Halcyon

Adjective – characterized by happiness, great success and prosperity.

This story involves the most important part of the horse.

As old cowboys say, “No hoof – no horse.”

In the wild, horses roam freely over the earth and wear down their hooves naturally. When we domesticated them, we extended their life span yet also removed many of their ways of remaining healthy, including their feet.

Then we bred them to become partners in war, transportation, and sports. Presently, in jumping, dressage, eventing, reining, long distance endurance riding, and barrel racing, we ask of their bodies, performances at a level that is higher than the horses natural ability.

For years blacksmiths and farriers rasped then nailed either cold or hot mounted steel shoes on the hoof as protection against what we were asking them to do.

Beginning with the humble hoof, this story is about Ellen Alexander, owner of Halcyon Hoof Care. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550809958690

This is how she describes her approach to a horse’s foundation:

My goal as a hoofcare provider is to capitalize on 30+ million years of the evolution of the hoof, helping horses get the best use of the structures and support nature gave them. My methods include trimming techniques that promote and preserve hoof health, and providing extra protection (boots, glue-on composite shoes) when the horse needs a little extra help on its journey to a sound hoof. Along with hoof health and biomechanics, I am educated in species-appropriate nutrition and management, and equine behavior.

You can see why I couldn’t have said it better!

My mare, Luna had been shod for about 16 years. She was a trail horse in Arizona and Colorado. When she came home with me, I maintained her shoes and shoe size without question. But I’m following a different path with this girl. I have no intention of showing, even though we are practicing dressage to build muscles for her longevity.

Last summer, I found Ellen, right in our own barn and together she began the process of returning Luna to her natural feet and aiding her in correction of the ‘angles’ – the way in which each hoof contacts the ground.

Ellen is meticulous in her trimming and care. I have included shots of her equipment. Each item has a specific purpose toward attaining her goal for each individual hoof. With each trim, she takes detailed photos to measure the progress.

After just 8 months Luna is about to graduate from her composite shoes to being barefoot. She is fit, happy and fleet of foot!

I feel so blessed to have Ellen taking care of my 18-year-old mares’ humble hooves.

Thank you, Ellen.

She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550809958690