HELLO
FRIENDS!
We offer an integrative approach to help horses, donkeys and minis of all ages to overcome problems such as laminitis/founder, high/low (club feet) and navicular problems - among others! You can learn more about us and what we offer by scrolling down.
To consult some of our case studies, click here. Enjoy your visit, and contact us if you have any questions.
ABOUT
US
Anne has been working in the horse industry her entire life. Her grandfather, a lifelong horse-lover, had a Selle Français breeding farm called "Rajat".
A firm believer in continuous education, she has been taking a wide variety of equine courses. For detailed information on Anne's skills and experience, click here.
OUR MISSION: to provide high-quality equine care and long-term solutions to horse owners.
OUR VISION: to be a reference in equine wellness and rehabilitation, helping improve the lives of horses and their owners.
OUR COMMITMENT: professionalism and ethics for your satisfaction and that of your horse.
We are a registered company in both Ontario and Quebec. We carry our own liability insurance.
Prior to any service, your horse will go through a thorough assessment; its medical and personal history will be reviewed in details to ensure that:
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The technique we use is safe for your animal,
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We take every aspect of its life into consideration,
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The most adapted and comprehensive care is provided.
We will also ask for your veterinarian's opinion and recommendations. We believe that working together allows us to provide the best care possible.
All the information collected is strictly confidential. As a result, it will never be shared with anyone without your consent.
We are not veterinarians. Our services are not a substitute for veterinary care. We are not qualified to offer diagnostics or any veterinary treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian.
Your horse will be respected as an individual: no treatment will be forced on them (nor you!), and we will not trespass the boundaries they set for us.
There are contraindications to some of the services we provide; in some situations we will not perform them in order to keep your horse safe. You will always be informed if your horse is at risk, and you will decide if you wish to proceed, or not.
WHOLE HORSE
APPROACH
The best way to explain this approach is to compare the horse to a car. If a part of your car breaks as a result of an accident, you can replace it and your car will run smoothly again. You obviously cannot replace anything in a horse, but its body has the amazing ability to heal a variety of diseases and injuries.
However, if the car part broke because some other parts were not in place, or because it was exposed to inclement conditions, changing the part will only be a temporary fix, because it will break again. Same goes with your horse: if you only address one aspect, you will provide a quick fix but the problem will reoccur. But if you are as comprehensive as possible, you might not only fix the problem but also give the horse the ability to heal itself and prevent issues from happening again.
You can spend a fortune on massage therapy, but if the feet aren't balanced you won't solve the problem. No matter how good the trim is, if the diet isn't right, the feet will be unhealthy. And if you address everything in the horse but you are sitting uneven
in your saddle, there will be chronic issues as well.
This is why we approach every horse as a whole. We need to address as many aspects of your horse’s lifestyle as possible so that we can both provide immediate relief/care as well as long-term improvement. Of course we count on other professionals to help you in this journey!
Here is a study on the rehabilitation of laminitic horses based on this principle.
NATURAL
HOOF CARE
Natural hoof care is a comprehensive approach to horse-keeping and trimming. Trimming is only one aspect of natural hoof care. The philosophy is that a healthy lifestyle will enable the horse to have quality hooves, which in turn will enable the horse to remain healthy.
Function is more important than the feet’s appearance, as the number one goal is proper posture and locomotion. In order to achieve it, the hoof is trimmed according to the internal structures and all the information we gathered about your horse and its lifestyle - including the type of footing they evolve on.
Here is a study explaining the landing biomechanics of the hoof. For a history of the science of natural hoof care, click here.
NATURAL
HOOF CARE
Natural hoof care is a comprehensive approach to horse-keeping and trimming. Trimming is only one aspect of natural hoof care. The philosophy is that a healthy lifestyle will enable the horse to have quality hooves, which in turn will enable the horse to remain healthy.
Function is more important than the feet’s appearance, as the number one goal is proper posture and locomotion. In order to achieve it, the hoof is trimmed according to the internal structures and all the information we gathered about your horse and its lifestyle - including the type of footing they evolve on.
Here is a study explaining the landing biomechanics of the hoof. For a history of the science behind natural hoof care, click here.
