Six Hearts Hoof Care - Katie Arbour

01/31/2024

I am often asked why I rarely feed bagged, commercially-prepared feeds, grains or name-brand oils or additives, to my horses.

I never feed bagged feed or supplements to my ponies, or to unsound horses here for rehabilitation to a healthier life.

This has long been my method… other than the occasional addition of soaked beet pulp, should a horse be losing ground over our challenging winters. Our horses and ponies are energetic, shiny, healthy, with lovely coats and feet. By far, the majority of ulcers we treat are in horses who have been brought in from elsewhere.

So, we feed homegrown hay, free-choice straw, along with grazing time on pastures containing browse. Our grass and our hay is analyzed and we do offer free-choice mineral, accordingly.

Horses and ponies love spending time chewing on branches and native shrubbery, like willow twigs! If offered these, especially if they must stand around in the corrals for some reason, they’re uninterested in chewing our fences. This constant diet of a variety of bland, or lean, roughage also means that obesity isn’t much of a problem, even in the smaller, aged ponies who live here.

They’re not heedlessly kicked out on acres of lush grass but they ARE acclimated to grazing and foraging for their food.

This is a sticker placed prominently inside our trailer, by the manufacturer. If what we are feeding our animals can erode metal in a short time, why are we so surprised that ulcers are so prominent? It’s something to think about... and yeah, despite our low-stress feeding regime, I DO still clean out the trailer!

12/27/2023

Forage first.
Forage always.
Forage only, wherever possible.

Forage as in grass and hay
Forage as in scavenger hunt to find it.

“Hiding” hay in untraveled corners of the pasture, under logs or spruce boughs, in the crooks of trees, or tossed between poplar saplings is fun for us and fun for them. Spread thinly over large distances to encourage grazing behaviour.

Feeding horses with the quad is my favourite part of the day.

As many horse owners know, colic is an unpredictable, painful, and sometimes fatal condition. Colic refers to abdominal pain in your horse. It is an amorphous condition that can lead to potentially serious health complications. Colic may present as a mild case that is resolved in less than 24 hours

11/13/2023

What makes "barefoot" work?
Dr. Robert Bowker has repeatedly emphasized that the malleable hoof horn responds directly to the trim applied to it, and to any permanent fixtures applied to it, as well as to the ground surface. When we trim, we are actually changing the internal structures of the hoof itself, including the bones. This can be positive or negative.

Historically, all methods of natural barefoot hoofcare have emphasized the importance of healthy living conditions as an active part of the process (originally taught by Dr. Hiltrud Strasser and Jaime Jackson). This crucial part is overlooked and downplayed by nearly all traditionally derived hoofcare methods right up to the current day. Instead, horse care "traditions" continue on unchallenged, even when they have been proven in various European studies to be detrimental to the horse (i.e. full time stabling; isolation stalls; stabling of young horses, etc.).

This is CRUCIAL because the barefoot hoof when in optimal conditions - or even "a little bit better" conditions - will adjust itself. When trimming errors occur, and they do, the horse can then self-trim just a bit to improve things. This "co-trimming" of the horse is so important to the success of barefoot trimming! This does not mean long intervals between trims; this means that the interval between trims, whether 2 weeks or 6 weeks, for a horse in good living conditions will lead to even further hoof improvement (remember that shorter intervals of 3-4 weeks are important when changing a problem hoof; not quite so applicable to stable, healthy hooves in very excellent living conditions).

The BETTER your horse's living conditions, the less important your trimming details become, as long as the hoof form is approximating a natural shape (physiologically, that means short toes and lowish heels so that the frogs kiss the ground and can correctly function and do their proper job). Conversely, with poor living conditions, your trim itself better be smack-down perfect, because there is little room for error (no self-adjustment).

When a fixed device is placed upon the hoof which allows for NO natural wear, such as any form of permanently attached horse shoe, there is zero opportunity for the hoof to adjust itself. Therefore, the farrier/trimmer takes full and total responsibility for the entire foot of the horse, its angles, its function, etc. Seriously, that is a little too much responsibility, being as there is no consensus on what is truly healthy or truly correct. Nature always wins. Happy Hooves! - Yvonne Welz

03/19/2023

Show me the creative ways you get your horses moving, post your pics in the comments!!!

