Rainier Equine Hoof Recovery Center: Hoof Recovery

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Hoof Recovery

I’m a natural hoofcare practitioner based in Rainier, WA. I’m new to blogging. My website, heelfirstlandings.com is maintained by a webhost company so this is easier than making revisions to it.

I hope to add lots of tips here for horseowners and practitioners alike, as well as day in a life of a full-time Natural Hoof Care Practitioner, which can be fairly humorous some times and humorless at others.

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My Favorite Quotes

It takes courage to ride beyond the status quo, but with each stride, the view along the trail becomes more and more esquisite.

Don't accept. Understand.

"It only takes one sale to decide a horse's fate forever" (C. Ritlaw from her inspiring story about the Mustang named Scout in the Nov/Dec 09 issue of Equine Wellness)

"Those who say things can't be done should stand out of the way of those who are busy doing them."

Mother Nature provides enough food for every bird, but she doesn't throw it into the nest.

The truth becomes a part of our past, lies become a part of our future.

THINK!

Hoof Trimming Clinics

We generally offer at least one clinic per year in June/July. News about clinics can be found on our website. www.rainierhoofrehab.com

Pre-requisite for the clinic: Our HD-DVD, Discovering Your Horse's Natural Hooves - How to trim the barefoot horse. DVD can be purchased on our website www.rainierhoofrehab.com

To arrange a clinic outside of the dates listed above, or at your site, please contact us at 360-790-4181 or patslark@live.com or patslark@fairpoint.net

Tools you will need:

The tool brands listed below are suggested as a result of the many types of tools that I have personally tested. I strongly encourage you to purchase the tools recommended below.

Learning a new skill such as hoof trimming, where you are working with sometimes uncooperative live animals, is challenging in itself. Inferior tools only add an unnecessary level of difficulty and risk (for horses and humans) to the job.

NIPPERS:

GE Brand Nippers.

1 pair of 12 or 14 inch.

RASPS (2):

Prefer Heller Legend with Aluminum Rasp handle –comes in two sizes (Plastic or wooden handles are not recommended)

HOOF KNIFE:

The brand we will work is The Knife brand hoof knife.

ONE HOOF KNIFE PER STUDENT.

Choose right or left handed as needed.

Absolutely NO aluminum knife blades. (All knife blades are dangerous, but as a tool, aluminum knife blades are especially dangerous!)

LOOP KNIFE:

The Knife or JC brand Loop knife

We sell hoof knives and loop knives on site along with 14 inch nippers. They are not name brand tools, but much less expensive and will work temporarily.

APRON:

The apron is a personal preference. I recommend a cordura and leather farrier apron by NC. Cordura stays a bit cooler in the summer months than an all leather apron.

(I've seen students struggle with many different styles and brands of aprons and so far NC offers the most comfort and functionality offering room in the side pocket for 2 tools.)

HOOF STAND:

The Hoof Jack brand only. They offer a draft cradle and a mini stand and cradle. (Cheaper stands and similar styles are available, but we've tried them all and the Hoof Jack is the most user friendly. Used stands can sometimes be found on ebay and Craigs List.)

We have extra stands on site if you cannot get your stand in time for the clinic.

SMALL TOOLS:

Hoof Pick
Marking Pen
Tool/knife Sharpener (Smith sharpeners work well for hoof knives. Available at Walmart Stores and Duluth website.)
Painters wire brush – plastic handle preferred
Protective gloves – NO GARDENING GLOVES – leather reinforced - Mechpro is a good brand.
5 gallon bucket with Bucket Buddy

First Aid Kit is always smart to have on hand.

Most of the above list can be purchased at any Farrier Supply Store. (On-line as well.)

Participants who wish to bring their own horses should contact Pat for arrangements. Horses considered for the clinic should be cooperative with having their hooves handled for extended periods.

Clinics are held at the our farm:

Rainier Equine Hoof Recovery Center
12211 123rd Avenue SE
Rainier WA 98576

See http://www.rainierhoofrehab.com/

Accomdations: 10 minutes from Rainier.
http://www.prairiehotel.com/

Please note: there is a level of risk inherant to any job that involves very sharp tools to both students and horses. Liability waivers will be signed on day one.

Thank you

"Those who already know it all when they come to class arrive with a learning disability." Jake Van Morrison