Have a look at the Resources tab if you want to learn more about Natural Hoof Care.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOOF CARE, CLICK HERE
/!\ An additional $10 assessment fee applies for the first visit for equine services.
BODYWORK &
MASSAGE THERAPY
As we mentioned above, the horse's posture and locomotion will influence the feet, and vice-versa. If you want to help your horse be in great shape from head to toes, it can be interesting to combine hoof care with bodywork.
For example, if a horse has a weak hind end, it will not push off its hind toes; they will not wear normally. Of course we will shorten the toes, but if we also use massage to release the muscular tension preventing full range of motion, kinesiotape to improve their posture and muscle tone, and also strengthen the hindquarters through remedial training, your entire horse will be much better balanced.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BODYWORK, CLICK HERE
BOARDING
We have one of the only track systems in Eastern Ontario. It's always a work in progress but we believe that it is an ideal environment for most horses. To learn more about the paddock paradise system, visit Jaime Jackson's website: click here.
As both a body worker and hoof care professional, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of movement. The track system allows horses to move at their own pace, making it suitable for elderly and injured equines as well as sound ones. We're lucky yo live on sandy soil that drains well. The numerous feeding stations ensure that everyone has access to forage 24/7.
We currently have a small track for quarantine, short stays and when we need to keep a close eye on a horse. The larger track is for long term/permanent guests. Both tracks have several types of footing. The shelters' footing is stabilized (crushed stone) so that there is always a dry spot for the horses to stand on. We installed a safe and visible 5', 4-strand electric fence. There are 3-4 feeders (with nets) on each track as well as a clean water trough that is heated over the winter. We're in the process of building a small barn for special care and emergencies.
We grow our hay, but usually need to buy some as well. All hay is tested before being fed to ensure that ESC + starch are below 10%. A customized diet is included (minerals, supplements, additional sources of protein or fibre). We confirm our choices with nutritionists to ensure your equine is getting optimal nutrition as it is a cornerstone of health.
We're happy to give prescribed medication (short or long term) to your horse - as long as you provide it - as well as provide other special care and put on/remove fly masks, blankets, etc. We are insured and provide boarding agreements to ensure that your equines's needs as well as your own are taken into account.
Please understand that we're only accepting horses that come for rehab, are retired, growing or on vacation. Our facility is not a boarding stable where you come to ride your horse.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR HORSE BOARDING SERVICES, PLEASE CLICK HERE
RESOURCES
Another important aspect of our Balanced Hoof Care approach is education. We believe in educating ourselves continuously, but we also believe that well-informed owners take better care of their equine friends.
Here are some great resources if you want to further your education:
The Equine Sciences Academy
The best source for career-based education in natural horse and hoof care
The Humble Hoof Podcast
For horse owners and professionals
Dr. Kellon
Equine nutrition courses
Sure Foot Channel
Free webinars with hoof experts
Tribe Equus
Cindy ''Hawk'' Sullivan's website
Equitopia Center
Research-based education for equestrians
ECIR Group
Most up to date information on laminitis, insulin resistance and Cushing's/PPID
Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners
An educational foundation for hoof care professionals and horse owners.
Horses inside out
Understanding How Your Horse Works Improves Performance
Hoof Rehab
Pete Ramey's how-to articles on hoof care and rehabilitation
The Study of the Equine Hoof
Videos of the Equine foot to educate and empower horse lovers
Yasmin Stuart Equine Physio
Articles and videos on equine biomechanics and physiotherapy
Mad Barn
Diet analysis and nutrition advice
Safer Grass
Pasture management for metabolic horses
Native Hoof
Geri White's website
Equus-Soma
Equine osteology and anatomy learning centre
Metta Equus
Catherine Larose & Maia Chaput's website
Horse Behaviour
White Horse Equine Ethology Project
KEEP
IN TOUCH
OPENING HOURS
MONDAY: 8AM-6PM
TUESDAY: 8AM-6PM
WEDNESDAY: 8AM-6PM
THURSDAY: 8AM-6PM
FRIDAY: 8AM-6PM
SATURDAY: 8AM-4PM
SUNDAY: Closed
SERVICED AREAS
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday
