Naturally Equine Podiotherapy & Barefoot Hoofcare

27/10/2023

For anyone looking to expand their knowledge, why not start here..

I’m thinking about doing a sale on the online maintenance trimming course before it gets a big revamp.

You’ll get all the old content plus the new that’s coming.

Comment below or pm me to get your discount code!

18/10/2023

Here’s a little flashback, was good to see pop up on Google while I searched around for a few things..

So I thought I’d share it here of course..

Scoot Boot Stockist, Rachel Tupek’s Stance on the Barefoot Movement Scoot Boot stockist, business owner and barefoot trimmer, Rachel Tupek gives us a special look into her world as a barefoot trimmer. Rachel began trimming her own horses and then realised there is so much more to learn and researc...

18/10/2023

Hello wonderfull people of Facebook, and now Instagram too!

So as many would know, Facebook has made linking social platforms easier to allow access to post on both account, ooohh, so personally I’ve never done that myself, worried about Instagram or trying to keep up with content so it’s at least half interesting.. Well… facebook has made things even easier by linking posts shared on my business page, with my business Instagram to assist.. Sounds ok o guess, so why not..

Well I popped over to share a post today and there it is, Instagram that has been connected to the business account for some time, but lacking big time, and not one follower haha so guys.. If you have Insta and follow me, please jump over and take a moment to follow me there to assist in promoting hoof health in the equine industry.. Even if you don’t follow me yet but want to promote good hoof health then please, show your support and follow along..

18/08/2023

Some great advice that should be shared everywhere..

When is being fat too fat?

When you feel ribs on the horse is he skinny? An apple bum?

I am getting more and more horses to dissect that look fine to me and not fat.
This one I thought was just fine.
A discrete apple bum and quite a lithe young filly.

I could not examine her with my hands as she was unhandled and I was not going to upset her any more. But from looking at her I thought she was fine.

But she was not. Her whole internal organs were encased in fat. Her crest was full as were her eye fat pads. Her apple bum was fat and her gut was encased.

Kidneys and heart fatty

A very difficult dissection due to the need to remove the fat before I could get to her secrets.

Too much hard feed in my opinion. Although when uplifted she and the others were knee deep in mud. Or maybe some endocrine disorder, I don’t know. She was surrendered when her owner could not cope any more due to illness. She was one of a herd.

Please don’t ask me for extra detail on this case. This is sensitive and I myself don’t know all the details except she was euthanised on vet advice due to being dangerous round humans and could not be safely re-homed. She was assessed by many trainers and folk that understand traumatised horses and they all agreed she was too broken.

Please no comments about how she could be saved, trained, loved, etc. This was the hardest one to date. There are 100s of unwanted horses out there in my country and euthanasia is unfortunate and costly. There are not enough homes for them.

Gallop high Bonny. You have given me the gift of education. One that I can pass to others. A gift that will last many lifetimes as mothers tell daughters and daughters tell daughters (and sons).

A big shout out to my Patreon small business sponsors who help me finance my incredible bills associated with this passion.
And my valued sponsors that are supporting me August 2023.

Trimmer and educator-
https://www.espacechevalmoderne.com/ecm-parage

Learn to trim-
http://www.holistichoofcareforhorseowners.com

Trimmer and educator-
https://www.caballo.co.za/

Innovative mud control-
https://www.lighthoof.com

07/08/2023

Taking on a few new clients in and around the menzies creek, pakenham upper, cockatoo and surrounding areas, particularly offering services around correctional hoof trimming..

Hoof care is becoming a passion amongst many, simply because we are beginning to see.. The work I do is specifically personalised to each hoof I work with, always taking into account the overall horse and postural changes that have or will occur simply with changes made during hoof care..

I offer basic trimming services also, although if correctional work is required, it must be attended to, and will be discussed in detail..

Trimming cycles vary greatly for individual horses so I do not work on a set cycle, but rather a cycle that is set around the horses needs..

Priced from $70.00 for ponies
Priced from $90.00 for horses

I am willing to travel for correctional and rehabilitation work + cost/travel..

If you have concerns or questions about your horses feet, don’t hesitate to reach out..

22/07/2023

Removing all leverage and repairing feet the right way, is literally the only way..

Once we understand how what we do externally affects the hoof internally, and in turn our horses overall… progress will be made..

Hoof cracks - how NOT to treat them.

