hoof care Services
BArefoot Trimming
Performed every 4-8 weeks year-round, the barefoot trim will sculpt a strong, healthy foot to support a sound, happy horse. Many of the horses in Liselle's practice are barefoot year-round. Quality trimming, however, is more than just cutting off hoof. The material a trimmer preserves in the hoof is as critical to hoof health as the excess removed. Through the trimming process we develop strong hoof wall, healthy frog and bar, and a protective sole- these are the structures we can see and touch. Managing their health enables us to make positive changes in the health of the foot's internal structures, those hidden from view- the circulatory system, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, digital cushion and collateral cartilage.
Every trim is unique, and the foot is balanced according to the unique conformation of your horse. Each trim informs the next, and feedback following and between appointments regarding comfort and performance is always welcome.
Every trim is unique, and the foot is balanced according to the unique conformation of your horse. Each trim informs the next, and feedback following and between appointments regarding comfort and performance is always welcome.
What's included in your trim:
- Discussion of your horse's health: soundness concerns, nutrition and turnout/riding program
- Evaluation of your horse's conformation, with an emphasis on how it may impact hoof growth and soundness
- Trimming to promote healthy hoof growth and soundness
- Application of topical products like thrush treatment and hoof conditioner to promote healing
Shoeing
In general, shoes are used in a hoof care program for the following reasons:
1. Standard shoes give extra protection or support for horses being ridden on rough terrain or in a performance setting.
2. Winter shoes provide traction in winter and prevent snowballing
3. Therapuetic shoeing addresses potential or existing lameness concerns in a variety of ways- from wedges to improve joint spacing to custom packing that redistributes pressure, and more. We'll work with your veternarian to find a shoeing solution for the pathology affecting your horse.
What to expect at your shoeing appointment:
- Horses may be shod year-round or seasonally. Shod horses are always maintained on a timely schedule every 6-8 weeks, depending on the season. Often, front shoes only are used, but occasionally all around protection is needed.
- Shoe selection- Lots of choices these days ranging from standard "keg" steel or aluminum shoes to composite/plastic shoes that can be nailed or glued on.
- Pads, packing, and studs are some of the shoeing accessories your shoeing package may include.
- NEW FOR 2024: New clients who want traditional steel or aluminum shoes must trailer-in to the farrier shop for their first appointment. The horse is shod and a duplicate shoe pattern is forged and stored. At subsequent appointments, shoes are made up using the stored pattern and applied at your farm or mine, whatever you prefer.
- If you prefer not to trailer-in, we can disucss hoof boots, or composite nail- or glue-on shoes instead.
- Trailer service is available if needed. Ask for a quote when you schedule your appointment.
- Lost a shoe? I work lost or loose shoes into my schedule but I am not on call like a veternarian. For faster service between regular appointments, clients are always welcome to trailer into the shop.
hoof bootS- Custom Fitting and rent-to-own
Hoof boots are a fantastic alternative to conventional shoeing. They work like sneakers- strap them on for a trail ride or to protect a temporarily lame horse, and take them off when you're done. All the benefits of barefoot and protection when you need it. Finding the right boot can be a challenge, though. Horse hooves grow and change in size through the trimming cycles, and the boot that works for one horse may not fit right on another. This program allows you to experiment with booting to see if it works for you and your steed.
Boot styles available for fitting and rent include Renegade Classic and Easy Boot Trail Original for recreational riding and Easy Boot Cloud or Rx for therapy. All boots are in servicable used condition.
Click here to read more about Hoof Boots.
Boot Fitting:
After a discussion of your booting requirements, we select a boot style for your horse. Liselle will measure and record your horse's hoof dimensions. She then fits your horse on site for the appropriate boot. Boots may be tested in-hand or under saddle, and swapped out for a different size or style until the right fit is found. Boot fittings for existing clients may be performed at your trim appointment. Persons wanting to schedule ONLY a boot fitting may trailer-in to the shop within 3 weeks of a fresh trim. After your fitting, you can purchase your boot of choice online.
Rent-To-Own:
Rent for the duration of your trim, 6-8 wks. Return or purchase your boots at any time, or rent 4 continuous cycles till you own them. Swap out any time at no extra cost for a different size or style till you find the boot that works for you!
At this time, the Rent-To-Own program is ONLY available to regular trimming clients. However, anyone may schedule a trailer-in fitting appointment within 3 weeks of a fresh trim.