03/03/2023

Disobedience is a sign of intelligence.

Read that again.

An animal who will blindly obey you, no matter the circumstance, and never choose to advocate for themselves, is not an animal displaying intelligence.

They are displaying their ability to learn and follow instructions but if that always comes above their own innate needs, bodily discomfort and overall welfare, they are not making the more intelligent decision.

The act of saying no, while being aware of risk of punishment for it, is an act of self advocacy and is a sign of intelligence.

Having a mind of their own rather than becoming a vessel for their trainer to control is your animal showing you intelligence.

As trainers, we put way too much emphasis on obedience at any cost and this has resulted in a lot of normalized shutdown in horses.

It’s resulted in us applauding trainers for having robotically obedient horses who do their every bidding without question. Never having an opinion of their own.

If we want blind obedience without any regard for emotional, physical or mental well-being, I think what we are looking for is a bicycle, not a horse.

02/15/2023

The bison ate all the tasty bits out of the green feed, now they are spoiled and refusing our canary hay lol. Meanwhile, the horses are grateful for the leftovers. Low nutrient high fiber forage spread out on the snow is blissful. Mixed with some canary grass hay.

02/14/2023

Horses going back to quadruple check they didn’t miss any of the hay I spread yesterday morning.

They came running from the straw hoping I had more hay to give. When it didn’t materialize they returned to the place I spread it yesterday in the forest.

You can train them to leave the bale. You don’t have to starve them. You just have to get creative. Straw helps.

The snow is so deep in there the quad got stuck so I had to walk back.

There was tons of tracks in the fresh snow up to hill to the waterer and back. Maybe I’ll put a tracking collar on them and see how much they are moving !

The grey is 8 months pregnant. She doesn’t get any special “mare feed”. She’s already a pretty easy keeper. She has access to mineral and salt.

are we pre-programming our foals to be insulin resistant with “mare feeds” ? I think that’s a thing that’s happening.

02/14/2023

It took me a long time to get to the point where I felt like I could share some of those brazen posts about overfeeding concentrates to those obese horses. Know that every day every horse I see like that I question “why am I even doing this?” and I’m on the verge of quitting. I promise you I am frustrated, tired and just over it. I’m tired of tiptoeing around you. Go ahead and trim your own horse. Hopefully you can do it better than me.

It’s so sad because half of the commenters missed the point of the post. I feel like they didn’t even read it and they are the ones who need to. Or they are from a different continent??! (Still making excuses.) you missed the point. You picked the one thing that triggered you and went to war with me.

You don’t agree with me? Fine. Scroll on. Call a different farrier. I turned off the comments. I’m turning them off on this one too. I’m tired of arguing. Want to keep over feeding junk to horses who can’t walk over gravel? You go ahead. You are the problem.

✌️

02/13/2023

Foundered horse rehab starter pack:

Stemmy hay & a garage-sale bought quad.

Spreading and sprinkling hay through the trees, up the hills, over the pasture… I picked deep snow where there aren’t many horse tracks. I’ll even sprinkle some in little trees or hide it under fallen logs. Bonus points if it’s snowing and covering it (you don’t think they can’t smell it?).

Why all this work? Isn’t a netted bale easier? Of course it is. That’s why it needs to change. Horses will stand at the bale all day, or stand waiting for you in the same place you feed them. Spreading your hay and hiding it simulates grazing foraging behaviour. Head down, searching for morsels… saliva being produced to naturally buffer stomach acid, trickle feeding low nutrient high fiber forage. At the same time, they’re also sipping on water in the form of snow. Hopefully, while they’re out there they’ll discover some little morsels under the snow they forgot about.

I can gaurantee you those horses will retrace their steps all day today trying to figure out if they missed any of my cleverly stashed piles. This is enriching for horses who spend up to 16 hours a day grazing.

Do you have to go out before dawn in a snowstorm to do this? No not at all. Do you have to do it everyday? No, but you can. The more you feed horses like this, the healthier they will be.

