Barefoot, shod, or booted?

Some horses do well barefoot. Others need additional support, protection, or biomechanical adjustments, either temporarily or long-term.

My approach to hoof care is centered around principles of hoof function and balance within the equine body, and I believe partnership with owners is a key to decision-making. I choose what best supports the horse in front of me, while also considering what the owner is able to take on. My role is to help you navigate the options, choose what makes sense for your horse, and adjust that plan over time as things change.

How I think about support

There’s not a single solution for every horse, but looking at the bigger picture usually reveals a clear path forward.

When considering what will keep a horse most comfortable, I look at how they stand and move, how the hoof is functioning or distorting, their living and working environment, and of course, objective data to help illustrate where we can improve and how we can customize hoof care to serve the horse in front of us. I also consider what’s realistic for the owner to manage day to day. Together we can adapt and change strategy as time goes on to always support the horse in the best way we can, whether they are shod, barefoot, or booted.

Tools I use

Composite shoes provide customizable support and the ability to make biomechanic adjustments for the horse that cannot be achieved barefoot. Hoof boots can be a great option for horses who are succeeding barefoot and perhaps only need temporary support during riding or who benefit from therapeutic levels of concussion reduction. There is always a reason behind the tools we decide to use, and it’s equally as important that you as the owner understand the reasons behind each. In addition to the tangible tools I use, I also use hoof mapping software and other illustrative diagrams to show owners where their horse has adequate or lacking hoof function. The more we can come to a shared understanding of what’s needed to create meaningful progress or maintenance, the better outcomes we can create for the horse’s we care about.