comfortable owner! Unlike certain popular trim styles, the trim I use doesn’t draw blood, or make the horse painful, or leave the soles thin.
What else do you do besides trim?
AEP uses a number of tools to regain health, strength and structure to your performance horse.
- Perhaps the most important is the environment the horse lives in. I will help you understand what the appropriate environment is, how to achieve it, and what you can do if you can’t achieve it.
- I also use stimulus to promote hoof growth, through the use of Sole Mates closed cell foam pads. These are military grade pads which conform perfectly to the horse’s hoof and when used regularly, can dramatically increase hoof depth, health, and strength.
- Spectrum of Usability. This is one of the most powerful tools available to the horse owner today. I will create a spectrum on your horse which gives you guidelines for working your horse safely on the structure he has today. I evaluate each structure of each hoof individually and assign it a score. The scores are averaged together to arrive at an overall score for the horse. Where the score falls on the scale dictates what activities are safe for you and your horse at this time. As the hooves improve, your horse moves up the spectrum.
- Gait Analysis. I will evaluate your horse at walk, trot, and canter, at liberty, in hand, and on the longe (if possible) and notate any abnormalities or areas of concern. It is important to follow up with your veterinarian on any concerning issues to determine if disease or pathology is present, and the appropriate course of treatment, if any.
- Infection control. The domesticated horse lives in an environment that is conducive to fungus, yeast, and bacteria growth in the hoof. These infections can dramatically decrease your horse’s comfort and performance. I use a product called Clean Trax which is extremely effective in eliminating all infection in one use. It is safe, and has been used in human hospitals for years as a bladder flushing agent. It does not damage hoof tissue like other products can (Kopertox, White Lightning, Thrush Buster.) Additionally, it is far more effective because it kills spores that create infections. Other products don’t.
- Diet counseling. I am not a veterinarian or a nutritionist, but there are a few rudimentary aspects of your horse’s diet that may be affecting her hooves that I will discuss with you.
Will you trim gaited horses?
Yes. I do not believe that gaited horses should be trimmed any differently than non-gaited breeds. If you are looking for a special trim to exaggerate the gaits, then I am not the hoof care professional for you. I approach hoof care from the standpoint of what is best for the horse, not what is best for your shelf of blue ribbons. I will not purposely alter the neurological or biomechanical balance of the hoof to create or accentuate extravagant movement. If your horse “won’t gait” without shoes, long toes, or other devices, then please contact a gaited horse trainer and veterinarian to fully evaluate the horse. There are many factors which may be affecting performance.
Will you trim hard-to-handle horses, or untrained babies?
I will try to accommodate all types of horses and levels of training, but please be advised that I am not a professional trainer, and I do not specialize in behavioral issues. It is recommended that your horse have a basic level of obedience and ground training before enlisting the services of a hoof care professional. It is much appreciated if your horse knows how to pick up and hold each foot. I will be willing to work with your veterinarian on a sedated horse to provide necessary hoof care. Please note that I will NOT work on horses sedated with Acepromazine (ACE). I feel the danger to myself, the handlers, and the horse is too great with the use of this drug. I take babies, greenies and arthritic horses into special consideration. I have a gentle touch, I work quietly, and I don't believe in rough handling of client's horses. The importance of this became all the more clear when a client said to me "I just couldn't have that farrier out one more time because I couldn't stand to see my horse get beat up anymore." There is no excuse for "beating up" on horses to get their feet done. We bring horses into our world and they do a LOT for us. In return the least we can do is provide gentle, consistent training and boundaries that they understand and can operate within. I will work with you IF you are committed to working with the horse toward the end result of standing quietly for hoof work.
What if my horse is foundered, has Navicular, DSLD, Stringhalt, etc.?
Please contact me directly at 920-419-7447 to discuss these cases individually. I will ask for the name of your veterinarian, and what veterinary measures have been taken. It is important that your licensed veterinarian be the critical component to your horse's recovery and treatment.
What do you require from horse owners?
I ask that a safe, comfortable, and well lit work area be provided. There should be ample room to work without danger to the horse or humans. I prefer not to trim horses on grass, in the snow, in the mud, deep shavings, sand, etc. A firm, flat surface such as concrete, packed limestone, or a stall mat is perfect. It is essential to keep the feet clean and dry while working. During the summer months, shade is essential. I’m a cold blood! And of course prompt payment is always good :-)
How will you treat my horse?
With respect, dignity, and professionalism. I do not hit horses, kick them, scream at them, and I don’t do horse training. I don’t use lip chains, twitches, or other methods of restraint other than a normal halter and lead. For a particularly unruly horse, I have a chain wrapped in 2 layers of vetwrap which can be positioned over the nose.
I take old/arthritic horses, or those with injuries into special consideration and will make every attempt to make them comfortable. I seem to have a special touch with young and green horses and have a lot of patience with their wiggly ways. I've been successful with a few horses who were dumped by their regular farrier for being "difficult." Sometimes a kinder more sympathetic approach is all that's needed. It is not natural for a horse to have a good leg yanked from underneath her! Farriers and trimmers must understand the instincts of horses in order to be successful with hoof work.
Are you a DVM?
No, I am not a licensed veterinarian. I do not prescribe or administer medication, and I do not perform surgeries. The services I provide are meant to be used in ADDITION to your normal veterinary and nutritional program for your horse. Serious issues such as laminitis, founder, bone fractures, foreign object penetration, deep tissue wounds, severe pain, life threatening circumstances, etc. should be addressed by your veterinarian immediately. Though I have completed an intensive hoof care certification program, I do not hold a medical degree. My purpose is to trim your horse's hooves, bringing them into correct balance, and also to evaluate other factors in the horse's environment that may be affecting healthy hoof growth.
What are your qualifications to trim my horse?
I have successfully completed the Applied Equine Podiatry diploma program with the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry, as set forth by the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry. This included 200 classroom hours, and over 200 hours of book learning, monthly homework, exams, and self study. Practical hours included lecture, cadaver studies, and work on live horses.
Where can I get more information on Applied Equine Podiatry?
You can visit www.equinepodiatry.org. There are many articles and newsletters you can download, as well as a forum where you can join and post as many questions as you like!
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