Good exercise for me too 🥰

02/13/2023

🙌

02/13/2023

This. 🙌

Read it. Read it twice.

Most bagged feeds are just garbage waste products from other industries that can’t be sold so they add a bunch of molasses, “flavour” or other junk to make it palatable to horses. Soy, h**p, oat hulls? Garbage they can’t sell humans so they sell it to you to feed your horse. All extruded feeds need some type of acid buffer- sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or bentonite clay added. Why? Because concentrates cause leaky gut over time (hindgut acidosis) and you guessed it- laminitis. A “daily ration” is just code for “keep buying this junk”. I promise your horse doesn’t need it. If they need extra calories (so so so few actually do) there’s other options.

Take the money you spend on bagged feeds and buy yourself a new saddle instead. Or a tank of gas to get you to your next horsey adventure. Or pay someone else to ride them. I’m giving you permission. Your horse will be healthier and happier. You will be much richer.

FEED BAG CHALLENGE

Look up the ingredients in what you’re feeding. I was researching H. IR daily ration, just to prove a point and was horrified. Pick some ingredients and figure out what they are. Don’t get me started on step products.

Btw “Choline” is not a dietary ingredient that horses even need. It’s a human thing we get from fish, meat & eggs. No horses have ever been documented having an excess or deficiency of it. It’s filler.

What do you think “binder” is? Cause idk 🤷‍♀️

01/17/2023

Hello to all my truly valued customers !

Please take note of the following requests/guidelines for proper appointment behaviour/etiquette.

(Also please note it is often very difficult for me to send this out into the world, but I am trying to find my voice!)

1. Be ready

We are all late sometimes, me especially. But I can promise it is not always because I am disorganized. Often I have to take extra time with a horse or human who needs it. I don’t generally charge extra for this, and I can promise if you if your horses needed extra time I would give it freely. Please do your best to have your horse(s) caught & ready (or close by with a plan to rotate).

2. Choose a spot for me to work that is flat and clear of loose snow, no loose horses and Weather-appropriate.

Packed snow is acceptable but loose snow collects in the feet every time the horse puts his foot down, and I spend more time picking it out than I do trimming. Same goes for mud and Sand, they also dull my tools. I am not about to force your horse to hold his foot up the entire time if he needs a rest or to rebalance. Please don’t park me in an area with slush. Seek a sliver of shade for me in the summer. Shovel out your horse shelter for me in rain (would you like to have your face down breathing in manure dust?) if there are loose horses around you need to be hyper vigilant should one of them come too close or upset the horse I am under

3. Clean dry feet and legs.

In summer sometimes packed in dirt helps keep the feet somewhat soft. But in winter, ice buildup or mud or manure (or worse, dog 💩) makes me mad. If you don’t want to handle the feet why would I? If it’s dry and the feet are hard consider soaking them for a few hours before I arrive, then drying. But if you decide to soak you need to pick them out first. Soaking for 20 mins and then leaving them wet makes me mad and doesn’t help me any.

4. Don’t do stuff to your horse while I’m under him.

Seriously. Not a good time to brush him. Not a good time to pull his mane. Not a good time to add a blanket. Not a good time to treat his scratches. Not a good time for giving medications. Seems like a no brainer but with spring on it’s way I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a bunch of hair flicked into my face. And a new one for me; being smacked in the face with blanket buckles. Just. Stand. There. Correct any trespasses but don’t micromanage.

5. Be present.

If you have to leave or go do something that’s okay. Let me know. Tie your horse. If you don’t want to talk to me while I’m working it’s fine. If you don’t want me to talk that’s fine too. If I’m working and not talking I’m not mad I’m concentrating. I am feeling all of the horse in balance above me and searching for indications of a spook that will ripple through his body before he jumps. (I can feel where his head is through his feet!) We are dancing together in the art of balance and give and take of his feet. There is a second conversation happening between me and your horse that you know nothing about. Please do not use your cellphone unless it is an emergency. I find it more disrespectful than if you just leave. Be here now. Being present also means being aware of the situation. If you see danger you think might upset your horse I would prefer you tell me. If your dog is so excited to eat trimmings he’s is getting bumped with my tools, it’s making me mad.

