Equihoof Biomechanix

19/01/2024

We have room for a couple more stops within 👇 this scenic zone on Monday 22nd Jan between 11am and 2pm 😀

Message me if your needing a reliable regular service 😀

16/01/2024

Equihoof has room for new clients!

Due to the closure of one of our larger and most favourite clients we have room for two new regional runs.

Monday 5th Feb - Yabberup / Donnybrook / Kirup

Tues 6th Feb - Busselton

If your looking to have your horses on a regular five weekly cycle under a Cert 4 qualified farrier who also holds a diploma in advanced podiatry concepts and distal limb biomechanics who has an attentive eye for detail then feel free to hit me up 😀

With Henry coming along in his trim work as a new apprentice we also have some other spots in other regions on other days.

16/01/2024

Summer hooves edition 2 🤣

Now who has no dam excuses when The Hoof Co is providing their fantastic natural all Australian made Hoof Balm 💗

Astro’s is unable to shed his bar and sole himself atm his hooves are brittle his quarters are breaking off even though he is on a four weekly trim cycle.

He has bruising at the white line indicating that he is starting to suffer a dose of concussion.

Oh yeah and when my hands go numb in my sleep tonight from cutting this concrete I have no one to blame but myself!

🤣🤣🤣🤣

L**e those tootsies up your horses will love you 🥰

Get yours here 👇

https://thehoofco.com.au/?ref=VETTY10

16/01/2024

Summer Hooves edition 1 😀

Why is your farrier asking you to oil or l**e your horses hooves this summer?

This mare is being regularly oiled throughout the week.

She isn’t suffering any bruising, her hooves are not snapping off from being far too brittle. Her farrier can ensure her hooves stay balanced because she can exfoliate the sole and bar to allow an entire trim of the summer hoof 😀

Wait until you see the next horse 🤣

15/01/2024

Ouch 🥵 Please make sure you have shade available to work in. Heat stroke is very real during summer in WA especially when your already working a physically demanding job.

6 Trims and 3 Shoeings to go

11/01/2024

We are rolling faster 😀 Yep over the last few days we have been running between 30 - 45 mins early 😳

I am going to attempt to modify booking times to reflect this from next week.

We are certainly getting closer to advertising for more clients 💗

With my body improving every week since surgery and Henry helping, it feels soooo good to be strong again 💗

09/01/2024

Well Henry has had his first two days officially as an apprentice farrier working the Margs run this week.

He’s turning out some pretty tidy trims so far it prolly helps that he’s spent most his lifetime tailing his mum.

Thank you again to our clients for entrusting their horses with my son.

The process so far is going a little like this 🤣

Vetty goes over all four hooves relieving the summer sole with the grinders and making the first toe cut.

Henry follows along receiving specific instructions per hoof. Then he takes over and gets to work.

Vetty then gets to work on the next horse 🤣

Henry finishes up and then…..

Vetty goes back over all four hooves with Henry again double checking and teaching as we go.

So far this process is working well and Henry’s learning is firing along. The horses and clients are happy and we are getting through our daily workload faster. 😀

Hopefully with all this extra bending over Vetty will loose the extra kgs she’s packed on while she’s been sick 🤣

It’s a win win situation for Team Equihoof 😀

02/01/2024

Equihoof Biomechanix is back!

Let’s bring in 2024!!

It’s competition time!

Over the next week the person with the photo or video with the most likes applying their The Hoof Co product will win one of these stunning little hoof picks with all the pretty gold bling 💗

Entries close Friday 11th January 2024 with the most likes as at 12 noon that day 💗

Get your creative on people these hoof picks are absolute little rippers!

19/12/2023

Equihoof Biomechanix wishes their clients,

Merry Christmas and an Incredibly Happy New Year!

Henry has finished his last 2023 horse the amazing Bruce today. Bruce was then happy enough to pose for our photos 🤣

I’ll be hanging up my chaps on Thursday this week 21st December and closing the work box on Risque Ranger until Wednesday 3rd January 2024.

We hope that everyone enjoys the festive season and especially enjoys time with their horses 🐎

We look forward to seeing you all again in 2024 💗

18/12/2023

Always such fun promoting The Hoof Co

Now is the time to be lubing those tootsies up!

