Trimming

Whether your horse is going barefoot or wearing shoes, a properly trimmed hoof is the foundation to lasting soundness. The hoof should be trimmed to maximize bone column alignment, both front to back and side to side. The hoof should be sculpted to balance the hoof capsule around its center of weight bearing and articulation. Only the hoof material that has grown in excess should be removed, leaving as much natural protection in place as possible. It the hoof is to be left bare, then all exposed edges will need to be rounded to prevent cracking and chipping.

Shoeing

Man has been applying shoes to horses for nearly 2000 years. Applying a shoe is needed when the rate of wear exceeds the rate of growth. Shoes are primarily used to protect the hoof from wear and the environment. They can also be used to increase support and help to apply or decrease traction. A properly shaped shoe should follow the inside of the white line of a horse's hoof. There should be no kinks or abrupt bends, meaning the shoe should flow smoothly. I believe in using a shoe that provides the most sole protection and traction for that particular horse using the fewest and smallest nails possible. I customize all the shoes I apply to horses, with a portion receiving custom handmade shoes. There is no extra charge for custom forge work.

Hot Fitting

Hot fitting the customized shoe to the hoof is my standard practice for all the horses I shoe. There is no extra change for hot shoeing. I prefer hot fitting shoes to the horses hoof for a few reasons.

1. It leaves an imprint on the hoof showing any incongruities in the flatness of the trim.
2. In our damp wet climate, the heat will kill any surface bacteria present in the whiteline area, helping to decrease fungal and bacterial infections.
3. By burning the ground surface of the hoof wall, you melt and seal the horn tubules, providing a healthier and stronger foot for your horse.
4. It allows any shoe modifications (ie: clips, rockers) to be fit flush within the hoof wall.

Clips

I prefer to clip nearly every horse I shoe, primarily on the hind end. All my clips are handmade, which offers a better fit and finish on the hoof. There is no extra charge for clipping shoes. The purpose is to absorb the shearing forces caused by jumping, stopping, and turning. This helps to protect the nails and clinches from being loosened and limits tearing and cracking in the hoof wall.

Therapeutics

It has been popular amongst horseshoers, veterinarians and trainers to recommend special or corrective shoeing. Most corrective shoes are a temporary solution, covering up the symptoms and not taking into consideration the underlying problem. It has been my experience that a properly trimmed foot along with a solidly built shoe will take care of nearly 90% of all so called foot problems. With that said, sometimes there is a pathology present that causes one to think outside the box. With my advanced forging skills and educational background, I am certain we can find a solution to make your horse more comfortable.