6. If you can’t get him to stand still just tie him.

Practicing standing and relaxing is a thing. If you need help with this just ask I am happy to show you. Set him up for success by not asking me to trim him the first time he ever comes in the barn. Get him used to his environment.

7. Take his blankets, tack, leg wraps off before I start.

Belly blanket hooks sit at the perfect height to get tangled in my hair. If he spooks at that exact time I’m worried I’ll get scalped. Stirrups sit at face smacking height. This is part of being ready.

8. Trust my judgement about how to trim.

I am open to most things. If you ask me to modify what I am doing, change my trim to suit your horse, be prepared to tell my why you think it will help. Be prepared to do it yourself. I will not change my trim if I feel it will be a detriment to your horses feet or soundness. I am happy to change some things, leave him a little extra if you’re planning a big event, or when the seasons change. Please know I already do this without being asked. If you are really dissatisfied with what I am doing, do us both the honour of just finding someone else, or better yet, you learn to trim. It may be the best thing you do for your horse.. it was for me.

I’m return, I vow that I will:

Regulate my emotions.

I am a patient person when it comes to horses. Humans, not so much. But I’m not here to trim your feet. The horse is rarely the thing that frustrates me. I feel awful for every single time I’ve ever hit or smacked a horse. It never helps the horse. I don’t want to be that farrier.

Do my best work for you and your horse and honour your financial investment.

Being a farrier is hard on your body. I will push through any and all discomfort I am experiencing so that I can do the best work I can. I will admit when I am outside my experience or if I don’t know. I won’t make up stories or try to sound smarter than I am. I will reschedule if I am not at my best, instead of provide you with poor service.

Show up

Unless I am really hurting or not myself I will come. If you satisfy my requests i will even schedule it for you, and remind you if you forget. I will be your knight in shining armour. I will go out of my way to get things your horse needs; boots, thrush treatments, etc.

I will treat you and your horse with the deepest empathy, care and concern I have to give.

I am aiming to give the most relaxing, efficient and thorough experience to all of us. We are all on a different journey. I vow that I will not force my methods on you, but I will share what I think if you ask me to.

I will go above and beyond for you, that’s just who I am. I will strive to be the best farrier you’ve ever had. Please honour my efforts by not making this job more difficult than it needs to be.

-lots of love,
Your friendly neighbourhood farrier 💕

12/13/2022

🤯 so cool.

How twisted can it really get!?

Click the link and sign up for my newsletter to read this pilot study.

**https://www.insighttoequus.com/resources/getting-torqued-a-pilot-study-with-a-serious-twist/**

10/21/2022

Are you looking for a farrier in the south Calgary area?

Unfortunately after over 3 years of commuting I am finally firmly committing to moving my business more locally, to the Sundre/Caroline area.

I am so grateful for all of you and your years of faithful business and all your lovely horses. I will miss you all so very much.

SP Farrier Services

09/16/2022

I know it’s early yet, the fall season is just starting ! But heres a thought. Instead of buying gifts to be forgotten in a closet after this holiday season ends, why not give the gift of full freezers and bellies for months to come! The prices in the supermarkets are crazy, so many of us are feeling the pinch.

Whole, sides and quarter bison available. Direct from the farm. Never any hormones or antibiotics used. Raised on grass & sunshine. Wholesome, healthy food. Still just $6.50/lb cut and wrapped (based on H.H weight plus slaughter and inspection fee).

Split a quarter with your friends or family as a Christmas gift to fill a small freezer.

Lots of time left to order.

Think about it !

We can even gift wrap your boxes if you like, just don’t leave them under the tree for long!

08/26/2022

The struggle is real.🤷‍♀️

08/21/2022

Tyler helps with Sophie’s navicular rehabilitation journey...

Movement and morning dew 🦄💕

08/21/2022

Sophie

🦄💕😎



Sophie got a trim when she first came home. She’s had two tiny trims in between these photos, small adjustments mostly focused bar trimming. Every time there is bar to to trim... but the walls don’t need it. Her heels have really expanded!

08/16/2022

08/14/2022

I am guilty

06/12/2022

06/02/2022

This 🙌

The equestrian world is still looking for that magic something...