We have seen a super fast change to the dry this season and many hooves are not coping becoming brittle and snapping off wherever they can.

You can help by lubing up a few times a week!

Get your hoof l**e now with this link ⬇️

https://thehoofco.com.au/?ref=VETTY10

Don’t forget to Zinc up your pink while your at it 💗

08/12/2023

An offical welcome to Equihoof Henry 💗

Henry’s apprenticeship has officially been accepted by the RTO and he will commence full time for Equihoof on January 3rd 2024.

Henry will be working towards Certificate 4 Farriery the same as his mumma did.

A huge thank you to our clients who have already agreed to have Henry under their horses.

Henry is already turning out some pretty tidy trim work and is super handy on setup pack down, horse handling and now he’s got his L plates driving home 🤣

I look forward to bringing my son along in the business beside me. Watching him look down a cannon bone naturally is something you just can’t build into people.

I have taken my Fridays back as I need to ensure I can get Henry to Perth to train with some of our states best over the coming years. So the Friday fill in spots will no longer be available.

Once Henry has reached consistency with his trim we will look to take some new clients on. Possibly mid way through 2024 💗

05/12/2023

Massive shoutout to the team at Bunbury 4x4

Risque is pretty much fully kitted out now with only tyres and solar power to go 💗

Ironman Raid Bar
20 inch light bar
Ironman Foam Cell Pro Shocks
Ironman Springs
Ironman 9” Meteor drive lights
SupaFit Canvas Seat Covers
Crystal UHF and Aerial
Airbag Man Airbags

Professional service and these guys still have room for work prior to Christmas 🎄

Get in and get your entry in for 12K of Christmas 🎅

04/12/2023

Well today we had not 1 but 2 🤩Super Star Clients 🤩

Chloe and her family always look after me every year but this year has been incredibly tough for them. Chloe I am so proud of your dedication to your horse journey all through the ups and downs you’ve always done what’s best for your horses it has been an absolute pleasure to continue to service your fur family.

Tamara and her little yearling filly Neveah. This little lady has a couple of ALD’s and needed some serious training work as all babies do so that we could get her hoof work millimetre perfect. Well done Tamara the work you have put in to your girl is what made todays trim so successful 💗

Henry clenching up Tamara’s other gorgeous mare Macca 💗

28/11/2023

Now that’s a superstar client 🤩🤩🤩

Every farriers wet dream CONCRETE 💗💗

25/11/2023

I had a scary little reminder this arvo to be fire 🔥 prepared.

My buddy at Asset Land Management messaged me on Facebook asking “are you at home” I was down Mini Pool with the dog swimming not a care in the world.

The phone rings “where are you there is a fire 1.5kms from your place and the wind is heading in that direction”

Holy F****!

Race home. Now for someone who is the volunteer Southwest manager for Ease WA. You’d think I’d be organised but no, no I was not.

You see I’ve been living life, dealing with every day
Issues, stressors, the business, the kid, moving house, surgery you name it I was not organised.

Within 40mins I had phoned my son who was away for the night bagged his most important things to him and then proceeded with my own.

Family jewellery, trade certificate, laptop, werkman black system, both irreplaceable western saddles, dogs bed and toys, specialist work tools coz hey I can’t earn money without them, clothes for a few days.

Then onto the horses.

First aid kit
Water buckets
Hay x 2 bales
2 x hard feeds
Halters
Riding gear coz I would be devo if I lost it.

All this for just me, Henry, Stryker & our two horses Whirly & Astro.

Please I beg you please make a fire plan and get organised. I had nothing packed but this situation is well rehearsed for me. In a fast moving fire you won’t get that 40 mins it took me to get everything in the Ute.

Be safe 💗

The fire close to our home is now contained 💗

Thank you Darren Asset Land Management PTY LTD for the heads up 💗 and racing out here for support.

And thank you to Heath & Kirstie for coming out with a second float if needed 💗

25/11/2023

Scootboot Price increase coming 😢

Well I’ve been saying we’ve had it good Scoots haven’t increased yet 😊

But they are about to.

From Jan 1st our stockist scoot prices will raise by 10%

Which means we still have time to take advantage of our great prices currently 😊

So hit me up if you want your horse fitted at your next appointment 💗

24/11/2023

As always Yogi nails it!

The age old barefoot v shod debate. I’m 100% behind whatever method has your horse sound 💗

Many of my clients have been taken from shod to bare and from bare to shod.

There is always more to Hoofcare then black and white opinions.

Did you know, sometimes barefoot is best and sometimes shod is?

A recent post sparked another huge debate on barefoot versus shod. I am and always will be an advocate for the barefoot. But is that ideal always achievable in the midst of the un-ideal!?

Understanding variables is a fundamental part of scientific appraisal. Variables make this debate far more complexed then some are willing to appreciate. On both sides of the fence. This brings me back to the resounding message I try to advocate in this parley, what is best for the individual horse!? We can not approach this subject with defiant dogma!
This remains my biggest frustration with this subject.

As someone with this mindset, I have treated both shod horses by going barefoot and barefoot horses by shoeing. With less and less of my horses being shod with the existence of quality boots such as Scoot Boots and others.
I actively encourage my clients go barefoot while acknowledging when factors create the necessity for farriery.

To outline my take, I have condensed years of research, experience and musings into a paragraph.

“A huge proportion of the domestic horse population are shod unnecessarily. The application of anything to the feet has implications. However, due to human demands, breeding, management and the negation of Darwin’s law, a proportion of the domestic horse population require podiatry applications to mitigate physiological discrepancies.”

Lets unpack that paragraph. Firstly, we can’t compare domestic horses with wild ones. Apples and pears. Like comparing dogs and wolves. Human influences have created a different species.
It’s almost impossible for humans to provide the exact environment, feeding habits, roaming habits etc etc that the hoof has evolved to cope with. In fact we provide almost the opposite. Confinement, and unnatural food, and then we put tack on them a bit in their mouth, sit on their backs and ride round an arena doing things their musculoskeletal system isn’t designed to do. Add to this many other factors like backing and training them before their feet or musculoskeletal system is adequately developed. Non of this is natural! Apples and pears!

All of this is going to have an effect on their feet. However, Farriers and owners have got to acknowledge the research that shows shoeing affects hoof function, influencing hoof morphology and could be a compounding factor in the prevalence of poor hoof proportions. This should be factored into the decision making process. Is shoeing necessary?

To really be able to have the debate we also need to outline what we mean by shod. There are modern applications now such as 3D HoofCare pads with different packings, that mitigate many of the unintended consequences of shoeing. For instance, we know that on hard surfaces steel shoes increase shock, however, composite shoes actually created less shock then the barefoot!
Those of us that recognise farriery needs to keep questioning itself, continue to explore other modern materials and ways of protecting the hoof in a less detrimental way.
But for now, practicality and economics are deciding factors.
On soft surfaces there are a few studies that have suggested improved performance when shod, but no one has measured the differences comprehensively between barefoot and shoeing methods yet so we cant discuss that point without bias.
We know that tradition shoes reduce the natural deformation of the hoof, however frog support padding returns some of this expansion of the hoof.
We know that traditional open heel shoes negate some haemodynamic function, however this can be re activated again with modern applications .
So again, what shoeing are we talking about? We can’t tarnish every shoeing method with the same brush!

Neither can we judge farriery by the disappointing work that ends up at the rasp of the podiatrist.
I will reiterate that barefoot is the ideal, however, Well shod feet, balanced around the centre of rotation, with the unintended consequences considered, on a suitable shoeing cycle are not fairly represented in the barefoot argument. Although these practices will have the same positive effect as going barefoot. So again, what shoeing are we talking about?

We must also remember that we are dealing with domestication. Barefoot is ideal, but subject to other ideals being in place, ideals that are not practical for many owners!!
Human Influences on equine biomechanics are extensive and therefore influences on hoof morphology are also often abstract and complexed.
We see injuries in the domestic horse that do not exist in the wild horse, in both the barefoot and shod population, why? Because humans that’s why.
Or if they do exist in the wild they would result in death.

One comment stated that all soft tissue injuries are caused by shoes. We can not attribute all issues in the horse to shoes, we have to recognise the implications of everything else we subject them to and the surfaces we work them on!
We can’t blame shoes in isolation without first asking questions of the diet, the workload, the surfaces, the management, training, turnout, breeding, shoeing cycle, shoeing style, age, weight, metabolism, pathology, the list goes on.

