💙 EXPECTATIONS AND PREPARATIONS...
SAFETY FIRST!
Safety around horses is critical for me and for you and your horse.
Note: Termination of the hoof trimming relationship can occur at the request of the client or trimmer when the relationship is no longer proceeding in a mutually productive or safe manner.
READY?
Please have your horse, pony, mule or donkey ready: haltered, cooperative and relaxed upon my arrival. It is not fair to expect one to be ready if it is during feeding time, buddies are not nearby, if one has been stalled or isolated for a long period of time, recently rescued/re-homed or if there is any undue stress happening. Safety is priority. Extra fee applies per horse, donkey, etc. for me to catch them and bring them in to trim.
*Note: I reserve the discretion to accept catching on a case by case basis.
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Where
Weather is usually not a problem for me - I get acclimated seasonally. However, rain ruins tools; winter wind can be too severe; deep, slippery mud is hazardous; and direct sun in summer without shade make my job more difficult. Barns and shelters with adequate lighting are a must during extreme weather. Other than that, I trim just about anywhere the horses are comfortable.
Comfort
Horses have a more cooperative attitude when they are comfortable. Effective FLY REPELLENT and fans in summertime, food for an empty stomach, barn buddies nearby, etc. all contribute to a positive and relaxing experience for everyone. Please also consider animals that have been recently relocated need time to adjust and settle in.
Distractions
For my safety - and yours - please try to maintain your horse's focus on the task at hand. It is kind to set horses up for success: have buddies close by, a full belly, quiet time before and during trims.
Special Needs
If your horse has past injuries, deformities, arthritis, EPM, etc. I will patiently do my best to accommodate their needs. It is unkind to expect a horse to endure unreasonable discomfort from arthritis, past injuries, etc. during a trim session. Phenylbutuazone (bute) can be obtained from your veterinarian: administer the night before and morning of trims to ensure a more comfortable experience.
Team Approach
I welcome and encourage working with your veterinarian, chiropractor, massage/body work therapist, nutritionist, equine dentist and trainer - the whole horse approach includes the whole team approach.
X-rays
I highly recommend having current x-rays available as they are extremely informative as well as providing a baseline to document healing changes over time.
Lame
If your horse is acutely lame with an abscess, a diagnosis of "navicular" syndrome, laminitic/foundering, cushings/equine metabolic issues, arthritis, I highly recommend that you receive an exam and diagnosis first from your veterinarian. Blood work is essential to diagnose and determine if there are any underlying issues without symptoms. Current and past x-rays are extremely helpful - please forward via email.
Gaited
I trim gaited horses with respect to their natural, comfortable hoof parameters as with all horses/donkeys/mules. Natural hoof care does not include special trims to exaggerate gaits - if your horse will not gait without such methods, please seek persons who specialize in this.
Training
Although I am experienced with horses and natural training methods, I am not a professional trainer. If your horse is untrained, unmanageable or unsafe, I reserve the right to refuse service. Trip fee will still apply. Please manage your horse and keep all of us safe.
Foals
Hoof care starts with foals. For proper hoof development inside and out, foals must have maximum exercise and freedom to move. Trimming will keep excess growth in check early to maintain correct growth. Please handle foals EVERY day soon after birth and prepare them for having their hooves handled: set them up to succeed.
"Rescues and Fosters"
Rescued and fostered animals will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. I reserve the right to decline service to unsafe or untrained animals that pose a threat to my safety ... or yours!
Absolutely! I highly recommend them as the healthy alternative to metal shoes. They offer protection and support without interfering with natural hoof mechanics and while enabling the hoof structures to become stronger. They are great for transition after removal of shoes or for horses that are uncomfortable when ridden on uneven, rocky ground; Also helpful for rehabilitation during laminitis, founder, navicular, etc. I will gladly direct you to hoof boot resources and assist with measurements.
Photographs
Use that expensive cell phone camera! Take photos regularly of your horse throughout the year to create a baseline and document changes in body condition as well as hooves. You would be surprised how we miss changes over time. I will happily assist you; let me know and I will set aside some extra time.
Hoof Health Factors
- genetics
- pre- and post- natal experience
- age
- diet and nutrition
- amount of movement
- varied terrain
- regular and consistent trims
- blood work baseline
- natural dental exams
- veterinarian exams
- holistic horse wellness practitioners
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💙 HOW MANY HEARTS DOES A HORSE HAVE 💙
KEEP IN MIND
Your horse or donkey or mule can have the best trim and still have discomfort due to other critical, underlying problems such as:
- dental issues
- nutritional deficiencies
- skeletal and various joint issues
- muscle and tendon sprains and tears (myofacial trigger points)
- improper movement due to poor conformation, past injuries, etc.
RECOMMENDATIONS
contact other reliable equine professionals such as:
- natural equine dentists
- veterinarians
- myofacial therapists
- massage therapists
- trainers
- barn sitters (providing medical/therapeutic care in addition to regular needs)
PLEASE REMEMBER: professional hoof care is not a substitute for overall appropriate veterinary care, diagnosis and treatment plan. The whole horse approach includes diet/nutrition, freedom of movement, ample exercise, pasture buddies, clean water, shelter, equine therapies... and your heart.