The Humble Hoof

James Shaw discusses how to change our posture and movement to better protect equine professionals and riders from injury when working with horses. He also talks about how he got through his own back injury through the idea of a third movement of the pelvis. For more info see: ridefromwithin.com

Diane Sept, rider, trainer, judge, and lover of smooth gaited horses, talks about various gaited breeds and considerations for their feet. She chats about her affinity for Tennessee Walking Horses, and the effect the show packages used on them have on their hooves and bodies. Mentioned are a variety of gaited breeds, including Missouri Foxtrotters, Paso Finos, Rocky Mountain Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, among others. She also discusses how to see lameness in a smooth gaited horse. For more info, see: www.dianesept.com

Dr. Stephen O'Grady discusses hoof changes seen when transitioning horses to barefoot. He discusses his approach to trimming, casting, and barefoot transition. Also discussed are performances horses currently showing successfully barefoot. For more information on the clinic mentioned in the beginning of the episode, see thehumblehoof.com/shop. For information on the clinic partner, The NAEP, and other clinics sponsored by them, visit theneaep.com .

Tinia Creamer and Suzanna Johnson talk about some of the biggest hoof issues they see in surrendered and seized horses that come into Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue. They discuss issues such as neglect ("Lack of Farrier" Disease), laminitis, nutrition, grazing safety, and the positive aspects of adopting through a rescue. For more info, see: HoP Equine Rescue

Deanna Preis talks about how proper riding and training can influence soundness and hoof health in both a positive or negative way. She also discusses resources such as Straightness Training and her own farm, ShadeTree Stables, to help assess whether your horse is moving properly or not. For more info, see www.facebook.com/ShadeTreeStables/

Allyssa Stratton, Beth Lynn Lewis, and Michael Linton all join in for an informal chat about characteristics of their favorite clients and horses to work with. We discuss scheduling, horse behavior, communication with owners, and more.

Dr. Alicia Nolfi discusses laminitis treatment and the reasoning behind various treatments that are used for laminitic horses. She also talks about the importance of taking note of hoof health and laminae health as part of preventive care for the horse, and not simply reacting in triage. Dr. Nolfi discusses radiographs, venograms, mechanics, and the leading cause of laminitis: metabolic issues. To consult with Dr. Nolfi, email [email protected]

PHCP mentors and board members Leslie Carrig, Jeannean Mercuri, Christina Krueger, and Maia Chaput chat about various topics in hoofcare education. The discussion starts with ways owners can feel empowered in choosing a hoofcare provider they feel comfortable with, and continues to various education opportunities and the benefits of being in a hoofcare organization. For more info, see: progressivehoofcare.org

Jec Ballou, host of "Best Horse Practices" podcast and author of the "101 Exercises.." books, discusses potential clues that a horse in training might be struggling with sore feet. She discusses both behavioral issues and improper muscle development that might stem from hidden lameness. We also talk about exercises to work through body compensations from footsoreness. For more information, see: www.jecballou.com

Sara Hunt, PHCP member and hoofcare provider, talks about hoof boots and how to decide on the right boot for your horse. Also discussed is fitting issues with "wonky" feet, how to assess the best fit, and riding boots versus therapy boots. Stay tuned for another episode on tips and tricks with fitting hoof boots to come! To contact Sara for help with booting, see her website at www.spectrumequine.com

Dr. Sara Cook of Black Brook Veterinary Services talks about hoof injuries and acute lameness. In this discussion, she mentions when to call the vet and what can be dealt with at home by the owner. We also take a side track into laminitis, and what the owner can do when dealing with a laminitic horse. For more info, see: www.blackbrookvet.com

Lacy Stormes talks about her journey into competing her performance horses barefoot in the professional showjumping world. She talks about management, considerations in trimming, and how she keeps her horses sound and moving well. For more information, see: https://www.facebook.com/LacyStormesBarefootShowjumping

Bethan Summers talks about her journey into opening a rehab livery yard boarding facility, and how track systems have benefitted the horses that she has taken in. She also discusses the various kinds of cases she has seen rehabilitated with a track system lifestyle. For more information, see: www.facebook.com/gawsworthtracklivery

I chat with Brian Mullins of Mullins Farrier Podcast, Dr. Simon Curtis of The Hoof of the Horse podcast, and Daniel Bennett of Lockdown Farriery podcast about ways we can keep hoofcare providers safe during appointments, which also ensures a safe horse and handler. For more info, see: https://www.buzzsprout.com/981352 https://play.acast.com/s/thehoofofthehorse https://mullinsfarrier.com/

