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Friday, November 21, 2008
Barefoot Hoof Care  »  Our services
     
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Lauren&DixPortrait.jpgThe Nexus Center's hoof care services are provided by Lauren Gruber.

You have considered all the facts and have decided that you want your horse to go barefoot!  That's great but it also means you have accepted the challenges that may lay ahead as your horse's feet transform.  You know that 'natural' doesn't mean take off the shoes and let nature take its course!  But what does it really mean?  What is involved?  We want you and your horse(s) to be successful so we are committed to being here for you. 

Summary of Nexus Center hoof care services:

Lameness rehabilitation at the Nexus Center.  For moderately or severely lame horses due to hoof problems owners may want to give their horse the maximum opportunity to heal by having him come to live at the Nexus Center for a period of time.  This will allow us to work on his feet as frequently as needed.  Plus, your horse will have all the benefits of living out 24x7 and getting a custom blended diet.  It is rather like a Spa for horses and the goal is to return a sound horse to you.  The cost is $450 per month.  To learn more click here. 

Regular barefoot hoof trimming provided by Lauren at your farm.  Frequency of visits depend on the horse's needs.  Basically  healthy feet will be able to go longer between trims.  Compromised feet (foundered, navicular) will require more frequent trimming.  Lauren will advise you as to what schedule will best suit your horse.  The key to success is regular maintanence.  We believe so strongly in the value of regular maintanence that all clients must make a commitment to keep their horse on a regular  trimming schedule.

[Lauren currently has a waiting list for new trimming clients.  As owners take over more of their horse's regular hoof care, openings will become available.  Lauren continues to be available for clinics and clients may also schedule an appointment with Lauren at the Center.  For more information about rates and policies click here.]

Boot selection and fitting advise.  Some horses need some kind of foot protection during their transitional period.  There are numerous boot manufacturers and sizing options to choose from.  You'll have many questions about when to use the boots and for how long.  Lauren's experience will help you sort through all of that.  When your horse is done with the boots we can help you to sell them.

Nutritional information and education.  Optimal healing and development of atrophied structures can only take place when the horse is receiving the nutritional support required to fuel these changes.  Stressed horses, those with chronic problems, will have depressed systems and may not be absorbing nutrients efficiently.  Lauren will assist you in putting together a customized feeding and supplement program that is designed to meet your horse's specific needs.

Owner education.  Horse owner participation has been shown to be the critical success factor in successful transitions to barefoot.  It is the owner's responsibility to follow through on prescribed treatments that are needed to ensure success.  This includes, but may not be limited to,
  1. daily application of topical treatments (to combat or prevent thrush and wall seperation)
  2. making necessary to changes to the horse's living arrangement or work schedule to ensure the horse gets sufficient movement (movement is easily the most critical part of the healing equation) and,
  3. ensuring that the horse is receiving the proper nutrition by feeding a balanced diet. 
This may not be easy and bumps in the road are to be expected.  But you are not in this alone!  We want you to be successful and will go to great lengths to provide you with the information and support that you need. 

Transitioning to self sufficiency.  For those very motivated owners who are interested in learning to do their own trimming Lauren will teach you how.  We offer both one-on-one training or group sessions.  Lauren is very accessible by phone or email to answer any questions you may have.
Testimonials
Navicular horse back from the brink
I would like to tell you about my horse, Austin.  He was used for many, many years in hunter/jumpers.  About the time he turned 15 years old everyone gave up on him saying, "he is navicular from jumping so much."  Austin was given to me because he didn't walk very well.  I was told his "real" riding days were over.  He'd only be good as a pasture horse or a horse to ride around in the yard.

The more I worked with him the more I didn't like the way his feet where trimmed.  I kept telling my husband I know he isn't navicular it is the way the horse has been trimmed.  I finally found a wonderful woman who new what she was doing.  Lauren Gruber came out to evaluate Austin's hoof function and found that he hit toe first. 

We are making the changes needed to help him use the back of his foot and develope that area so that he returns to health.  Since movement is an important part of the gradual healing process I decided to start riding him.  But some days he would just be so sore.  So Lauren told me about hoof boots.  They are SO!! useful for making the horse comfortable during the transition period while maintianing an active riding schedule.  I now have a wonderful healthy horse that walks and rides great.  Thank You Lauren! 
Recovered founder
Our retired Half-Arab show horse, Shelina, was "down on her luck."  After a long, drawn-out battle with EPM, she was now foundered badly and suffering from laminitis.  We had already consulted two vets and two farriers by the time we'd talked with Lauren.  Luckily she agreed to come and have a look.  One year later, under Lauren's care, Shelly is fully recovered and enjoying trail rides with us.  Thanks so much, Lauren!  Where would we be without you!
 
 
 


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