Equine Healthcare Professionals:
Alternative practitioners are part of the team to keep our equines healthy and happy. If you have something to offer to improve the wellbeing of horses and ponies, please contact me. I would be happy to list you here.
(Note: If you are interested to be listed as hoofcare provider (support level), I must be satisfied that your work fulfills the required standard and that you have done at least one trimming clinic with me and also consult with me on an ongoing basis.)
Points to remember when engaging an Equine Hoof- or Health Care Provider:
1. Always expect the highest standard of work(wo)manship / treatment delivery and Ethics.
2. Do NOT accept any kind of abusive behaviour or aggression towards your horse or pony. EVER.
3. Ask questions and expect answers that make sense and are based on sound and proven knowledge of biology, anatomy, physiology,
histology, and good horsemanship principles. If it sounds like goobledeegook, it most likely is.
4. If there is no improvement after a reasonable time of treatment or if there is a deterioration of the condition, DISCUSS this with your
hoof/healthcare provider and suggest the councel of another professional (second - or even third opinion)
5. Be aware that frequent trimming may be necessary in some cases, but be warned that excessive OVER trimming by incompetent trimmers
may render a horse with hooves that are too short to cope without boots. Ask questions especially when your trimmer prescribes boots as a
matter of "barehoof fact" rather than transitioning aid or aid for pathological hooves. Boots should not be used simply to cover up a bad trim
or replace nail on shoes. A healthy, well conditioned bare hoof does not need a boot. Ask your hoofcare provider how to condition hooves
and what "biological limitations" are.
6. Ensure your hoof/healthcare professional has had and COMPLETED sufficient VOCATIONAL training and is therefore accepted by a
professional indemnity insurer.
7. Watch his/her conduct and carefully observe your horse's welbeing while in his/her care. Caveat emptor - Buyer beware
8. ALWAYS be on your horse's side! (and follow your instinct!)