If they can’t cope barefoot it’s the trim, another of the statements.
Simply not true, considering the list I just quoted. Reality is in the wild if they couldn’t cope they are dinner. In captivity we are obliged to intervene in some way.

Shoeing is called cruel by some people involved in the debate. But my question is, if you have a horse in pain because of other influential factors not being ideal, is it cruel to insist on remaining barefoot without those issues being addressed? if they can be!?
Once again the horses welfare should come above puritanical ideology.

This is why I will maintain that barefoot is a suitable and indeed better situation for a large proportion of the population. The next step being Scootboot’s and then shoes when the job/environment/conformation/posture requires.
It’s an ideal, but domestication is not.

I will also invite you to read the other articles relating to the subject which have links in them to even further reading….

https://www.theequinedocumentalist.com/post/horse-shoes-back-to-the-future

https://www.theequinedocumentalist.com/post/physiological-implications-of-domestication-on-the-horse

And here is a comprehensive webinar on the subject ..

https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/barefoot-vs-shod

22/11/2023

The Hoof Co Beeswax Blue Balls taking care of business in the southwest!

The sad news is that my brand rep time is running out at the end of November 😢

I’ve loved doing these videos for the hoof co I especially love their products!

For the rest of this month our Equihoof clients can still get their pretty fancy discount by shopping at the below link 👇

https://thehoofco.com.au/?ref=VETTY10

We still have a few more days to seek out some more superstar clients 🤩🤩🤩

So hit me up to get a hands on trial of The Hoof Co products 💗

21/11/2023

Small insights into my business 😊

15000 km service on the New Equihoof rig Risque 💗

Since delivery on 25th August 2023.

Hard to imagine isn’t it 🤣

But I average 1000 to 1200kms a week servicing the Southwest’s horses. We go through approx $350 diesel a week. Servicing every 13 weeks, tyres twice a year.

The work setup on this vehicle has cost $21,950.00

Not bad compared to Randy rangers setup costs of $36,400.00. And nope that doesn’t include purchase price.

It’s important that my mobile office is reliable, comfortable, fuel economical and tough.

In the early days of my career I hammered my old Navara to her death and ended up having to install a new engine, gearbox, diff, tailshafts, 2 x suspension. Massively expensive running an older vehicle and incredibly unreliable when you have to text your clients and advise you can’t make it as your waiting on being towed.

Risque is a massive purchase for the business but she will pay off in the long run when I can keep her for five years rather then 3. That means I get an extra 2 years without vehicle transfer costs.

There is a lot more to running a farriery business then just the hooves you can turn out.

When we knock off physically from tending to your horses, we still have to make the next weeks bookings, clean and stock the Ute, do the bookwork, manage the finances, promote the business, maintain our bodies, and somehow also have somewhat of a life.

16/11/2023

Tamika looks like your famous again!

One of my 🤩superstar 🤩clients enjoying that divine smell whilst lubing her big man up 🤣

Get it here 👇

https://thehoofco.com.au/?ref=VETTY10

The Hoof Co enjoys our videos so much that our clients get a special 10% discount when you order via the above link 💗

Ahhhhh oh dear oh dear who’s guna be next 🤣

14/11/2023

Young Masters Henry & Gus hard at it again today 😊

This pair of teenage superheroes upped the game today and turned out 5 trims.

Poor old mum still bending over for the bulk of todays list 🤣 But hey every little bit helps.

It’s so awesome listening to them work both checking the hooves and helping each other.

Henry’s trims are coming along nicely and I am looking forward to his apprenticeship starting in January next year. 💗

Thank you to our clients for gracefully offering their golden oldies and well trained horses for Henry and Gus to learn with.

Gus is going home to QLD with some new skills in his toolkit to help his farriers do the best work they can.

Been a pleasure having you ride with us young fella. 💗

13/11/2023

Soooooo good to be back to work today 💗

Kickstarting the working week with the Boyup Brook run. 17 of our best behaved horses with a 350k turnaround.

It was great day with Henry tending to four trims himself assisted by our awesome horse handling pro visitor Gus McMaster!