The magic bit...

The magic saddle...

The magic method...

Despite new and seemingly undeniable research, we continue to push back against accountability. The reality is, the more we learn, the more we realize this is no gentle hobby. It's hard to handle horses well and to ride well...to have horses exist in our world and not have it be to their total detriment.

If you're looking for the magic something...take a look in the mirror. You're the magic, you're the change.

Fair warning - the magic is really just time, commitment, education and application. Yep, that's right...there is NO easy path. Only life long exploration and dedication. You've got to do the things to improve the things.

Some days I feel like all I have learned has *almost* sucked the enjoyment out of riding because I often seriously question whether we should be riding these beautiful creatures at all. Then I realize, people will always ride and if they're going to ride they're going to need help to do it well (including myself!).

So, that's what I'm here to try to do, whether that's facilitating educational events or simply living my truth in real time. There truly is nothing more beautiful than a horse and human working in harmony and synchrony - THAT brings me joy.

No one can get you there but you though. Just like a spiffy saddle won't, or the most popular hash tagged method, or well marketed bit. It's all a distraction from what really needs to change...and that's us.

It is only when you are truly ready to step up and take responsibility and have some accountability, that any of that other stuff can even matter or work for you.

- Terra

05/16/2022

Whenever we’re caring for a round, cresty pony or an easy-keeping horse, this is the time of year to take extra precautions. These animals are at risk for ‘grass founder’ or more correctly, laminitis.

Mine run out during the winter months, unblanketed and allowed to move freely in the larger herd. I want them to lose some weight over winter! Hairing up, shivering a little, hunting for fodder, shedding out again… all seem key in resetting slow metabolisms.

Then, I bring these ones in to work in early spring, before they gain too much weight on the greening grass. They will stay thusly until late fall, when the grass browns off here in southern Alberta and winter again comes around.

My easy-keepers work regularly, four or more times weekly, to a good sweat and are ridden at a walk to cool off. We make many slow, steady miles over the hills. A store of 'lean' grass hay—rained on but allowed to dry thoroughly before baling—is kept, just for them. I’m working from home, so can feed them a scatter of this hay morning, noon and night. They have several small meals, instead of just one. A slow-feed haynet is an excellent alternative.

They do not get grain or otherwise rich foods added to their diets.

One of their meals each day is being let on the grass for an hour in our truck yard. I've learned that this small but regular stint of grazing time is a practical way to reduce or manage their sensitivity to green grass.

I train all my small ponies to picket safely just for this reason. They crave the nutrients in grass and their mental and dental wellness is allied to being able to graze for an hour or so each day. They get their needed grazing time and I get a little help with my yard work. It’s a win-win.

When we ‘dry-lot’ our ponies, it needs to be a short-term solution.

This gets them off the offending rich grass immediately, which is good. But to live thusly is a sort of purgatory. It can result in stiffness in their movement, a need to chew the fences, along with a sourness of temper, a simmering desperation to fixate on feed. Parasites and dental complications become problematic.

A method combining lean hay, exercise and being brought out for a bit of grass means that the ponies are in the forefront of my life daily. They learn that 'catching isn't always working'. When my children were young, this method also meant that their ponies were close by for impromptu rides. They were ridden a lot.

Avoiding lush grass is only one part of steering clear of laminitis. We need sparse, regular feedings of low-nutrient hay, eaten on the ground, free-choice water and salt, a social herd environment… and don’t forget regular exercise! I’m fortunate that I have a sparse hill pasture with little green grass but lots of browse. Other people use track systems to graze at-risk equines, with excellent results.

Muzzles can be helpful, IF your ponies will keep them on. Mine do not, as a rule. I have also long fed straw to my easy-doers, as a low nutrient snack that allows them to munch and process something in their stomachs. I do not like to keep my horses 'empty' for too long and as a result, I have gone many years without too much bother with ulcers.

With ponies and easy-keeping horses, I always think that the smaller our equines, the bigger our responsibilities to their overall health. I see so many articles and discussions on correct feeding and precious few on fitness, in keeping our ‘fluffier’ equines in active work. The two must be in balance!