We removed the hoof capsule off this cadaver hoof so we could examine the structures within - we had an inkling it wouldn't be looking too good.

And yep, we were right.

Some trauma had occurred which had severed through the coronary groove in the outer hoof capsule (3), and the coronary dermis underneath (2). This would have damaged the papillae and their sockets, resulting in the formation of a scar, and subsequently no further horn being made at that point.

We see lots of injuries to horses' hooves like this, and in fact the hoof has a huge propensity to recover well, allowing the trauma to close up, leaving behind just a scar, similarly to our own skin.

And that's ok, the integrity of the hoof is not further compromised, and the horse can go on and lead a perfectly sound, normal life.

Unfortunately for this horse, he or she had far more than just the crack problem to deal with. This horse had been suffering from chronic inflammatory bouts, seen here by the multitude of rings, ripples and other hoof wall imperfections (1) - the laminitis was very apparent and had clearly not been brought under control.

So this horse actually had THREE problems:

1. the damage caused by the original trauma which was desperately trying to heal
2. the ravages of chronic laminitis preventing the hoof from healing
3. the damage caused by a person who was continually grooving into the crack - also preventing the hoof from healing

This person was no doubt well-meaning, but what they apparently weren't aware of, is that the constant grooving out of the crack was never going to heal it, it was just making matters worse.

You can see that both the epidermal lamellae (3) and the dermal lamellae (2), had been irreparably damaged from this constant meddling.

We see this a lot too. This constant meddling and fiddling with cracks - grooving, cutting, screwing on plates, filling up with resins etc... it all happens and more!

If only the hoof care professional had understood that this horse was a chronic laminitic, and then had proceeded to advise on how to change the diet and management... and then understood how to trim the hoof correctly to nature's parameters - then this horse could have quite happily survived.

Yet another sad example of misunderstanding in the murky world of equine hoof care.

Thank goodness for the horses under our care, that our HMB Pros have this sort of situation sussed!

HM.

23/06/2023

This post is way too good not to share..

Natures Hoof Hardner.. It’s all in the title..

Horses in their natural environment have hooves that are capable of moving at all paces over lots of different terrains which can often include quite harsh, rocky, and sandy surfaces, whereas our domesticated horses are seldom exposed to much more than a riding arena, a flat paddock and maybe some road work, and most of their movement is usually carried out in a straight line and on a flat surface, so they are never given the opportunity to develop their best hooves because they simply don't move enough over anything even remotely like what they would naturally. In order to develop a good strong healthy hoof that is able to function soundly over a variety of surfaces without the need for shoes or boots, a horse needs a good low-sugar and low-starch diet which is free from inflammatory ingredients, exposure to a variety of surfaces, and time.

Pad walking is a good place to start and we like to use Sole Mate Therapeutic Pads which are made from 1" thick cell foam which regains its shape after every use, so although they're a little expensive they are a good investment. The pads offer a lot of support so would be very useful for a laminitic horse or for a newly barefoot horse that is really uncomfortable. To use them we simply cut them to the shape of the hoof and duct tape them on and walk the horse for 10 mins per day and this usually only needs to be done for around 2 weeks. If you wanted to use these pads in boots you would need to get a slightly bigger boot because the pads are very thick.

To begin conditioning the feet they will need gradual exposure over time using what you have available. In an ideal world, you would begin with soft sand or a menage and only move on to anything more challenging once your horse is absolutely comfortable. A good way to judge the different surface comfort levels for your horse is to try first walking over them yourself without shoes. If you are comfortable then it is likely that your horse will be too but if a surface makes you feel ouchie then a horse with thin, undeveloped soles will likely also feel it this way. When introducing a new surface walk for no more than 10 mins to begin with and always make sure you allow a day off in between to allow the feet to recover. If your horse lives on a track then consider adding different surfaces such as pea gravel, rocks, and sand in different areas and try and place obstacles for your horse to manoeuvre so that all areas of the hoof are fully stimulated. Be guided by your horse, it is far better to take it slowly than risk trying to rush and your horse ending up with bruised soles. If you still need/want to ride your horse during this transition phase then boots will allow your horse to continue working so long as they have been given the all-clear by their hoof care provider.

18/06/2022

It’s not too late so head over and and join this Masterclass!!

https://equineecare.com/horse-wounds-online-masterclass/

26/03/2022

As we come to the beginning of a new week I anxiously wait in wonder, I also carry a little fear, how are the horses going, how bad are their feet and how am I going to go when I see them..

