We Cater to the Sole of Your Horse

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. 

Click here to view case studies

Links to websites of interest

I strive to help people to better understand the horse and hooves to avoid things like founder and navicular.  I have no doubt that anyone can trim hooves for themselves and we offer the means to accomplish this, whether you just wish to have a better understanding in general or wish to follow this path as your profession. 

I encourage people of all ages (yes, even adults!) to return to the classroom.  We offer three clinics that will give you a good foundation in understanding and performing a natural trim.  I encourage all horse owners to arm themselves with the wealth of information available with regard to the latest studies on equine health care.  An educated decision is always preferable, whether it be for your own health or your horses' health. 

Upcoming 2009 Natural Hoof Care Clinics

Click here to download/print registration form

High Hope Ranch, Glen Rose, TX - April 25-26, 2009

Details:  Accommodations available, as well as corrals & box stalls for a few horses.  Day 1 - Power Point Presentation 9:30 am.  Following lunch, dissection of cadaver hoof & demo trim on two horses.  Day 2 - Power Point Presentation Part II.  Following lunch, we will work with those first 4 horse owners with one horse each or we can provide one for you to trim.  Cadaver hooves will be provided for those who do not want to trim a live horse.  Live trimmers will be required to have some experience having trimmed for some time.  E-mail gatesbillette@hotmail.com for RSVP.  $20 deposit required.  Total cost $50/day.  Additional accommodations located in Glen Rose, approximately 6 miles away, and plenty of restaurants. 

North Hatley, Quebec, Canada - May 16-17, 2009 & second date in early October TBA

Details:  Contact Natalie at Beaulieu@cheval.qc.ca for information.  Clinic is in French. 

Hickory Creek, TX - July 11-12, 2009

Details:  Located south of Denton off I-35.  Limited space for approximately 15 people, limited horse space available.  Same format as listed above for High Hope Ranch, Glen Rose, TX, unless otherwise requested (i.e. Advanced Trimming and how to operate a grinder on hooves, horse handling upon request).  Difficult horses welcome, no outlaws.  E-mail gatesbillette@hotmail.com for RSVP. 

Huntington Stables, Stafford, TX - August 22-23, 2009

Details:  Click here for printable directions.  Class is from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm.  $50/day or $100/both days.  Same format as listed above for High Hope Ranch, Glen Rose, TX, unless otherwise requested (i.e. Advanced Trimming and how to operate a grinder on hooves, horse handling upon request).  Difficult horses welcome, no outlaws.  E-mail to gatesbillette@hotmail.com for RSVP. 

Cactus Creek Ranch QH, Shawnee, OK - September 12-13, 2009

Details:  Paddocks & stalls available.  Contact Leslie via e-mail at cactuscreekqh@sbcglobal.net or phone 405-275-9988, cell 405-474-2969, to make stall arrangements.  Same format as listed above for High Hope Ranch, Glen Rose, TX, unless otherwise requested (i.e. Advanced Trimming and how to operate a grinder on hooves, horse handling upon request).  Difficult horses welcome, no outlaws.  E-mail gatesbillette@hotmail.com for more information. 

Directions to Cactus Creek Ranch QH - 42902 Benson Park Road, Shawnee, OK  74801.  Exit 181 off Interstate 40...go south on Highway 177 (approx. 4-5 miles).  At Hardesty Road light (Sonic on left, Shawnee Milling on right) keep going straight (get in fast lane) and go left at next crossroad (which is Benson Park Road)...at that corner is Cowtown Bar.  Left on Benson Park Road, go thru two stop signs...it is approx. 1.5 miles from second stop sign on left side...42902 on mailbox on right side of road, driveway opposite mailbox on left...follow the signs. 

Guthrie, OK - details TBA

Clinic Sponsorships Available

We invite you to sponsor a clinic in your area!  Learn to trim your own horse!  Contact us for more information on how you can sponsor a clinic. 

For more information on Natural Hoofmanship and Gates Billette, call 940-867-5208 or e-mail gatesbillette@hotmail.com

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