About
My name is Erin McCord
Hi, I'm Erin.
I've been horse crazy since childhood, and have been employed in several different aspects of the horse world as an adult, a path which led me to start trimming for over 12 years ago. I also offer several glue-on shoe options, as well as being a representative of Scoot Boots© and Cavallo Hoof Boots©. I am a member of the Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners. You will find that I am patient with both horses and people, knowledgeable, and passionate about working with horses and humans toward developing sound, healthy horses.
My promises to my clients:
-
I will not judge a book by it's cover. Horse care is not dependent on extravagant facilities or deep pockets. I have pulled into many a humble farmyard to find dedicated, caring people who do everything they can for their horses. They listen, learn, and use their resources, and I am there for them.
-
I will always continue on a path of education and improvement, so that I can serve the horses in my care to level that each of them, pasture puff or performance athlete, deserves.
-
I work for the horse. I will treat each horse with the utmost respect, caring, and patience.
-
If I don’t know the answer to a problem, I will figure it out or find someone who does. I will refer you to veterinarians or any other care professionals that I believe can help your horse in their well-being.
-
I will show up when scheduled, or communicate needed changes in appointment times. I will answer messages in a timely manner.
-
I will photograph your horses hooves and maintain a shared access Google Drive folder so that you and I can view changes in the horse's hooves over time.
Expectations of
Clients
My overall goal for each horse that I work for is to achieve the maximum of health and soundness that I can, but I can't do it alone. It takes a good partnership with the owners and caretakers. Here are my expectations of clients to make sure we are working together.
-
I expect a clean, dry area to work in, free of debris and big distractions. The working area should be out of the wind, and preferably shaded in summer months.
-
I expect clients to maintain a regular hoof care schedule. Basic maintenance trimming should go no longer than six weeks, and rehabbing trim intervals can vary from 2-5 weeks.
-
I expect clients to maintain their horses hooves in between visits. This includes regular cleaning and application of any recommended topicals.
-
I expect clients to be aware of their horse's behavior when having their hooves handled. My body is my most important tool, and I will decide when enough is enough as it pertains to horse behavior. Most difficult hoof-handling behaviors stem from discomfort and I do everything I can to make them comfortable. Young or unhandled horses need daily or near handling grooming and handling so that they can stand for their hoofcare.
-
I expect to be paid on the day of services.
-
I expect clients to communicate their concerns and observations about their horses.
Barefoot trimming
What is barefoot trimming? There are a lot of answers to this. I can't speak for other trimmers and farriers, because differences in methods, perspectives, and opinions abound. I'll tell you what barefoot is for me.
-
It's a process, not a stand alone event. Every hoof I trim, I'm thinking of how I want it to develop in the coming months. A lot of "trimming" is guiding that development, one trim at a time.
-
Much of the "process" is guided not just by trim, but by movement, nutrition, and environment- all caretaker responsibilities.
-
The development I want to achieve includes a strong, robust frog and digital cushion; a proper hoof/pastern angle, strong heels, concave sole, tight lamellar connections and a short, strong hoof wall.
-
I will consider the whole horse. Hooves tell a lot about what is happening with the horse in regards to their nutrition, posture, and soundness. I very often make suggestions about diet, veterinary or chiropractic care, saddle fit or exercise.
-
Barefoot isn't an entirely accurate name, but it is indicative of an approach. It is not accurate, because hoof boots and glue on shoes are often a part of getting horses sound and comfortable.