Of course I’m sure many of you are wondering the same things and I appreciate that you are doing the best you can while you watch cracks appear and patiently await my return..

Remember I have a couple qualified hoof care providers backing me atm so if you need someone let me know..
Unfortunately the only areas I haven’t been able to cover is Narre, belgrave, Monbulk and surrounds..

Ok so update… The follow up appointment with the surgeon went well, all is healing well and no more appointments with the surgeon to look forward to 😁

I was then sent to see the hand therapist, I never knew there is hand therapists specifically.. I’ve been given different exercises to do, who would’ve thought touching the tip of your little finger with thumb tip, and running thumb tip down little finger to the palm and back up would be so difficult 🙄 I know, super easy with my other hand…
I’ve been told to push the therapy this week, try everything I do with this hand first to retrain it, I started using my hand differently to compensate once pain was gone, everything gets done between the middle finger and pointer lol so in two weeks at our re visit she expects to see natural movement..
I’ve also been told I can start picking up my tools and moving them around and next week pretend I’m using them to see how it feels..
Personally I’m thinking I will go and play with my own ponies feet first, get my hand around the hoof pick that at the moment I can’t use 😠

My plan is that by the end of two weeks I’m able to have trimmed my ponies and report back with good news..

As you all know, the moment I feel capable to manage your horses I’ll be coming to see you.. There are restrictions for me for a while and of course I’ll be smart, but I think next week I’ll know for sure how many and who I can see.. If I go well this week with my ponies I’ll prob come see yours earlier and use them as therapy also, starting slow but hoping to be back at full speed again soon..

Picture of my beautiful boy Magic

12/03/2022

Good afternoon everyone!!

Ok.. Before I go and individually contact clients who are pre booked over this coming week, I will let everyone who follows know that I am unable to take booking before the first week of April at this time..

I will start with the kinder and lighter horses to see how well my hands manage tool use, and handling of wiggly legs.. I’m sure by this time I’ll be feeling perfectly fine..🤞 I’ll try to get a couple in during the last week of March to come into it slowly..

Atm I have strict instructions to complete physio exercises, yes, for my thumb haha, no reaching for or lifting for 3-4 weeks and to avoid getting my hand wet for more than dressing changes, at least until seeing the surgeon again in a weeks time..

Healing has stepped back slightly since being home, but it’s enough to warn me about the importance of following post op guidelines including sitting with my arm elevated for most of the time.. It’s just so hard when you want to get those couple things done that need doing, but I will step back and rest, because I do not want to delay getting back to work longer than necessary..

Please forgive me for leaving you guys waiting, your poor horses toes are growing I know..

For some I have tried to find fill ins to cover me, but it’s not always easy for someone with full books to pick up the slack for another trimmer, especially when running different zones, so bare with me, I’m doing what I can and can only get people to help if and where they can without talking them..

It’s perfectly understandable if you need to outsource and find someone to come see your ponies..

If you know you have a difficult horse that is a challenge for me to hold and trim, needs the foot lifted repeatedly etc, then it may be best you find someone to tend to them in the meantime as I think I’d need more time to be ready for those, or get your training on.. The feet need to be kept up for much longer than the time it takes to simply pick them out, if your horse struggles to manage that, I’m thinking I’m going to struggle to manage them myself, and these horses may need to wait until the month following my return..

I’d love to help, but with the ligaments being affected it’s not worth risking further damage or being put out of work again..

Any questions or anything at all, please get touch..
I’m happy to find a way to work with you and try get everyone back on track and sorted as soon as we possibly can..

So those of you with light gentle horses, you will hear from me first and we will arrange a time get the ball rolling..

*Tip of the day.. the image I have posted, this is used by some clients for horses who become difficult or bored etc, it can really help amuse the mind and keep some horses content to stand longer..
I recommend this as an important item to have handy for times in need..

*hint *hint 😉

09/03/2022

After 6 days in hospital I’m being released!!! Yay!! 😁

One week of physiotherapy before a recheck by the surgeons, then hopefully cleared to use my hand, and hopefully I’ll have regained full function of my thumb again so I can start organising revoking all you guys back in, and get your ponies back on track..

So much amazing growth and positive changes are being seen this year, I can’t wait to get back into it and continue in our journeys to beautiful happy hooves..

Hope to see you all in the next 2-3 weeks 😊

07/03/2022

It’s always good to start the year off right, right!?