Curtis Burns talks about his journey into hoofcare and creating the Polyflex composite horse shoe. He shares tips and tricks for getting a good glue adhesion, as well as how he keeps some of the top horses in the world sound and performing their best. For more information, see: www.polyflexhorseshoes.com

Krista Jones, From the Ground Up rehab facility owner and certified bodyworker in the UK, talks about the emotional journey of hoof rehab and how owners can work to stay positive during the process. Also in this episode are 3 rehab owners, Helen Farlow, Maria Broomfield, and Kelly Vandervoort. For more info, see: fromthegrounduprehab.com

Dr. Jenny Susser (sports psychologist), Kendra Skorstad (farrier), and Sydney Kotow (farrier) all discuss how burn out and compassion fatigue affects the equestrian world, but specifically focusing on hoofcare providers for this conversation. While this episode is geared towards professionals, owners might be interested in how cases and owner/farrier interactions can lead to burn out and compassion fatigue.

Dr. Simon Curtis, farrier, speaker, and author from the UK, talks about his journey into hoofcare and his PhD. He also discusses foal hoof balance and trimming, dynamic balance versus static balance, racehorses, and hoof growth. Use the code HUMBLEHOOF to get 25% off his upcoming webinar (May 20, 2021). For his books, see: https://curtisfarrierbooks.bigcartel.com/

Dr. Tomas Teskey talks about how a horse's tooth balance can affect their movement, soundness, and even hoof wear. He discusses ways to improve their tooth wear and the health of the horse in general. His book Insight to Equus is available at insighttoequus.com.

Dr. Sara Malone of Rutgers University discusses her research findings on natural asymmetry in the horse hoof and distal limb. She also mentions possible correlations between shoeing, rest, and turn out on hoof health and conformation. For more information, see: https://animalsciences.rutgers.edu/faculty/malone/

Dr. Lauren Schnabel discusses soft tissue injuries in the hoof capsule and steps owners and hoofcare providers can take to help with rehabilitation. This includes ways we can prevent these injuries from occurring in the first place. Also discussed in activities such as those in "Activate Your Horse's Core" by Hilary Clayton and Narelle Stubbs. For more information: https://cvm.ncsu.edu/directory/schnabel-lauren/

Nick and Ralitsa Hill have traveled the world and trimmed horses and other hooved animals in all kinds of environments. Here they talk about what factors seems to affect hoof health the most, and what considerations there are based on environment. For more information, see: http://www.vandtequineservices.com/

Deborah Davies talks about how training, riding, saddle fit, and horse fitness affect soundness and even hoof wear patterns. She offers tips for telling whether your horse is struggling due to a training or riding imbalance, and gives exercises to find a neutral riding position as well as bodywork exercises for your horse. For more info, see: www.equineselfexpression.com Use the code "podcastlisteners" for $5 off the basic groundwork manual in their online shop. Also in this episode: Diane Sept, judge, trainer and rider

Derek Poupard discusses how he incorporates barefoot training for thoroughbreds at Goldolphin in Dubai as well as in Newmarket UK. He discusses the benefits he has seen while doing this, as well as alternative forms of protection including hoof casting and 3D printed pads to mimic the function of the bare hoof. Also in this episode, thoroughbred trainer Mike DeKock. For more information, see hoofcast.com and 3dhoofcare.com.

Ross Keller, donkey and mule hoofcare instructor with ELPO (Equine Lameness and Prevention Organization), talks about how donkey feet and behavior differs from horses. He mentions ways we can best gain donkeys trust to safely and effectively trim them, as well as what landmarks and guidelines we can use to properly trim the donkey hoof. For more information, or to find a donkey hoofcare clinic through ELPO, visit www.lamenessprevention.org

Mike McClure, an exotic animal care consultant and elephant trimmer, talks in this episode about the similarities and differences between elephant feet and horse hooves. Just like with horses, conformation, movement and weight bearing all play a role in how they are trimmed. For more information on exotic animal care or elephant foot pathology, contact Mike directly at [email protected].

Wendy Murdoch discusses her Sure Foot balance pads. She talks about proprioception, movement, and posture, and how horse owners and hoofcare providers can utilize balance pads during rehab. For more information see surefootequine.com

Kristin Thornberry talks about the various reasons why a horse might have trouble standing for their hoofcare appointments, and ways that owners and hoofcare providers can help the horse become more comfortable to make for a successful appointment. Also in this episode: Casey Sexton, Ruth De Gennaro, Jeff Newnham, Beth Lynn Lewis, and Lachlan Phillips.

