Farrier experience

I attended Mission Farrier School in Snohomish, Washington in the fall of 2009. At that time, my instructor, Mark Plumlee was one of only 4 instructors in the country teaching Gene Ovnicek’s Natural Balance horseshoeing principles. During this 3-month educational course I received a top-notch education in farrier science. Natural Balance Horseshoeing focuses on removing distortion in the hoof wall and bringing the articulation and “breakover” of the lower limb to where it would naturally occur if the horse were barefoot and wearing its hooves at a ideal rate. Natural Balance horseshoeing is effectively reading the bone structure of the lower limb and bringing what is out of balance back into balance with the animals needs. It’s doing what’s best for the horse, dictated by the horses. These principles were discovered and honed by studying wild horses in Nevada who regularly traveled over 10 miles a day in search of fresh water and food. Due to the distances traveled, their hooves were never given the chance to overgrow or distort, and thus they were perfect examples of how the hoof would naturally wear in ideal conditions. Discoveries were made regarding growth and wear patterns, and Natural Balance was born and revolutionized an industry that had never been re-evaluated. It was one of those trades that was “always been done this way,” until someone asked enough questions to find a better way.

I attended farrier school in the fall of 2009. I opened Back in Balance Horseshoeing in Humboldt County, California that year. I have worked as a professional farrier in northern California for more than fifteen years. The experience brought me to the far reaches of many rural counties, incredible lessons from the horses in patience and compassion, learning animal communication, lessons in human humility and compassion, and the ability to connect with hundreds of amazing and unique people who inspired me and influenced my life greatly. I am forever thankful for everything I learned and all the wonderful people who were part of this chapter of my life. It has been a rich life!

I hope you will enjoy some of my favorite photos from my time as a farrier.