They say things come in 3’s so let’s hope that means onward and upward from here in this year..

Work related injury #1. Kick and rasped in the face knocking my teeth back and ripping gum open whilst trimming a pony luckily..

Work related injury #2. Kicked in the thigh full pelt by a pony I’ve trimmed for a long time, which is nervous, but this time it was decided to try sedate it before I come.. I was warned about sedated horses.. For a pony who has never ever given a hint of nasty vibe or ever threatened to kick, this sedation must have made her feel unsure why she felt that way and she burst out.. Lesson learnt, don’t work on sedated horses..

Work related injury #3. In hospital for surgery on my thumb due to trimming, what the! I know fidgety, leg yanking horses create hard work, and higher risk of being cut off course, but geez.. Entering my 3rd night in hospital now..

Doesn’t look like I’ll be working until all has healed..

I might need to consider giving up those leg yanking horses in the future to save myself, or maybe expect better training..

Or offer trim training, rather than the trim sessions being a training session also..

I have to say, I absolutely love a day where the horses are all beautiful and kind, and I dread the jobs where I know I’m going to be disrespected by horses or need to manage ones who are too busy in their minds to care that I’m under them, meaning it’s going to be a challenge the whole time just to keep its feet up..

27/02/2022

I’m always telling myself I need to be a little more over the top with my camera..
This year has been an odd one with the horses hooves and growth cycles.. One minute the worry of extended spring and horses with lamininitis, abscessing this year was at the highest rate I’ve seen it in, fat horses with lumpy bums and the struggle of standing without dropping their weight from being too heavy for their own feet, down to now… Sudden lack of grass 😁 horses feet suddenly growing in tight and becoming hard.. Yes many horses go sore while transitioning into the harder grounds but once they do, they’re thriving.. loving all the beautiful healthy growth and sound horses atm..

Love this job..

20/02/2022

27/06/2021

This is why I do what I do..

This post does not only relate to our relationship with our horses, it’s related to almost everything in life..

Meeting people who will open your eyes, and being willing to see what is, and can be achieved..

Then of course achieving that..

That is why I do what I do..

20/05/2021

Nice to hear this is being mentioned..

One of the biggest achievements I have when working with horses, not on them, is the horses willingness to cooperate and actually assist me while trimming.. It does not always start this way..

Those of you who I trim for, most likely know my methods, especially if you have a horse with pain, pain related anxiety or anxiety in general, these are the horses I pride myself in working with, they are the most satisfying, and they always hold a special place in my heart..

I don’t feel it’s necessary to have any horse hopping around, and I certainly don’t want horses snatching feet and ripping my shoulder out of the socket, so, I feel the importance of communication and listening to achieve pleasant experiences is the only way to go..

Why is your horse difficult to shoe?
Is it a sign of pain?

Similar to Dysons ethogram, Mannsman et al. (2011) suggested a pain ethogram for the shoeing process. The study expressed that the behaviours can be the result of bad training, improper handling, or the recall of past pain/punishment but its findings correlated with Dyson and concluded that pain must be considered first!

When shoeing horses we can be asking them to make unnatural body compensations to facilitate our work. The image below shows how shoeing the hinds can affect all the way along the dorsal myofascial line. Horses presenting with pathology along that line will struggle. A common "behaviour" can be hopping around, also snatching or slamming the leg down. Something I have experienced often in horses presenting with negative plantar angles. However, often these horses can have great feet and we are experiencing the effects of higher pain.

Very often the amount of difficulty can be proportionate to how poor the feet are, as they improve with remedial farriery the signs of pain reduce.
In the meantime simple considerations can be made. A horse with very thin soles or pr*****ed frogs, leave the opposite shoe on and do one foot at a time, for example.

As farriers we are well placed to note these "behaviours" as possible early signs of otherwise unrecognised discomfort, or even reactions to obvious poor hoof conformation. Not label the horse as "bad"!

In my experience, and supported by Mannsman et al. (2011) these behaviours desist with the improvement of the feet or higher issues.
Horses, in general, are genuine animals. Recognising pain in the horse is an obligation for anyone working with them and mentioning shoeing observations can be the first step in saving horses from unrecognised higher issues.

Further reading at this link..
https://www.theequinedocumentalist.com/post/recognising-pain-in-the-horse

17/05/2021

This was actually quite funny after a minute 😆