WHY BAREFOOT HOOFCARE?

Dr. Teskey (Veterinarian & Lecturer) tells us why in his very informative article.

BF Natural Hoof & Horse Health

With Barb Fenwick

   I became interested in natural hoof care  in 2006. Here is why.

  One of my horses, Cherokee, after I sold him to a neighbour, became severely foundered.  I discovered this in 2002, four years after                              I sold him. I bought him back in order to try to help him recover. I consulted with local farriers and vets and after trying to fix his feet with traditional trimming and shoeing for 2 years, it became evident he wasn’t getting any better, in fact he was far worse. He was in constant pain and without any recourse I knew of at that time, he had to be put down in 2004. Then sadly in 2006, my horse Spirit foundered. I wasn’t going to let him die an early death too!  I had to learn how to save him.

I went looking for more education on how and why a horse will founder and to find alternatives to “traditional” hoof care.  I researched endlessly, read books, studied and took training. What I have learned IS saving my horse Spirit. If I had gone the traditional route, there is no doubt in my mind Spirit would be buried up on the hill with Cherokee. Instead he continues to recover, is still my best trail horse and helps many of my students as a school horse as well. His recover is due to great attention to his diet, exercise and most importantly natural hoof care.

Now, as a healthy hoof care practitioner I teach seminars and basic natural hoof trimming methods to individuals and groups.

It has become a mission of mine and a passion to help other horses.

What is Natural Hoof Care?

The method is based on extensive scientific and field studies of the mustang horses & other feral horse herds all over the globe by various equine health and hoof care professionals all over the globe. The wild horse travels miles every day on all kinds of terrain without the many issues our modern day domesticated horses feet are prone to.   Natural hoof care practitioners strive to replicate the type of hoof form and wear pattern found in wild horses. This allows the horse to grow a hard, naturally strong foot that never needs metal shoes. It is non-invasive, promotes healing, facilitates optimal hoof mechanism and supports the natural gaits. In most cases horses can go barefoot anywhere, anytime. Alternatively hoof boots can be used during the transition period or on extreme terrain.  Some of the well known pioneering professionals in the field are Jaime Jackson, Pete Ramey and Hiltrud Strasser. There are practitioners of each of these methods worldwide. What these professionals have learned is being applied around the globe with unfailing success.

What is Natural Horse Care?

In studying how the mustang creates these natural feet we learn the essence of how to recreate this for our domestic horses. Their environment, movement and lifestyle can be emulated. Horses living a natural healthy lifestyle will stimulate the creation of healthy hooves.  It’s a complete science that takes into account nutrition, stress levels, environment, exercise and balanced hoof care and trimming.

I  teach natural hoof & horse care. You will learn that adapting the environment and lifestyle of your horse to a natural way will create improvement in general health and long term soundness for your horses. Natural hoof and health care can prevent and treat common problems like navicular, laminitis/founder and other hoof related health issues.

BF HOOF HEALTH CLINICS/LESSONS

Book  hoof care lessons from May – October at Seasons Ranch

The 1 day course fee is $125.00 per person at Seasons Ranch.

The 2 day course fee is $250.00 per person at Seasons Ranch, which includes board/bed.  Maximum for 2 day course at your facility is 6 people.

Deposit of 20% of fee is due no later than 30 days prior to clinic date and is non-refundable, balance due 2 weeks before course.

Ongoing or introductory lessons can be booked on an individual or small group basis (available year round).

Online trim check consulting for those trimming their own horses after taking a course, is available by sending emails of trim pictures for review – fee $35.00 which allows 2 sessions of review on a trim (before & after trim).

Follow this link to see pictures from a BF Hoof Health clinic held here at Seasons Ranch.

 

Here are some great Natural Hoofcare & equine podiatry scientific studies you will find informative and helpful:

www.swedishhoofschool.com – Great site for general knowledge

www.hoofrehab.com/kiethtm – Pete Ramey

www.barefoothorse.com – Another great site for general knowledge

www.drkellon.com – Studies on hoof form, function and mechanics

www.easycareinc.com – hoof boots

Please contact me with your questions or to ask about learning how to do a natural hoof trim.  Save money  and save your horse! 

bfenwick@xplornet.com    204-466-2776

Here are some comments from recent seminars & clinics.

