What is Natural Balance?
Why do you want to watch my horse walk before you start working on him?
How often should I shoe my horse?
Can my horse be barefoot?
What is your lost shoe policy?
When do you expect payment?
Will you travel to my location?
What should I expect when you come out to shoe my horse?
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What is Natural Balance?
“Natural Balance” horseshoeing is using a wild horse’s hoof as a model to recognize differences in domestic horse hooves. In my eyes, the main difference between Natural Balance and traditional horseshoeing is that when using Natural Balance techniques we shoe around the bone column, not to the hoof capsule which is susceptible to distortions. The first step for me when preparing the hoof for shoeing is to map the bottom of the hoof. This allows me to locate where the coffin bone sits inside the hoof capsule. After that I can easily find the natural point of break over and place my shoe on it accordingly, thus allowing the horse’s hoof to break over exactly where his conformation is meant to.
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Why do you want to watch my horse walk before you start working on him?
The first step I take in shoeing or trimming any horse is to ask the owner to walk the horse toward me and away from me. This allows me to do a foot fall evaluation on the horse. I will be looking carefully at the horses confirmation and keep an eye out for any gait faults, injuries or scars that might affect how I choose to shoe the horse. Additionally, I am looking for a heel first landing which indicates that the horse is using his hoof structures correctly. When a horse lands heel first the load is absorbed by cartilage in his heel called the Digital Cushion. A heel first landing promotes a healthy hoof, it enables proper blood flow through the sensitive structures and bones located within the hoof. A toe first landing is often the first indication of lameness issues. It often indicates excessive tendon tension or an abcess in the hoof. You can easily see how the foot fall evaluation is a very critical step towards assessing the needs of your horse and shoeing him appropriately.
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How often should I shoe my horse?
The average horse will require horseshoeing or trimming every 6-8 weeks, although each horse is unique. Hoof growth varies based on genetics, climate, exercise levels, metabolism and individual attributes of the horse such as age and sex. Since there are so many variables, there is no exact time when a horse will outgrow his shoes. The less time between trimming and shoeings the less chance there is for excessive distortion of the hoof capsule.
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Can my horse be barefoot?
Being barefoot is not ideal for every horse. While being barefoot can be beneficial to some horses it depends greatly on the horses individual needs and riding uses. A good rule of thumb to follow is that a barefoot horses hooves need to be harder than the surface they‘re being ridden on. If you’re thinking about letting your horse go barefoot let me know and we can assess your horse's hooves and make the best decision for your horse together.
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What is your lost shoe policy?
I take extra precautions during each and every shoeing to help prevent lost shoes, but it could happen. If your horse loses a shoe before your next regularly scheduled appointment, I will come out and replace the shoe as soon as possible, for no additional charge.
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When do you expect payment?
Payment is due at the time of service.
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Will you travel to my location?
My regular service area ranges from Crescent City to Garberville, California. I will travel outside of my regular service area for an additional fee and only if arrangements have been made in advance.
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What should I expect when you come out to shoe my horse?
You should expect me to be on-time, courteous, and patient with your horse. I do not hit horses, I prefer to use horsemanship to help sooth an upset or challenging horse. I do require the horse owner (or a representative) to be present when I come to shoe or trim a horse. This allows the owner to ask any questions or express any concerns they have about their horse's hoof care. It also creates a safer working environment for me and the horse.
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