Hoofcare Services

Getting Started:

• If you are new to Natural Hoof Care and Natural Balance I like to talk with you about what these methods are, your goals, what I will be doing and what you can expect.
• I ask about your horse’s history, age, what you use him for, how often and how he performs, what has or has not worked in the past.
• I ask you to walk, turn and lightly trot your horse to see how he is landing. I check for incorrect landing (toe first), short stride length, stumbling, hesitance or pain.
• I use Natural Balance protocol exclusively in my practice. For further information visit:
  • The Natural Balance section of my web site.
  • The Natural Balance web site: www.nbhoofcare.com
• Whether you decide to go barefoot or shod the goals of natural, balanced hoofcare are:
  • Each foot is balanced to its functional sole.
  • As close to a heel first landing as possible.
  • Working with your horses natural conformation not against it.
  • Lengthening of stride.
  • Ease breakover.
  • Minimize pain, hesitance and stumbling.
  • "Utilize the latest and most practical scientific information for the welfare of (your horse's) foot." Gene Ovnicek, RMF
• When using Natural Balance trimming or shoeing for the first time improvements may be noticed right away; however, overall improvement will come after two to three appointments.

Holding Your Horse

• New clients must be present to hold their horse during their first appointment.
• After the first appointment another adult can hold the horse instead.
• If the horse stands well and you are a regular client I can work on your horse alone.

Handling Your Horse

• I do not abuse horses.
• Hold your horse by his lead rope and stand on the same side of the horse as your Farrier.  Doing so gives your horse a clear escape path away from you and your Farrier if something spooks him.
• Please understand that horses who don't stand quiet for hoof care take additional time.
  
  • If necessary please work with your horse ahead of time so he will stand quiet for hoof care.
  • Horses that don't stand well for hoof care may need to be rescheduled.  A charge for additional time and or trips out may be required.   I will inform you ahead of time.
  • I do not continue work on horses that clearly are trying to kick or strike. 
• Does your horse need training to help him stand quiet for hoof care?
   
• What can be done during your appointment?
  
  • Fear - see this excellent Clinton Anderson article on handling your horses legs:  http://www.downunderhorsemanship.com/articles/legs.html
  • Attitude - Chris Cox has an excellent video on handling horses that will not stand for the Farrier.  His video is for purchase at http://www.chris-cox.com.  I have a copy if you would like to watch and return.
  • Pain - There are some leverage and/or pressure relief techniques we can use; however, horses that are in pain simply take patience on our part.
• Who can do the training during the appointment?
• I prefer that owners train their horses.
• I will train your horse if you desire using the techniques by Clinton Anderson or Chris Cox (see above).  I will explain and/or show you what I will be doing.  An additional charge or trips out may be required.