Hoofcare seminar a resounding success -- (Mar 17)
- by Karan Lawrence
An enthusiastic group of equestrians attended a seminar on
natural hoof trimming and hoof care, held at the Kurow property
of organiser Madeline Aldred, on February 1-2.
As this was to be the only clinic of its kind to be conducted n
the lower half of the South Island by Australian horseman and
hoof care specialist Paul Chapman, now domiciled in the
United States, participants traveled from as far away as
Invercargill and Cromwell to learn more about the subject of
natural hoof care.
Paul spent two days dispensing his considerable knowledge in
a conversational manner that put participants at ease and
encouraged a rapport to develop between tutor and students.
He emphasised his belief in returning the horse's hooves to
their natural condition through judicious trimming, so that they
would be better suited to function as nature had intended.
Once this ideal has been achieved, Paul told his students that
horses would then regain the movement they had been born
with and in some cases enjoy life without the pain associated
with some forms of unsoundness.
Paul Chapman at work, watched by organiser Madeline Aldred.
While the first day was devoted to theory, this was by no
means a dry discussion, as Paul used humour and practical
demonstrations to illustrate his teaching.
Another feature of this seminar was Paul's insistence that his
students apply their newfound knowledge for themselves. In so
doing, Paul was able to instruct each individual and help him or
her to establish correct methods for using trimming tools.
Therefore, on the second day of the seminar participants were
engrossed in the art of sharpening hoof knives and using a
rasp correctly for the very first time. It was also on the second
day, that the benefits of a correct trim became apparent to all,
when horses that had been reluctant to stride out the previous
day, were seen flitting about the paddocks with a zeal that their
owners had not witnessed for a long time.
At the conclusion of the seminar the participants were united in
their resolution to maintain contact with each other and act
upon Paul's suggestion that they create a support group to
encourage each other in their pursuit of natural solutions to
hoof problems.
Clinic Report 2003