Thanks to both boys for making my first day back that little bit easier 💗

Yep I’m feeling good absolutely wrapped with my recovery 💗

09/11/2023

Those cool fuzzy feelings you get when the Vet writes on their report that the mare is well shod 💗

Nurturing relationships with other equine professionals is so important for our horses.

They say it takes a village to raise a child.

In my opinion it requires a top notch communicating team to achieve and maintain soundness for our horses 💗

I am ever so pleased to have access to other equine proffesionals who will work WITH me to assist your horse.

07/11/2023

💗💗Brooke and Cha 💗💗

Won the Equihoof Biomechanix sponsored 70cm Topscore jumping round @ Dinninup Show today 🏆

Brookes crazy mumma just sent me the video and wowsers these two can motor!

I am so chuffed that one of our clients won it 💗

Congratulations Brooke 👏 Please give Cha a good scratch from me too 💗

07/11/2023

When my good friend reminds me people can contact me whenever they like I just have to get better at not looking 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Ok I get it you can all contact me and unless it’s a real emergency I have to get better at ignoring unread notifications and calm my ocd reactive quick don’t the client down mind 🤣

Thank you to star client / friend / mature advisor and calming influence Linda for helping me realise this 💗

05/11/2023

The amended bookings will be sent out via text over the next two days. Please be patient.

Please also be reminded that my business hours are Mon - Thurs 7am - 3pm.

We appear to be blowing out again on weekend contact.

I don’t mind if there is a hoof emergency but a Please and Thank You will go a long way. 🤷‍♀️

01/11/2023

Office bound and pyjama comfy I am currently attempting to work on the rescheduling and wowsers my head hurts 🤣

I run 3 days of the week on a 5 weekly rotation and 1 day of the week on a 6 weekly rotation. Each day of the week is dedicated to each region therefore ensuring I am in your region the same day of every week should you need me.

Currently I am trying to nut out how to put back together 237 horses who belong to 93 owners all with their own lives, commitments, work hours, families and budgets.

Whilst attempting this rather large feat of brain drain I am also trying to ensure that each week I don’t overwork or underwork, that I don’t have waste fuel and kms on backtracking routes, that I can make sure timings suit each person plus my own body that actually has to complete the work. Yep at this stage I’m a one woman band 🤣

In amongst this I am also trying to create extra time, horses and availability for my son Henry who will commence his apprenticeship in farriery for Equihoof in Jan next year ❤️

Are you confused yet coz I am 🤣

Please be patient I know many of you are awaiting replies on when! I am doing my best I am human ###

No wonder my head hurts 🤣

29/10/2023

Good Morning to all of my amazing clients 🙂

Great news!

My surgery went ahead on Friday and I am already undergoing my recovery program with the assistance of some amazing health professionals'.

The surgeon advised me that the procedure was very successful and I am looking forward to getting some energy back over the coming weeks.

I will be taking leave from now recommencing work on Monday 13th November.

What this means for your horses 🙂

This means I will bump the entire schedule forward two weeks which is great news especially since the ground has dried up I do not expect to see any big issues with the horse's hooves for this extended cycle.

I will take this opportunity to clean up the schedule rejig a few bookings that may have come out of alignment and then get back to our normal texting clients to advise of your next appointment.

I have had a heap of messages and emails of support from many of you THANK YOU! its certainly been a challenging 2023.

In the meantime, with this dryer weather now is the time to consider adding some moisture back to your horses' hooves, there are many good quality products on the market just follow the directions of whichever product you choose. I personally highly recommend The Hoof CoHoof Balm" for this time of year and can pass on a 10% saving for my clients if you order via this special Vetty link 🙂

https://thehoofco.com.au/?ref=VETTY10

I am making sure Henry is busy applying this to our two boys while I am putting my feet up 😋

Otherwise carry on 🙂 I will be in touch via our regular text messages over the next week to reschedule your horses.

Vetty
Equihoof Biomechanix.

23/10/2023

Please stay away from me this week if you are sick or have symptoms of some kind of sickness.

My scheduled surgery date is Friday this week 27th Oct. I haven’t been cancelled yet and I am desperate for this to go ahead.

So please keep your distance if your unwell if you have covid please let me know and I will reschedule you.

I can’t afford to take any chances this week.

Thank you ❤️‍🩹