The concept of keeping horses barefoot has gained a great deal of acceptance over the past 5 years but I believe the main thing that will limit continued growth is the lack of qualified, knowledgeable hoof care practitioners. Many people would like to keep their horses barefoot and work with a local practitioner but there are simply not enough practitioners.
I have access to a very good practitioner in Tucson Arizona. She has taken several courses in different trimming and natural hoof care techniques, is dependable and is also knowledgeable about what is happening in the industry. We are lucky to have her.
I currently have my horses in Durango Colorado for the summer months while I concentrate on the research and development of two new hoof boot designs. Before coming to Durango I sent out several e-mails looking for a good practitioner in my area. I couldn't find anyone for several hundred miles. I was both disappointed and a little concerned for the future of barefoot.
Although I would prefer to have the best trimmer possible take care of my horses, I do have the ability to keep my horses feet in pretty good shape. I have personally attended two Pete Ramey Clinics and did a one on one trimming day with Jaime Jackson. I have all the tools and stands but still prefer to have someone trim my horses who spends more time under a horse.
EasyCare has decided to help alleviate the "lack of practitioner" problem by offering scholarship money to practitioner courses. We have finalized a scholarship program with The Equine Sciences Academy and hope to partner with the other practitioner courses in the near future.
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