Maintenance Trims
​Balanced hoof care on a regular maintenance schedule tailored to your animal's individual needs.
Performance Shoeing
Whether you need trail riding protection or additional support for a performance horse, I offer a range of options including custom fit and colors.
Rehabilitation Trims & Therapeutic Shoeing
Whether your horse is suffering from founder, contracted heels, negative palmar angles, or recurrent abscesses, the key to healing is getting the hoof capsule back in balance
Glue On Composite Shoes
I work with the EasyCare Inc. line of composites including Versa Grip Glues, Versa Octos, EasyShoe 3Ds, etc. Lightweight and flexible, these products offer excellent caudal support and allow for infinite modifications.
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My goal for rehab applications is to provide a prosthesis where the foot is lacking, in a minimal enough shoeing package to allow for as much natural function of the hoof as possible. This is different from many conventional shoeing packages that the horse will never transition out of.
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Composites are also ideal for seasonal use for riding horses as an alternative to hoof boots.
Clients: Help me help your horse
Composites are a fantastic tool for helping horses but require some prep and the right conditions for a successful application and retention. Your horse will be exposed to new tools, smells, and sensations during the application process. Some can naturally be unsure of this new experience and they need to be able to relax and stand still during the prep, shoe placement and glueing. For this reason I typically do not shoe horses that I am not already acquainted with. I also strongly recommend having Dormosedan gel on hand for your horse's first shoeing. This can be obtained from your veterinarian and is a light sedative that helps the process go smoothly and keeps everyone safe if your horse struggles to stand still due to distrust or pain (because often the horses that most need composites are the ones that will struggle with the process).
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Composite retention comes down to 3 primary factors, FIT, PREP & APPLICATION. Environment and horse behavior are secondary factors. Some horses are harder on their shoes than others and may require a package with reinforcement.
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In order to achieve correct fit, prep and shoe placement, I need a safe, level, clean, well lit workspace and a compliant horse.
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Obviously a barn with a concrete aisle is ideal, but not everyone has that, and it's possible to use mats or a sheet of plywood, provided the horse will stand still and remain in that area. And even a nice barn with an aisle won't do me any good if it's dirty, or newly swept with dust still in the air.
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A compliant horse means
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No slamming feet down or pulling away
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Stands still, no excess wiggling
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Gives to light pressure, ideally a verbal correction
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The process of applying composites takes much longer than just a trim, so if your horse has any difficulty standing for a routine trim, sedation or further training will be necessary. If you are setting up a special area for the shoeing, your horse needs to be comfortable there. Practice beforehand and make sure they can relax and stand still. Figure out what helps them to be relaxed and peaceful. Do they need an emotional support buddy nearby? Or do they need to run around and blow off some steam before the appointment? It's unfair to ask them to stand still for an extended period of time if they are nervous or have ants in their pants, just as it is unfair to expect a hoof care professional to achieve correct prep and shoe placement on a constantly moving target.
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I'm happy to work with clients on troubleshooting what works best for their animal prior to the shoeing appointment. When everyone works together, the process goes as smoothly as possible and your horse can reap the maximum benefits of their glue ons!
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