Barefoot Barn Rat Natural Hoof Care

07/17/2025

After months of fretting over my final case study presentations, I worked up the courage to submit them and I am now certified through Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners!

There is no way to say "Thank you!" enough to all the people and horses and supervising barn cats who have taught and encouraged me along the way. From passing my D-levels as a new Pony Clubber through certification as a hoof care provider, I have worked hard but in no way have I done it alone. I am so excited to continue learning and caring for horses and their people!

06/13/2025

Beautifully said!

"Hoofcare isn't rocket science," I have often heard people say. The implication being that it isn't hard to do.

They are right. It isn't rocket science.

It's biomechanical engineering.
It's trigonometry.
It's physics.
It's advanced biology.
It's living sculpture.
It's geometry.
It's psychology.
And, above all else, it is art... because sometimes all the mathematics in the world aren't enough for the horse. And it is our job to hear them speak when they tell us they need something different. Something more than what we expected.

They are right. It isn't rocket science. We aren't sending anyone to the moon, or to space.

Instead, we are improving the lives of those here on earth, right now. Those without a common tongue to tell us what they need. Those who suffer at our hands more often than we want to admit. Those who we try our best for. Those who try their best for us, always.

No, it isn't rocket science. It is so, so much more.

03/20/2025

Fyi, for those who have flood damage!

10% Off In Stock Fencing supplies through 3/31/25!

02/19/2025

It is important to me to keep all client horses safe, and I don't want to bring anything home to my own horses. Please consider talking to your vet about appropriate vaccinations. I appreciate you contacting me to reschedule trims if your horse shows any sign of illness that might be contagious.

Strangles is a highly contagious disease of the equine upper respiratory tract.

12/30/2024

PHCP is sharing their top three recommendations, each a cornerstone for understanding hoof health and holistic horse care.

12/25/2024

12/20/2024

Donated! I am so thankful for the scholarships that made it possible for me to pursue my trimming education! I have expanded my knowledge and skill through clinics, mentorships, webinars, and continued consultation with mentors, clinicians, and fellow trimmers in this program. As I finish up my final presentations to complete the certification, it is time for me to better show my appreciation!

As the year comes to a close, would you consider donating the value of ⭐️ ONE TRIM ⭐️ to the scholarship fund? We would love to continue providing students in need with financial support toward their education, and it takes a village to fund that effort. If we each give a little, it will add up.

Donate at https://progressivehoofcare.org/product/make-a-donation.

11/12/2024

Being a female farrier is:

Sometimes having to wait for your client to hear from a man exactly what you've been saying for months for them to believe it.

Being told you're not strong enough to muscle the dangerous horse, when sedation and training are what's needed.

Putting up with a million micro aggressions from your peers online and in-person.

Being held to an entirely different standard of skill and knowledge than male farriers.

Working twice as hard to get half as much respect from clients, vets, and other farriers.

Striving for perfection not only because it's good for the horse, but out of fear you will be run out of the industry if you make a single mistake.

Having to be physically and emotionally tough as nails to survive and thrive as a woman in a profession and society that doesn't even think we deserve equal rights.

I am so grateful for my community of fellow women farriers. We are stronger together, and you all keep me going so I can focus on what I set out to do: help horses.

10/28/2024

Whelp...

Not my favorite

❤️ 🙋

10/06/2024

My brain: 🤯

10/04/2024

We have a great lineup of speakers and opportunity to make connections with people from around the world!

10/03/2024

Packed and ready to go!

We have put the final touches on the 2024 PHCP Conference and are ready to head out in a couple of days. For those attending, we appreciate your dedication to continuing education and to nurturing relationships in the hoof care community. See you on Thursday!