As most of the United States patiently awaits Spring, EasyCare dealers out West are starting to enjoying “hair in the air weather” brought on by longer days and warmer temps. EasyCare’s April 2014 Dealer of the Month lands us in a sunny state with our spotlight shining brightly on hoof care practitioner Rachel Rezos of Martinez, CA. Rachel joined EasyCare’s dealer network in April of 2010 making this her fourth year anniversary as a mover and shaker with EasyCare.
Rachel’s story is a familiar one. Her interest was piqued in 2007 by trimmer and EasyCare dealer Marylynne Nicholson. Through their interaction Rachel became interested in the trade. Yet another example that mentoring matters, Rachel is grateful to Marylynne for giving her a career that she loves. “Mary invited me to join her on her rounds and I apprenticed with her for two years. These days I am trimming about 170 horses. Sometimes I think perhaps it’s time to stop taking new clients but I admit I’m just not good at saying ‘no’. I simply love to help people and horses.”
An EasyCare dealership has helped Rachel to provide options for her clients and make barefoot living easy on the horse and their humans. Rachel currently stocks the most popular sizes in the Glove and Epic and says the Glove is a customer favorite. As for Rachel, if she had to choose, the Glove takes all. She is excited about the new EasyShoe line and believes this is a great new tool for achieving healthier hooves. Rachel feels this product will have an especially strong appeal to those that understand the drawbacks of fixed metal shoeing but are unable to go without twenty-four hour protection.
Rachel is truly passionate about helping problem hooves improve and particularly enjoys connecting with troubled horses. She says, “I get a charge out of the ‘conversation’ that I have with them as I do my work. Many of them lift their feet with only a look or gentle stoke down their leg. I challenge myself to see how soft I can ask and have them respond and I feel their appreciation.” She recalls watching a 20 year old Quarter Horse with navicular stride out and land heel first in his Epics with Comfort Pads. The horse had been landing toe first in steel shoes but after two strides in the boots and pads he relaxed and totally changed gait, moving properly most likely for the first time in years.
Horses dominate Rachel’s life as they are both her livelihood and favorite hobby. She loves natural horsemanship, attending clinics as often as possible and is passionate about connecting and communicating with horses. When Rachel can drag herself away from horses she spends time with her husband enjoying comedy, sci-fi, cooking and enjoying great food. Rachel currently owns a draft cross, PMU gelding and Azteca mare. She loves to hit the trails whenever possible and is currently a member of the Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners.
The foundation of Rachel’s success are these key concepts: listening closely to both the animals and their guardians, the love of learning and patience. Words of wisdom indeed!
