Education is a big deal here at EasyCare. Part of our mission is not only to equip you with the best protective hoof boots in the industry but to help you succeed in using them. We recently launched a three part webinar series to help the general public understand some of the aspects of owning and maintaining a barefoot horse as well as the intricacies of applying Easyboot Glue-On hoof boots.
When it comes to leaning more about hoof care be it the horse owner or someone with professional aspirations there are many barefoot hoof trimming organizations out there to choose from. All are doing a fantastic job of bringing up the next generation of trimmers. One such organization that seems to be drawing quite a crowd these days is Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners. This group has been offering a hoof-care training program since 2008. Not only are they helping train up the next generation of of barefoot trimmers but are offering a means for those seasoned veterans to stay connected and armed with the lasted information in the industry.
I met up with this group in Los Angeles where they were holding their Annual Meeting and Member Conference Aug. 12-15. In addition to meetings, the conference offered a series of mini-clinics covering the Business of Hoof Care, How to Take Good Hoof Photos, and the Nuts and Bolts of Hay Analysis and Mineral Balancing.
The highlight event was a day session by Brian Hampson, who presented his fascinating wild horse research, done under the auspices of Dr. Chris Pollitt’s Australian Brumby Research Unit of the University of Queensland. One facet of the research involved putting GPS collars on feral horses in five different Australian geographic areas, and tracking them over periods of time. They collected “tons” of data that have inspired numerous studies and ongoing scientific investigations, not to mention quite a few publications in various journals. Some of their findings are surprising! www.wildhorseresearch.com.
Research is incredibly expensive and the group was excited to present Brian Hampson with a $3,500 donation to support the ABRU’s wild horse research. The donation was a combination of attendance fees, proceeds from a fund-raising drive, and a donation from the PHCP treasury. The donated list of items was impressive to say the least. Donations were made by Brian Hampson; CA Trace Minerals/Sally Hugg; Easy Care Hoof Boots, Dr. Eleanor Kellon; EquiCast; Equine Wellness Magazine; Freedom Feeder; Cavallo Hoof Boots; Gold Haven Studios/horse jewelry; Hoof Jack; Hoof Rehab/Pete Ramey; Phil Morrare; Renegade Hoof boots; Swedish Hoof school; The Horse’s Hoof Magazine; Thin Air Canvas/Nibble Net and Uckele.
The event was a great success and learning opportunity. PHCP is just one of the numerous barefoot organizations that organize events and offer trimming instruction. Whether you live in the U.S. or half way around the world. Don’t become complacent, there is always more to learn. Get plugged in to a school, chat group or find a mentor near you. The more you know about how the equine foot functions the better off your horse or client’s horses will be. The horse is depending on you.
Where do you go when you need hoof care answers?
Debbie Schwiebert
Vet Dealer & Hoof Care Practitioner Accounts
I manage the hoof care practitioner and veterinarian dealer accounts at EasyCare. An integral part of my job is to stay current in all areas of barefoot hoof care, which enables me to serve this vital group of EasyCare dealers at the next level.
