February 7, 2009

We are happy to report that our "Team Approach to Hoof Care" was a success. We had over 50 people attend our clinic. There were horse owners, trainers, Veterinarians and other farriers in the audience. Thanks to all our sponsors, including the AFA, we had a wonderful event.

Our speakers included: Darren Owen, CF, owner and founder of Indian Fields Farrier Service, Inc. (shown at left).  Darren did a brief anatomy lesson first thing in the morning to get everyone up to speed and talking the same language. He also did a session on the "Team Approach". This covered many of the responsibilities that each player on the team should do. What each team member should expect from the other members, and how to go about creating a team that works for you and your horse.

Dr. Craig Sweeney, DVM, owner and founder of Coastal Equine Veterinary Services (shown at right), spoke about juvenile limb deformities in the equine. He also stressed the roles that each player has in different conditions found in foals. He discussed some of the cases that Indian Fields is working on/has worked on in conjunction with Coastal Equine.

Dr. Paul Rowan, DVM, and animal chiropractor (shown below adjusting one of the Equine volunteers), demonstrated chiropractic techniques in the equine. He discussed how proper alignment of the spinal column can effect the hoof. Two volunteers had brought their horses for Dr. Rowan to look at. He examined each animal and discussed his findings with the audience as he adjusted the animals. Dr. Rowan spoke at the seminar last year and enjoyed it so much he asked to come back and expand on what he did last year.

Wendy Snyder (shown below at right) is a certified and carded judge. She has a boarding barn, is a trainer and has her own show circuit. Wendy discussed the uses of ONTRACK Equine (as viewed from the trainer's point of view) and how it may help the team. Finding good and not so good things in the horse as well as the rider. Wendy discussed how Indian Fields, Coastal Equine and she all worked together to help her stallion TF Texan become the 2007 World Champion Pinto Pony Stallion.

It was a full day of learning and we had very positive feedback on our surveys. Each person seemed to learn a bit from each session. Even those that do not have foals learned something during the juvenile limb deformities presentation.

Indian Fields really enjoyed putting on this event and we hope that next year's event will be as successful. We are already planning for the 4th annual "Team Approach to Hoof Care".

Shown above- Indian Fields team and speakers
Top row- Dr. Rowan, Darren Owen, CF, Wendy Snyder, Samuel Piercy
Bottom row- Allison Wardell, CF, Susan Owen, Samantha Hubbs, Chip Cook, RaShae Cook