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Balanced Hoof Care for Performance & Rehabilitation
A balanced trim can mean the difference between “acceptable” and EXCEPTIONAL for your horse!
The most effective method of healing and maintaining healthy hooves involves working with—and influencing—natural growth. New growth follows the path of least resistance. Hoof shape, environmental diversity, and movement all influence hoof growth and function. Balanced hooves absorb shock, dissipate concussion, provide traction, and circulate blood for the equine they carry.
Problems in the hooves often manifest as issues with the body (and vice-versa). Well-balanced hooves, as well as a holistic approach to equine husbandry, can prevent—and often correct—these issues.
Founder, laminitis, navicular, “mystery” lameness, and other pathological cases are welcome. Current x-rays (lateral and DP views) are recommended in these cases.
Qualifications
- Certified Level II Proper Balanced Horse Trimmer (PBHT)
- Keith Seeley apprentice
- Team Easyboot member (boot fitting services available)
- Services include balanced barefoot trimming and Hoof-It composite horseshoeing
- Founder of SuperHoof.org
Experience
My passions include healing horses, achieving maximum performance potential, and the pursuit of knowledge. I learn whenever possible, from every possible source. Sometimes, I have to dig deep for that tidbit of knowledge, but it's always been beneficial to practice this philosophy. I enjoy working with veterinarians and farriers. There is no single solution for any problem, and open-mindedness is often the key to success. Every horse is unique. Therefore, every horse requires a personalized approach.
I regularly attend the Davie County Large Animal Hospital's monthly farrier meetings, which include case studies and discussion for farriers and veterinarians. I also volunteer my services for horses in the care of the United States Equine Rescue League.
My clients include horses that are recovering (and have recovered) from founder, navicular syndrome, navicular disease, seedy toe, white line disease, “mystery” lameness, and imbalances resulting from poor trimming and/or shoeing practices. I also enjoy working with performance and endurance horses.
Service Areas
Most of my clients are located in the Piedmont Triad region of NC. I also visit eastern Tennessee regularly, as well as the western portion of the NC Triangle region and Charlotte area. Generally, if travel expenses are covered, I will consider traveling to your location.
Please contact me with any questions and I'll be happy to help you in any way I can. Email consultations are also available.
Case Study: The results of a balanced trim...
Note changes in posture and facial expression. These two photos were taken on the same day, immediately before and after trimming. A balanced trim allowed this horse to comfortably stand "square". Before the trim, the horse would not hold the "square" position and would revert to the stance shown in the first photo.
More before & after/case studies...
I regularly photograph and video horses in order to accurately gauge their progress. Photos and videos are also a wonderful educational tool.
Founder rehab: The x-ray on the left is from November, 2008 and the x-ray on the right is from April 2009 (5 months later). Note the improvement in angles of the bones and joints, as well as the difference in sole thickness. Lowering the heel and backing up the toe reposition the inner structures so that healthy growth is possible. LOTS of movement (hand-walking) plays an important role in hoof growth as well as the horse's comfort.
"Navicular" rehab: The next two sets of photos are before the first trim and after the second trim (LF hoof). In just two trims, the relaxation of the hoof capsule and soft tissue is apparent. This horse had severely contracted heels and thrush in addition to the imbalances apparent in this view.
Long toe/low heel correction: before first trim and after trim at 5 months. Note the relaxation of the hoof capsule and soft tissues around it. The conformation of this particular horse is base narrow and toed-out, causing the breakover to occur on the medial toe. A 5-week trimming schedule and touch-ups by the owner between trims have helped achieve much healthier form and growth of the hoof capsules. This horse was also shod with Hoof-It composite horseshoes for a period of 3 trimming cycles, which helped build sole thickness and provided support and comfort in the meantime.
Long toe/low heel correction: first trim. Although no x-rays are available, I would expect to see a slightly negative-plane coffin bone in this hoof. Keeping the toes and heels back, as well as a regular trimming schedule, would encourage strengthening of the atrophied structures in the heel as well as straighter, more supportive heel and bar growth.
Medial-lateral imbalance: correcting imbalance in the right hind due to an injury that caused the horse to weight the hoof incorrectly (which created the unbalanced growth). This is only what can be achieved in one trim. The horse was much more comfortable following the adjustment.
Founder with rotation (before first trim and after 6 months)
Founder (sinker) before first trim and after 4 months
Please contact me with any questions and I'll be happy to help you in any way I can. Email consultations are also available.