Half day Seminars at Bridles & Britches – March, 2009

Tom Hutchison DVM, MVSc., Diplomate A.C.P.V.,Veterinary Pathologist – “A very good presentation with excellent education, thanks!   I sure enjoyed your Hoof Health Seminar and the good, practical information that you provided this past Saturday. I will mention your seminars to friends.”

Mariette I.  “Great presentation. Very holistic approach. Thanks so much!”

Jennifer S. – “Eye opener!  Can’t wait to get started!”

Linda N –– “I loved everything!”

Sharon B.  –  “I’ve been reading Pete Ramey & Jaime Jackson and you have helped clear some things up.”

Dianne B. – “I learned a lot about laminitis and appreciate your expertise.  Thank you!”

Debbie M. – Barefoot farrier – “Good overview”

Paddy P. -   “Great presentation! Illuminating!”

Carolyn K.  Animal massage therapist – “Excellent presentation – Thank you!  I am looking forward to one of the clinics this summer!”

Francine L. “I’m glad to hear there is hope for my mare.  I am interested in hosting a clinic.”

Michelle C. “Excellent! Very Informative. I am looking forward to the 2 day course.

Wendy N. “Very informative! Glad the word is spreading.

Jen. S. – “ Had to come again! Much more has sunk in this time, and there was even new info. I have done some more reading and now realize that what you said before makes even MORE sense!”

Paddy P. “ Great! Learn something new every time!

Jill D. “ Excellent workshop Barb. Thank you. Lots of very valuable information & discussion.

One day clinic in Wawota Sk, May 2, 2009

Cher B – “Very informative, it showed me how much I don’t know.”

Jody B – “Well done Barb, Lots of food for thought and inspiriation”.

Charla M. – “Very knowledgable and passionate about what you are teaching. Very good examples. Looking forward to working with you to improve my horse’s feet.”

Pam F. – “Thanks for all the great information!”

Marge C. – “Great information, very interesting!”

Sharon B. – “Very informative and nicely presented, I enjoyed it a lot.”

Andrea T. – “Appreciated your warmth & knowledge.”

Lois G. – “While listening to your presentation I experienced sadness for my horse Spats. Because of my lack of knowledge re diet, exercise & hoof health.  For 26 years he has worn shoes every summer. The first thing I am doing this spring – NO SHOES!! The second thing – better pasture management, more movement!”

Lynn K – “Your presentation was amazing and very well done. You have inspired me to do more research on natural hoof health so that my horses can benefit for their well being. Thank you so much for coming to Wawota!”

Julie H – “Great presentation – I need to learn more and practice on my horse!”
Two day clinic in St. Andrews, MB, June 6/7, 2009

Linda C – Fabulous seminar – lots of info, very well presented.

Michele C – Excellent seminar!

Carolyn K – As I expected – wonderful, eye opening, well presented

Wendy C – All of the clinic was invaluable. All new info to me!

Mandy S – Very informative clinic, lots of fun!

Christine T – Thank you Barb, once again Knowledge is power!

Jeanette C – Excellent, excellent! Thanks for creating this opportunity.

Glenda S – This helped me very much – confirmed I’m on the right track and gave me insight into questions I had – thanks!

Judy H – Thank you – my mini thanks you too!  I am interested in more courses.

Anna P – Thanks so much for a great clinic! I learned so much, in a great environment as well.  When is your next clinic, I know more people who are interested. Hi Barb, now that I'm back at work, I just wanted to send you a quick note to tell you how much I enjoyed the clinic.  I thought everything about it was great and would love to attend another one!  I found that it really augmented my previous training, and it was good to have someone critique my work since I've been trimming for a little while already.

Jen S – So much information! Thanks!

Two day Clinic at Seasons Ranch July 4/5

Wendy – It was more than I expected, I felt both days were very valuable and the hands on was so helpful to get me on track with my mare.

Dave – I am glad there was a small group, the one-on-one was so important, I appreciated it.  Great information, well presented, thanks for putting this on.

Sharon – It was terrific, I am going to keep Benni healthy footed from here on! Thanks for everything.

Charlene – Another great clinic, great that my brother, my farrier saw and experienced what I have been trying to tell him for so long! I think he really had his eyes opened.