JGM Hoofcare

07/14/2025

We did some fun experiments at the advanced professionals clinic with Mackinaw Dells 2 Whole Horse Hoof Care! Learned so much and my brain is still processing.

Here are photos of 2 different hooves from different horses. The hoof on the left shows a very weak digital cushion supported with DIM and a special shoe package. The hoof on the right shows a thick robust digital cushion that all breeders/trainers/owners should strive for!

07/02/2025

Almost always; I give the horse its foot back when it asked for it. Then try again. They need to adjust or get a kink out. Let them, pick it up again and they’re more cooperative most of the time.

07/02/2025

Patience and treats for Hugo makes my job easier.

06/20/2025

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Animals like horses also sense your emotions and mirror them back, offering people a way to talk about their own emotions without feeling as overwhelmed or judged. - https://psychcentral.com/health/equine-assisted-psychotherapy

A special client has been struggling with family health issues. Her horse didn’t want to participate in getting his hooves trimmed and she admitted she hasn’t been present with everything going on. She cried, I took the lead rope and hugged her. Her horse then melted, dropping his head, softening his eyes. I asked if she’d been hiding this from him and she said yes. I reminded her that horses aren’t comfortable around us pretending everything is ok. That she could talk to him. She nodded, gave him some scratches and he obliged to getting trimmed. After his trim he let out big releases and even smiled. So did she. These are magical beings 💕

Therapy with a horse can help to workshop regulating emotions and social interaction.

06/17/2025

I was asked to trim a big horse that was difficult to work on. He used to try and kick the previous farrier especially left hind. A couple trims with hay was going well until one day he kicked back with that left hind multiple times. Not towards me but Clearly not wanting it trimmed. I couldn’t finish the hoof and asked if a vet could go over him to rule out pain. The awesome owners obliged and he passed the lameness evaluation fine. They scoped him for ulcers and he had them! 4 weeks later a softer happier horse! They rechecked and he still has some ulcers so doing another round of treatment. No issues trimming the hind feet. 99% of the time uncooperativeness is pain related!

05/11/2025

In this beautiful LIFE magazine “HORSES The Worlds Most Beautiful Animal” is this photo. Many people ask why we have to trim horses hooves. What do wild horses do? Look at those beautiful hooves. And then look at the environment. Wild horses roam miles and miles per day on rugged terrain; naturally wearing their hooves. Domesticated horses are often raised on and live on soft footing, grass, manicured pastures. Domesticated foals often don’t get a chance to develop a strong hoof because of this. Think of the thoroughbreds born on kentucky blue grass and then having metal nailed on before they’re 2 years old. Sure genetics have a role but more so does environment and humans.

04/20/2025

Removed metal shoes 10/2023 and built a healthier hoof with no boots, no composites. Fortunately this horse was comfortable throughout with thick soles. Last photo unfortunately hoof is dirty but event lines are practically gone and heels are coming back in its rightful position.

04/13/2025

Does your horse have a dull coat, easily get rain rot and scratches, poor hoof walls and or thin soles? What are they actually eating? Are they getting enough minerals? Do you know most horses have too much iron and not enough copper and zinc to balance it out? Most grain companies add iron (check ingredients list - also called ferrus carbonate) The trace minerals listed here next to Purinas balancer have more minerals per ounce without the inflammatory fillers. That also means you can feed less of them. 4oz of Vermont blend still has much more copper and zinc than the required 16oz of Purinas balancer. Food for thought. My 4 horses live outside and get rained on, are in mud on the track currently and have no skin conditions, no thrush, etc. I accredit this to a balanced diet!

03/28/2025

As a farrier, especially a whole horse hoof practitioner, it is my duty to comment on the health of your horse’s or pony’s hooves and body condition. I do not take laminitis risk lightly. Laminitis can be life threatening. Fat isn’t healthy. Tighten up the diet. Forage based. No added sugar or iron. Put the muzzles on, double the hay nets, soak hay, exercise often (if hooves aren’t sore), create a dry lot or track system. Can you spot the signs of laminitis? This pony is sound. For now. Prevention is so much easier than repairing.

03/25/2025

I communicated with a fairly new horse client today. It was the 3rd time trimming him. He’s big and young and playful but demands his hooves back when he wants them. I told him he doesn’t need to demand with me. It’s a habit now but soon he will trust that I will listen to him. The cross ties were too tight so he couldn’t reach the hay in front of him when he wasn’t standing straight. I could tell he was agitated so I gave him his foot back and watched and realized what the problem was. I lengthened the cross tie and told him to try again. He could reach and then he moved his body in the center of the aisle to reach even more comfortably after I suggested he get his hip off the wall (speaking to him and visualizing it) Then the magic happened - he looked right at me and held up his foot inviting me to trim it. He happily munched some hay while I trimmed him and he was so relaxed. What a positive experience! I highly suggest reading, “Sacred Spaces” by Susan Fay to help understand animal communication.

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02/19/2025

What is caudal failure? When is heel contraction and frog prolapse and wimpy digital cushion considered caudal failure? Learn more at-
http://mackinawdells2.com/index.html
I suggest every horse owner take the “Exploring the Equine Hoof” class available online! You should be able to ask your farrier questions and get honest helpful answers and advocate for you horse.

01/26/2025

I’m posting this again with more sources. Most Horses don’t need more iron. Most grain companies add iron. You cannot go by the nutrient label. It doesn’t have to be listed. But look at the ingredients list.

Not only does this Purina product add filling byproducts but it also adds iron 3 times in the ingredients.

https://drkhorsesense.wordpress.com/2020/09/10/be-cautious-with-iron/