Yogi Sharp talks about various studies that have affected the way he approaches his shoeing and hoofcare, as well as what owners can notice to see if their horse is moving in a good direction in regards to hoof health. Yogi also discusses what we should strive for in a healthy hoof. For more information, see The Equine Documentalist: https://www.theequinedocumentalist.com/

Christina Cline, co-author of The Essential Hoof Book, discusses ways hoofcare providers and owners can improve the comfort of, and in some cases the appearance of, club feet. Correct trimming, movement, and bodywork all influence high/low feet on horses. For more information: https://www.horseandriderbooks.com/product/ESHOBO.html

Dr. Debra Taylor discusses the 3 causes of laminitis and the treatment approach for each, as well as when to escalate the treatment to the next level. She talks about the hardships of working with laminitic horses, and how to better support other professionals through these difficult cases. Dr. Taylor is available for consultations on cases, for a fee: [email protected]. For more information, see: https://www.facebook.com/DrDebraTaylor/

Ida Hammer talks about various factors that affects a horse's movement, biomechanics, and health of the hoof. She expands on tools she uses to allow a horse to grow the healthiest hoof possible and move soundly. Trim adaptations, nutrition, glue on shoes/boots, and Formahoof are discussed, as well as bodywork, and she expands on her certification program. To learn more about Ida's program, see here: https://mackinawdells2.com/index.html Also in this episode, Tina Thomas (hoofcare provider) and Deb Davies (international rider/trainer/osteopath). https://supportingthehorseandrider.com/

Ann Ramsey, an equine rehabilitation specialist based in California, talks about how to approach rehabbing your horse in situations where a stay at a veterinary hospital isn't feasible. She talks about how to build a team to support both you and your equine, as well as things to watch for and how to gauge progress. For more info on Ann, see: http://www.equine-rehab.com/

Krista Jones, ESMT and owner of From The Ground Up rehab, and Steven Leigh, hoofcare practitioner, talk about how proper AND improper movement affects soft tissue, muscling, and hooves. Krista and Steven mention things to look for to assess your horse's movement as well as ways to ensure your horse is on the correct path to soundness. Also mentioned is navicular rehabilitation, track systems, bodywork, and hoofcare decisions based on movement and wear patterns. For more information, see: https://www.fromthegrounduprehab.com/ http://www.natureswaynhc.co.uk/ https://www.aanhcp.net/pages/welcome-to-paddock-paradise

Dr. Jaini Clougher, veterinarian, and Dr. Kathleen Gustafson, ECIR director and research advisor, talk about diagnosis and treatment of PPID (Cushing's) and IR/EMS horses, as well as rehabbing metabolic related laminitis. Both have been involved with the ECIR online forum, offering free advice for horse owners dealing with a metabolic and/or laminitic horse. For more information, see: ecirhorse.org ecir.groups.io/g/main thehumblehoof.com

In a continuation from last episode, Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn, Inc. talks about feeding the equine athlete, alfalfa and the hoof, and gut health and the hoof. How do we safely increase calories for hardworking horses? Do they need concentrates/grain? Is alfalfa safe for the metabolic horse? What does gut distress do to the feet? These questions are explored in part two with Scott! Also in this episode: Kayleigh Tansey, Danna-Lea Swanson, Hannah Croteau, and Maia Chaput.

In this episode, Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn talks about various aspects of equine nutrition and how it can affect the hoof. Topics include iron overload, hay testing, supplement stability, trace mineral balancing, and more. This episode is "Part 1" with Scott Cieslar, stay tuned for Part 2! A special thank you to Mad Barn for sponsoring this episode. Use code "thehumblehoof" to receive 5% off your next order at madbarn.com.

In this episode, I speak with Shannon Peters, a dressage trainer who has taken horses through Grand Prix and PSG barefoot. Shannon talks about her motivation to take her upper level dressage horses barefoot and how she maintains sound, healthy performance feet. Also in this episode is her hoofcare provider, Sossity Garguilo.

In episode 18 of The Humble Hoof, Dr. Robert Bowker talks about his research into the caudal hoof through decades of microscopic study and dissection. He delves into his ideas on trimming to improve the caudal hoof, and how long toes affect the internal anatomy. Dr. Bowker has many published studies available publicly online, and is continually studying more hooves around the world.

In this episode, Sam Austin of Red Horse Products answers questions about what might cause thrush and white line disease in horses, and how we can safely treat it without affecting healthy tissue. Also in this episode, Joe Sexton, a microbiologist that has taken an interest in fungi and bacteria on the horse's hoof, elaborates on some research that has been done on white line disease, and what approaches might be best when looking to treat hoof infections.