Bobby, shown here, is typical of so many smaller, thicker equines. Even at a young age, he is tending towards a body type that will mean a lifetime of needing knowledgeable, watchful care, including regular vigorous exercise. This is the price we pay to have these wonderful ponies and horses in our lives.

Bottom line, we can’t have it both ways. The equines easiest in the winters usually need extra care, once the seasons start heating up.

04/23/2022

Here to tell you about this magic feed I’ve been using !! Just look at these results! In just a few short weeks your mediocrely bred warmblood can be transformed into the horse of your dreams!! All you need is this patented amazing horse feed....

It’s called .....

HAY.

🤯

Seriously. That’s it. It comes in these cute little strings that you can reuse for anything.

And a ton of lessons, late night rides, existential questions, sweating, swearing, joy, triumph, struggle, blanket changes and tack adjustments.

(Ok sometimes i feed him those hay cubes with peppermint oil when he’s the bestest best boiii)

Take that bagged feed bill and transform it into a lesson bill. Your horse and your heart will thank you 💕🦄

02/25/2022

I am so fulfilled by this job and by all of you amazing horse people. This is the longest I have stayed with a job in my life. I still get excited to go to work and meet new friends and catch up with old ones. I’m still thrilled by difficult cases and I’m still meeting horses who push the boundaries of my skills, reminding me that the pursuit of horsemanship is truly never ending. 💕 coming into my seventh year, I am still finding rabbit holes that need exploring, still marvelling at the healing power of horses.

02/05/2022

Phew!!!

We're always here to support running away from society to live in a barn full of ponies 🐴

04/27/2021

Applicable 😆

04/12/2021

This old horse, the Rancher said,
she’s seen some better days,
she’s eating up my profits,
and costs a lot for hay.

Another horse would suit me,
a stronger one at that,
shes seen a lot of miles
just like my cowboy hat.

This old horse, the Rancher said,
she helped me herd my steer,
I’m pretty sure shes magic,
I know I hold her dear.

Another horse would suit me,
one that can run fast,
maybe one that’s younger,
or maybe one that lasts.

This old horse, the Rancher said,
she’s long and far in tooth,
my children do remember,
her fondly from their youth.

Another horse would suit me,
a gelding in his prime,
one that needs less fixin’,
that helps me save a dime.

Why, they asked, then keep her?
why not trade her now?
bring her to an auction?
replace her with a cow?

The Rancher’s brow grew heavy,
he took a staggered step,
his eyes did show his hardships,
in wrinkles, as they crept.

His breath, he took in deeply,
as he poised to say his words,
it’s as if the earth grew silent,
that his message should be heard.

This old horse, the Rancher said,
has given me her life,
I wouldn’t trade for anything,
nor either, would my wife.

Another horse would suit me,
and perhaps someday will come,
but this old gal, I love her,
she is the chosen one.

This old horse, the Rancher said,
her service she did lend,
her and I, have seen the years,
this old horse, she is my friend.

Another horse would suit me well,
but her home is here to keep,
I owe her sanctuary,
my love for her is deep.

Another horse would suit me well,
and younger days for me,
and I will keep my promise,
until our last breaths, set us free.
Artist- Don Stivers

04/09/2021

Back by popular demand ...

Mixed Bison Boxes :

Each includes:

1 roast
2 tenderloin steaks
2 sirloin steaks
2 ribeye steaks
1 pack stew (1 lb)
1 pack stir fry (1 lb)
9lbs ground
2 doz eggs (add more if you need!!)

$220 for 18.24lbs of delicious bison (and eggs!!)

Delivery available!

04/03/2021

Nom nom nom

NOW BOTH SOLD OUT!! If you missed out it’s okay, we will have more soon!

2 Mixed Bison Boxes available now:

Each includes:

1 roast
2 tenderloin steaks
2 sirloin steaks
2 ribeye steaks
1 pack stew (1.5lbs)
1 pack stir fry (1.5lbs)
9lbs ground
3 doz eggs (add more if you need we are overrun with eggs 😬)

$230 for 18.24lbs of delicious bison (and eggs!!)