Post by courtingthehorse on Mar 27, 2011 21:10:48 GMT
Hi everyone I thought I would just put up a few sentences about the 1st get together for the trimming group which took place on Sat the 26th in Clare.
Thanks to Christine for hosting it and for looking after us all with tea/coffee and treats...There were 11 of us there and we ranged from complete beginner - where the shoes have recently come off but nothing else has been done - to the professional trimmer. We had everything in between and so there was lots of chatting and ideas exchanged.
Two groups there had a track system which is aimed at providing proper hoof wear by ensuring plenty of movement for the horses on a daily basis. And it was interesting to hear that one of the groups didn't have to trim very often as a result of this track being used and enjoyed by the horses and ponies.
We had time to introduce ourselves and to look at each other's books and watch a little of the Pete Ramey intro DVD before settling back into little groups to pick each others brains.
Pouncing on the one professional trimmer there, Lorraine Daly, it was interesting that everyone there was happy to think about booking her in to trim some or all of the time for their horses. It really seems that people are not necessarily focussed on doing the trimming themselves - rather they are doing it themselves in the absence of having some one appropriate to do the job for them.
Lorraine also mentioned that she does clinics and we will be organising one in the near future so that we can all improve the standard of trimming that we do. I know I will be getting Lorraine out to our two girls to set them up better and to give me tips on how to maintain them in the future.
People came from Roscommon, Limerick, Clare and Tipperary and were full of enthusiasm and very anxious to learn so that their horses will be even more comfortable.
The next get together will also be in Clare but after that it was proposed that we move to other counties so that some people get a break from travelling too far. This will be towards the end of April and I'll keep you all informed about that. The second get together will be more of a hands on affair with the chance to look at some healthy hooves and to share ideas on handling, how best to use the tools and ideas on how to do a good maintanence trim. It was suggested that we stick to healthy hooves for a while and to not get carried away looking at damaged and unhealthy ones.
Overall I found that everyone was very aware of "doing no harm" and wanted to take the cautious approach at every turn.
Thanks for everyone for making the effort to travel from near and far and for contributing enthusiasm and resources and tips to the group.
If you have any ideas for future get togethers and would like to come to the next one PM me and I will make sure you are informed about the next one. There were plenty of people who couldn't make it on the 26th and who should be at the next one and so I think our only problem will be coping with large numbers of people!! It's great to think that so many people are working so hard for their horses and are putting LOTS of time into educating themselves.
But the most important thing was that there was tons of yummy food
For that alone it was worth it...hee hee.
It was great to meet you all and I'll be looking forward to seeing you again soon....
Happy trimming
Thanks to Christine for hosting it and for looking after us all with tea/coffee and treats...There were 11 of us there and we ranged from complete beginner - where the shoes have recently come off but nothing else has been done - to the professional trimmer. We had everything in between and so there was lots of chatting and ideas exchanged.
Two groups there had a track system which is aimed at providing proper hoof wear by ensuring plenty of movement for the horses on a daily basis. And it was interesting to hear that one of the groups didn't have to trim very often as a result of this track being used and enjoyed by the horses and ponies.
We had time to introduce ourselves and to look at each other's books and watch a little of the Pete Ramey intro DVD before settling back into little groups to pick each others brains.
Pouncing on the one professional trimmer there, Lorraine Daly, it was interesting that everyone there was happy to think about booking her in to trim some or all of the time for their horses. It really seems that people are not necessarily focussed on doing the trimming themselves - rather they are doing it themselves in the absence of having some one appropriate to do the job for them.
Lorraine also mentioned that she does clinics and we will be organising one in the near future so that we can all improve the standard of trimming that we do. I know I will be getting Lorraine out to our two girls to set them up better and to give me tips on how to maintain them in the future.
People came from Roscommon, Limerick, Clare and Tipperary and were full of enthusiasm and very anxious to learn so that their horses will be even more comfortable.
The next get together will also be in Clare but after that it was proposed that we move to other counties so that some people get a break from travelling too far. This will be towards the end of April and I'll keep you all informed about that. The second get together will be more of a hands on affair with the chance to look at some healthy hooves and to share ideas on handling, how best to use the tools and ideas on how to do a good maintanence trim. It was suggested that we stick to healthy hooves for a while and to not get carried away looking at damaged and unhealthy ones.
Overall I found that everyone was very aware of "doing no harm" and wanted to take the cautious approach at every turn.
Thanks for everyone for making the effort to travel from near and far and for contributing enthusiasm and resources and tips to the group.
If you have any ideas for future get togethers and would like to come to the next one PM me and I will make sure you are informed about the next one. There were plenty of people who couldn't make it on the 26th and who should be at the next one and so I think our only problem will be coping with large numbers of people!! It's great to think that so many people are working so hard for their horses and are putting LOTS of time into educating themselves.
But the most important thing was that there was tons of yummy food
For that alone it was worth it...hee hee.It was great to meet you all and I'll be looking forward to seeing you again soon....
Happy trimming