So my job is the Maintenance - this means regular hoof care, I am needed to Trim/Shoe the horse allowing the horse to do its job. I need to "read" the horses movement and bio-mechanics to determine the best care method to use. Then I need to monitor the horses hoof growth and schedule my visits according to this growth.
Movement - well this may be the most important "M" and it is the owners job! Regular exercise/movement is absolutely critical to hoof growth. The hoof is very dynamic and the more the horse moves the more the hooves will grow & support themselves telling me how to maintain them.
Finally we have Management - this is also the job of the owner. This job is also critical to the entire system working. Management is the regular handling of the horses hooves, picking them cleaning and checking for bacteria & thrush. Daily cleaning, weekly treating for thrush and dressing the hoof wall's lets you stay in front of any issues and be able to get me out quickly if something is needed to keep the horse "moving." Also this regular management will make the Farrier very happy because your horse will be used to the regular handling and will stand patiently for its regular "Maintenance" visit.
J-PDR
The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.
- voltaire
