The other day I received a phone call from Joe Kunkel, AKA “Joe, the barefoot trimmer” from Midland, TX. Joe, an EasyCare dealer and natural hoof care practitioner announced that he had some good news and some bad news. The bad news was he was headed to prison, the good news was, not to worry he’d be out soon. Taken completely off guard, I said, “Joe, my goodness, what happened?” Joe gave me a hearty laugh and proceeded to tell me that he really was going to prison but not as prisoner. Joe went on to say he would be doing some prison time all right but it would be to do a little hoof trimming and educating along the way. I had totally taken the bait, hook, line and sinker and we both got a good laugh!
Joe is a member of the Midland County Horse Patrol and earlier this year, the Texas Criminal Justice gave a Man Hunt class using inmates and dogs. While at the event, Joe got to visiting with the inmate that did the trimming and horse shoeing at the prison. The inmate was very interested in barefoot trimming and already had “Making Natural Hoof Care Work For You” by Pete Ramey. The Prison’s field horses are currently barefoot but the callout horses are still in horse shoes. Later this particular inmate asked a guard if Joe could come back to the prison and give some pointers. Joe agreed and it was cleared. In addition other prisons were also invited to attend Joe’s presentation.
Sporting an EasyCare cap, Joe the barefoot trimmer discusses the Easyboot Glove.
Joe gave a short class on proper step, covering heel first landing, hoof expansion, breakover and weight bearing. He showed them a demo trim and and got in some hoof boot talk showing them some EasyCare hoof boots; how to use them and their benefits.
Joe said things went real well. He made a few suggestions and gave a few trimming pointers making for a great day of trimmin’ in the Big House.
Have you trimmed horses at a unique place? Tell us your story!
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.