This episode is the lameness history and rehab strategies for my own personal gelding, Vinnie. A BLM Mustang, Vinnie has a history of navicular bone damage, bilateral front lameness, DDFT tears, as well as other pathology in the caudal hoof, and hock arthritis. In this episode, I speak with various farriers, veterinarians, and friends that have seen his rehab journey over the last six years. Also featured in this episode: Dr. Sara Cook (Black Brook Veterinary Services, Massachusetts), Dr. Jose Garcia (Tufts Large Animal Hospital, Massachusetts), Pete Ramey, Beth Lewis, June O'Brien, Casey Sexton, and Cindy Conquest.

In this episode, Monique Craig of EponaMind in Paso Robles, California talks about how Epona's MetronMind software has allowed them to watch for various trends in hoof radiographs. She discusses what they have come to look for when watching for mediolateral balance as well as HPA, and what we might consider as we approach the hoof and think about our trimming or therapeutic options such as the EponaShoe. Also featured in the episode: John Machamer, Ann Ramsey, and Lenora Pritchard.

This short teaser episode is a sneak peek into a five day clinic at Daisy Haven Farm with Daisy Bicking. In it, you'll hear clips from Daisy's clinic in November 2019.

Garrett Ford of Easycare, Inc. shares his journey into the hoof boot world in this episode. He expands on his innovation process, how he tests new products, and some of his favorite and most popular products. You can see more about Easycare at this link: https://www.easycareinc.com/ Also featured in this episode: Curtis Burns, Dan Schroeder

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Van Eps delves into new research on laminitis and founder treatment, as well as the importance of prevention. In it, you will hear about the three causes of laminitis, and research into how to approach each cause. Prevention is better than "damage control," and implementing some changes in your horse's diet and lifestyle can make all the difference! If you'd like to reach out to Dr. Van Eps, you can email him at [email protected], or see his work at New Bolton Center at https://www.vet.upenn.edu/veterinary-hospitals/NBC-hospital . Also featured: Dr. Chris Pollitt, Ann Ramsey, Daisy Bicking, and Candice Piraino.

In this episode, Rood and Riddle resident farrier Stuart Muir delves into how to work together with veterinarians for the benefit of the horse. He discusses how hoofcare providers can forge relationships with local vets, work through differences in opinion, and work towards productive collaboration. This episode also features segments from Dave Dawson (NEAEP CEO), Dr. Shawn Morrell (podiatrist, Rood and Riddle, Saratoga NY), Dr. Jennifer Melcher (DVM, Georgia), Dr. Ron Gaeta (DVM, Dunbarton Equine, Connecticut), Sam Zalesky (resident farrier, Rood and Riddle, Lexington KY), and Dr. Raul Bras (podiatrist, Rood and Riddle, Lexington, KY). To see more about opportunities in vet/farrier collaboration, visit www.theneaep.com , as well as the Georgia Professional Farriers Association on FB to see events with Dr. Melcher.

In this episode, Daisy Bicking talks about her journey into hoofcare and the glue-on/composite world. She talks about her influences and what motivated her to pursue her current path, as well as what motivates her to continue to teach others. You'll hear a bit about courses you can pursue to connect with Daisy and other hoofcare providers seeking to learn more about everything from reading radiographs and identifying pathology, to practicing glue on work. To learn more about what Daisy offers, visit https://www.daisyhavenfarm.com/. More resources that Daisy talks about are Postural Rehabilitation, which is discussed here - Is Your Horse Really A Goat? and hoof mapping, etc here - ELPO.

In this episode, Paige Poss talks about her hoofcare journey which led her into "slicing and dicing" - performing dissections on countless equine cadaver legs in order to share that information with the horse world. Paige talks about working with other professionals, finding various pathologies in the foot, and what to take notice of when looking at your own horse's feet. You can see her work at http://www.anatomy-of-the-equine.com/ as well as http://www.ironfreehoof.com/ .

In this episode, various hoofcare providers talk about tips in how to better run a hoofcare business. Beth Lynn Lewis, Kirsten Proctor, Kristi Rodgers, and Henric Larsson touch upon everything from keeping yourself safe while working on a horse, to interacting with clients.

In this interview, Megan Hensley, "The Donkey Farrier," talks about her work with donkeys - from hoofcare to environment to nutrition. She discusses the best ways to approach them, gain their trust, and gain advances in healthy feet. Megan will be a speaker at this year's Donkey Welfare Symposium at UC Davis September 13-15th, 2019. For more information, see here: https://donkeywelfaresymposium.homestead.com/