We Cater to the Sole of Your Horse
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We Cater to the Sole of Your Horse
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What is "Hoofmanship" - The application of the skills and knowledge to care for the equine hoof in a way that results in optimal form and function. This knowledge is based on the physiology, locomotion, and other factors that impact hoof quality, including lifestyle, diet, and use of the animal. What is "Natural Hoofmanship" - The application of natural horse care theories to the basic knowledge and skills of Hoofmanship. What is "Genuine Texas Hoofmanship" - A style of natural hoofmanship developed in Texas by Gates Billette and Susanne Elmer.
| Link to an article by Greg Sokoloski of the Houston Police Department Mounted Unit, which has been extremely successful in transitioning their police mounts to barefoot. http://www.thehorseshoof.com/success_Houston1.html Two in-depth case studies done by Lisa Carter of Heavenly Gaits Equine Massage in Hico, Texas, on clients of mine. Heavenly Gaits Equine Massage case study - evaluating asymmetrical equine hoof growth patterns Candace Clark - Weatherford, TX September 15, 2008 I had always been told (and believed) that if I was going to ride, my horses had to have shoes. I believed this motto for years until the year of rain...2007. That year all of my four Arabian horses began having trouble with chipping and keeping their shoes on. My farrier at the time suggested various topical ointments, a biotin supplement and finally more frequent times and shoes. I had zero success following those suggetions. I felt frustrated and began to listen more seriously to my friends and co-workers who were already converts to a more natural approach...the barefoot trim. After several weeks of research, I tried Gates Billette based on the recommendation of a fellow endurance rider. And so on a sunny afternoon in July 2007, Gates drove over two hours to my farm to begin my initiation into the barefoot world. Now September 2008, my horses are fully acclimated to barefoot status. Three of the four horses had no trouble going without shoes. In fact, one of them won two 25 mile endurance races earlier this year while barefoot. Another horse has gone on many trail rides of various terrains with no problems. My long-term dressage trainer said of this horse, "he has never moved so freely before." The fourth horse struggled in his transition. He couldn't walk on a gravel drive with shoes, so I didn't expect him to walk on gravel without shoes either. However, I was not fully prepared for the course his hooves took. The poor horse was constantly off. He could walk, but he was lame in any other gait. Then one morning, he didn't come up to eat. I found him lying in the pasture refusing to get up. After much worry, six abscesses blew from one hoof. He has fully recovered and now has more quality hoof than before the abscesses. Incidentally, he can now walk down a gravel drive. I have been very pleased with the barefoot trim and with Gates. My horses all have more concavity to their souls and wider frogs. They move better and I no longer need protective boots. Gates promptly answers questions and keeps appointments. He's very punctual and very caring. In summary, it's always great to have a product like the natural trim combined with the great service that I get from Gates. |
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For more information on Natural Hoofmanship and Gates Billette, call 940-867-5208 or e-mail gatesbillette@hotmail.com This website designed and maintained by Carter Equine Productions. For technical assistance regarding this website, please contact my Webmaster, Lisa Carter at lisacarter@hughes.net |