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.
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Gates Billette, NHCP (Natural Hoof Care Practitioner), has been around horses nearly his entire life, and has been a professional farrier since 1969. He emigrated from Canada in 1985, and now calls Nocona, Texas, home, along with his wife, Karen, and their many pets. Gates was fascinated by the "art" of shaping shoes. He had always had a knack for working with his hands, and this paired with his love of working with horses, drew him to shoeing as a profession. At the time, he was convinced that shoes were the answer for everything that could possibly go wrong with hooves. Little did he know then, a very different awaiting him many years later. He began his transition from "normal" to "natural" in 2002, when he was invited to attend a barefoot clinic given by Warner Stone. Following 31 years of traditional hoof care, it was not so easy to see that barefoot was the answer at first, and he was not easily convinced. After having seen the results of multitudes of natural trims, both therapeutic and daily wear, he finds himself convinced that the health of the horse and the health of the hoof are intimately related, and understands the overall ineffectiveness in shoeing horses, as well as the potential harm it can cause. Gates finds himself swimming upstream most days. He has a fierce desire to inform and educate horse owners. His dedication to the health and well-being of our beloved equine friends sometimes weighs heavily upon his daily routine, as he struggles to overcome the dogmatic mantra of established hoof care practices. However, he is dedicated, committed and will follow through for every horse who's owner will commit to the process. "Natural Hoofmanship" is a way of life and a philosophy of natural holistic horse care that includes, but is not limited to, the barefoot trim. Research is mounting to support the practices of "Natural Hoofmanship" and all that it can do for our special friends, and Gates is on the leading edge of this movement. Click on photo to enlarge (pictured below - top left: Gates on "More Toys", paint gelding; top right: "Bonnie" & "Sara" pulling wagon; bottom: Gates' trimming a client's horse)
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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 lisa@carterequineproductions.com |
