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FAQs
What kind of trim do
you do?
The trim that I use
balances the hoof neurologically and biomechanically according
to the internal structure of the foot, and not just to the
distal limb (hoof/pastern angle and hoof/shoulder angle). I
generally remove little to no frog and sole material so that
the horse is able to build up sufficient hoof depth to be
successful barefoot. To a large degree the horse has the
innate ability to heal itself, given the proper stimulus,
environment, and trim. It is never correct to overuse or
misuse horse shoes in lieu of developing proper structure on
the horse, correct environment and stimulus.
Do you only trim, or do you do shoes
also?
At this time, I only trim,
though I have been trained in applying glue-on Epona shoes,
and hope to offer this as a service in 2010. At this time,
some of my personal horses are shod in Eponas so that I might
become more experienced with the fitting and application of
these shoes. I also provide service in fitting and ordering
hoof boots for your horse.
What if my horse is wearing shoes? Can you
still help my horse? Are shoes bad?
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. 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.
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, Easywalker, and Sigafoos. Polymer
shoes absorb more concussion and generally offer good
traction. They can be a useful rehabilitation tool, or as an
alternative for those who don't want to use hoof boots.
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 do 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. However, horses that are blatantly
dangerous and ill tempered are not welcome on my
schedule.
What if my horse is
foundered, has Navicular, DSLD, Stringhalt, etc.?
Please contact me directly at 920-419-7447 to
discuss these cases individually.
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!
Please keep dogs away from the working area, as they have a
tendency to startle horses. 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,
or scream at them. To do so is dangerous and unprofessional. I
take old/arthritic horses, or those with injuries into special
consideration and will make every attempt to make them
comfortable.
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. My goal 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
received a scholarship, and successfully completed the Applied
Equine Podiatry certification program with the Institute of
Applied Equine Podiatry, based in Ocala Florida. 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.
Also I have received instruction from a Certified Journeyman
Farrier regarding the trimming and proper balance of the hoof.
Currently I am enrolled in the Level 2 Applied Equine Podiatry
study course which deals with more advanced topics. I have
attended an Epona Shoeing clinic which provided me with
another tool for managing founder and navicular situations. I
have attended numerous seminars and lectures covering topics
such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Founder/Laminitis, and
routine topics such as vaccinating, nutrition, and dental
care. I continually read and research all information
available to me and keep as current as possible on new
theories, research papers, and cutting edge information. I
have been trimming horses for about 5 years and have been a
student of the horse for 25 years.
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