This message is from: Michelle King <perft...@yahoo.com>
Robin: Here's a website for barefoot trimmers: http://appliedequinepodiatry.org/United_States.html These trimmers are AMAZING!!! I have a woman who comes and does my Fjord's and pony's feet and we never have issues. In fact a week ago I put down gravel on the path to one of the field's gate and intended to put surepak down on it that afternoon but didn't get a chance. I had to take my Fjord out of the field and walk him across the gravel. I cringed at the idea but he didn't flinch at all. His feet are Fjord tough! Same with my daughter's pony--not one issue. If someone isn't listed in your area, feel free to email me and I'll get you in touch with the person who runs all the courses and maybe she can point you in the right direction. . .My "farrier" comes every 5 weeks b/c that's what works best for our horses. She does spread it out in the winter to about 7 weeks because the hoof growth is slowed considerably. And an update on my Fjord: Thanks again to everyone who as replied. Clicker training wasn't really the way I wanted to go with my Fjord. His saddle fit was fine. Reading Andrew McLean's work was VERY helpful. So far I have read his books "The Truth About Horses" and "Equitation Science". "The Truth" book had more practical advice but the "Science" book had more technical reasons for why he trains the way he does. I am still waiting for his "Training Manual" from Australia. That seemed to be the only place to order it from (but they are offering 20% off now so that helped with the shipping!). Here's a nice overview of his methods that I found in a dressage forum: http://www.createforum.com/naturaldressage/viewtopic.php?p=10099&sid=31d715f 67bc602a4af1f6435a881a645&mforum=naturaldressage Does it work? Well, I can't say I'm an expert. I started changing how I rode my boy after I just read some things online and what a difference! He became lighter the first ride! He possess self carriage more and more of the time. I really, really like how he's moving and how easy he is to get moving. I don't use spurs but I do carry my dressage whip as a training aid. I do some ground work with him, more because I find it very helpful and easy to incorporate it into our riding sessions. The photographs in his book are wonderful for illustrating his points so you can see how your horse is responding to you. I highly recommend it. I am always surprised how sweaty Luke is after working even though our sessions aren't very long. It shows me how hard he is working and concentrating. Best part: I look forward to riding him daily. And he is now being ridden at least 5 days per week. In addition to this change I have been giving him two Bach Flower essences before I ride. I do believe that helps too. Thanks again for everyone's input! Michelle ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 8 Dec 2012 11:35:39 -0800 (PST) From: Robin Churchill <rbc...@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Hoof Boots This message is from: Robin Churchill <rbc...@yahoo.com> This horse has a foot that is longer than it is wide partially naturally and partially the way he was currently trimmed. My thought about this whole thing is that I want to get these horses on the same farrier schedule because trailering out on different schedules is killing me and I am just fed up with the shoes on this horse. He lost the right front shoe two weeks before he was last shod and then again 2 days after he was shod. Also I feel like (and I could be wrong) that despite his problems, if I could get the hoof in a more natural shape and get rid of the nail holes perhaps he would do better. My objective is to have him walk around comfortably and if he can be ridden that would be a plus. My main riding horses are now the 2 fjords and one of them needs to be on a 4 week schedule to keep the flare out of his hoof and keep it from cracking at the toe. I've mentioned before that the farrier that does the big horse only does a 6 week schedule because he has so many clients and for his personal life. Unfortunately the west coast of Florida is not like the east coast or Ocala area where good farriers and horse vets are a dime a dozen and if you don't like one you can easily get another. Right now I am putting a Boa boot on the unshod hoof when he is turned out and a softride boot in the stall but my objective would be for him to be barefoot most of the time unless he is being ridden once his feet get used to being without shoes and are gradually brought into a more natural shape. I also saw a product called sole guard that I thought might be appropriate when he first has the shoes pulled but I don't know anyone who has used it. I am going to take a look at the Renegade and Cavallo boots but I also was looking at the Easy Boot Trail which are supposedly easy to put on and off, more appropriate for an oval foot and ok to turn out in. I guess they are pretty new but the reviews of them on-line seem positive. Thanks to everyone who wrote with advice and if anyone else has any opinion still would be glad to hear it. One thing I know for sure if you are looking at a horse with any kind of foot problem or feet that have potential to cause problems, RUN. I have had this horse for 16 years and his foot problems have been the bane of his existence and mine. I think if I had been more experienced and had access to better farriers at times things might have been different but I guess that's water under the bridge now. I would never put shoes on a horse now unless there was no other option. Robin ________________________________ Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
