Written by Lisa Mittler of Bare and Balanced Hoofcare, LLC in San Antonio, Texas
Just like so many barefoot hoof practitioners out there, I came to this profession out of necessity. I moved to a new area and had trouble finding a farrier I was happy with, so I started trimming my own horses and donkeys. I became certified through Ida Hammer’s Applied Whole Horse Hoof Care Program. Before I knew it, I left my profession as a high school art teacher to work on hooves full-time. I’ve never looked back.
My company is Bare and Balanced Hoof Care, LLC. I travel and work throughout South and Central Texas on horses, mules, and donkeys. I knew there was a need for barefoot hoof practitioners in South Texas, but I was shocked at how quickly my business grew. In a matter of months, I went from trimming a few horses a week to working seven days a week with over 250 horses on my books. I didn’t set out to stay so busy, but I love helping horses and donkeys. It’s hard to say no when I can help those in need in my area.
In my area, Easyboot Clouds have been a lifesaver for so many horses struggling with laminitis and founder. The areas of Texas I work in are gorgeous! One lush, beautiful, green pasture after another…a death sentence for so many horses and donkeys. Educating owners about equine nutrition and the signs of laminitis are the keystones to my success when rehabbing horses and donkeys. Sadly, I am often contacted after an animal has been compromised by laminitis. Finding comfort for them while they rehab is a large part of what I do. I have witnessed many horses walk off sound in Easyboot Clouds that couldn’t take a comfortable step without them.
One horse I work on regularly stands out in my mind. She is a young, Quarter Horse, mare named Willie. Willie hadn’t taken a sound step in over a year when I saw her for the first time. She was foundered and in metal shoes that were crippling her due to their placement on her feet. I pulled the shoes, gave her a rehab trim, and put her in Easyboot Clouds.
There were a lot of tears flowing that morning when she walked off sound and comfortable. Her battle with founder wasn’t over at that moment, but the Easyboot Clouds gave her enough support to walk comfortably. Willie hadn’t been that comfortable in over a year. Movement to get blood flowing to the hooves is key to rehabbing horses struggling with laminitis and founder. It’s been five months since the day I met Willie, and I’m happy to report she is doing great!
Beyond Easyboot Clouds, I turn to Easyboot Minis and EasyShoe Performance glue-ons regularly. l also have many clients that use Easyboot Glove Softs for trail and endurance riding. It’s so nice that EasyCare has such an extensive line of products to choose from since no two hooves are the same.
I could not help the number of animals I do without Dan Schroeder, EasyCare’s Vet/Hoof Care Practitioner Dealer. Dan is always a phone call or email away and he goes above and beyond to ensure I have the products I need when I need them. EasyCare’s therapy products are second to none. Knowing I have Dan to keep products heading my way takes a lot of time and stress off my shoulders.
One of these days I’ll stop working long enough to get my webpage up and running but for now, the best place to reach me is on Facebook at Bare and Balanced Hoofcare. You can also email at bareandbalancedhoofcare@gmail.com.
