Barefoot trimming & feet.

[moongirl]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

Still not got anywhere - was sidetracked all day by Mani ( my other horse ) having colic !

Why does everything always come at once ?

[jenharvey]

Richard Vialls at www.bodrwyn.org/ probably knows more about laminitis than anyone, I'm sure he would be happy to advise you. This forum to which he contributes is a mine of information. aepauk.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=laminitis
There is a product called Equine Essentials, you can get it at www.tni.com/intouch1 - I am involved with the company so don't know if it's OK to promote it - but it's the best thing I've come across for lami, it gives a lot of relief, sometimes total, very quickly. Obviously a proper trim is essential and I'm just sorry you're so far away. It's a cruel disease , seems to be related to human diabetes and insulin resistance.
Box rest on deep bedding, soaked hay, NO sugar of any kind, even carrots or apples and def no grass.

[Elaine]

Oh no, hope Manny is ok x.

[moongirl]

Hi, Elaine

Mani seems fine today - I am just keeping an eye on her.

Michelle

[mandy]

I recently had Dermot McCourt (HoofSculpture) to do a barefoot trim for me, he seemed to know a lot about laminitus and is very willing to share his knowledge on the subject, he has so many years experience - I wouldn't hesitate to contact him if you have a horse with rotation.... Time is absolutely crucial in managing this awful awful condition. Good luck. (his number is 00447736877358)

[moongirl]

Thanks Mandy - but I think he is too far away

[mariab]

Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think Dermot is working anymore his website is down has not been active for a while . When I decided to go barefoot I got Dermot down to North Cork once and he was going to help me transition, I saw him once then he got sick and I have tried to contact him by phone and email but no reply ever and now I see his website off air.

I am only saying this as you keep recommending him.

I then decided to do it myself by training as a barefoot trimmer and finding out as much as possible about the whole subject

[mariab]

Just saw Mandys post and I see Dermot is still around, he came to Doneraile last September Michelle so sure he will make his way to Tipparay

[amanda1066]

Mariab who did you train with? Hope you don't mind me asking.

I don't expect Dermot can do regular long trips but I imagine he would do a 'set up trim' moongirl and then perhaps another Trimmer/Farrier could take over to continue the healing.

[Elaine]

Just thinking out loud, I wonder if we had enough of us interested in learning more about trimming, could we get Dermot or another foot person to do a course?! Would anyone be interested?

[mariab]

I am currently in the middle of training with barehoof which is Dan Guerrera I think he used to come to Northern Ireland when he was living in UK, he is now living in Norway and has a school there, he started a school in UK this year and we are the first batch there.

I started of getting all Pete Ramey and Jamie Jacksons books and DVD's have studied them but felt I also wanted the knowledge from somebody and this course is great to do as I knew when the sessions where on when I had to go etc. There is much to learn even after finishing but the best teacher is the horse and getting experience. There are alot of different opinions out there and I think each horse should be treated individually and I take abit from everywhere and make it my work. Thats what I do in my day job as a Chiropractor as well, it is an individual thing. But most important for good barefoot horse and performance is getting the owner on board that it is not just about the trim.

I have organised for Dan to come over in March 2010 the 12-14th to do a 3 days horse owners course. It is basically the same as what we did on the first session of our course, there will be classroom, anatomy, dissection of lower leg and hoof, knowledge of tools, tool handling and trimming/rasping the cadaver legs which is always a great way to learn.

The cost is £300 per person for the 3 days but you are well set up to carry on your maintenance trims afterwards. There is space for 8-12 people on this course and it would be held at my place in Doneraile, north cork

So if anybody is interested there are still spaces

[amanda1066]

Thanks maria, I've read Dans web site etc. I'm just nosey!

[Elaine]

Curiousity is a great thing, in horses & people!

[mandy]

Dermot came to Dublin a few weeks ago and did a trim for my horse, he then went on to do two more stops before home - I contacted him initially via email and he replied, then by phone. He has taken calls since and told me he would come back any time if I felt 6 weeks was too long between trims... I have found him to be very approachable so I would think he would travel Moongirl.... Yes his website is out of action - I don't know why.

[mandy]

Yes I would be on for that Elaine!

[Elaine]

Hhmmmm... Maria I think I might be tempted. Learning more about feet is one of the things on my 'to do' list at the minute. One of my friends over in England said she once had a pint of cider with Dan, & he was very nice & knowledgeable Maria, do you want me to stick the details of this course up in the clinics section on here?

[mariab]

I have just emailed Dan just to make double sure that he has the date in his Diary then we can put it up on the here.

I think it is well worth doing get a professional to set up the hoof and then you maintain it yourself not having to rely on anybody unless you run into problems then get the professional out again to check, or get the professional out maybe 1 or 2 a year just to make sure, If any of my clients are interested in maintaining them themselves I am all for it.

I will get back to you as soon as I hear from him.

[intouch]

www.nagtrader.co.uk/NAGtrader-horse-pony-articles/natural-horse-pony-western-riding/hoof-sculpture.asp

[mariab]

Nosey is good, I don't mind.

I don't agree with everything he says but what I like is he has no problem with people developing themselves when we finish. Some others get very picky about angles, lenghts, debts etc. Like I said we all develop our own techniques and ideas thats hopefully what attracts clients to the individual, even though I find alot of people know absolutely nothing about what a good hoof looks like and I think thats why so many farriers get away with murder, nobody questions their work.

A little story to back up the above;

I was trimming two horses for a friend at the same time as the farrier was there re-shoeing her horse she was taking away for a 2 week course, so I had a look and a few questions about his feet, when he left she said that he was there for double the amount of time than usual and the feet had never looked so good, why could he not do it all the other times.

[moongirl]

I would be up for a trimming course - as long as I am still around ( house is for sale ) and can afford it.