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course feedback
Hi Anne and David,
I have to start with saying thankyou both for a wonderful weekend
and a huge thanks to David for showing me how to look after my
horses hoofs correctly. Taking the knowledge that David gave me,
going home and trimming and shoeing my horses so they are balanced
and knowing that I did it myself was very rewarding. Davids training
has already paid for itself.
To anyone thinking about doing Davids course, stop thinking about
it and just do it you wont reget it and your horse will love you
for it.
Once again thankyou for everything.
Regards Jason McDonald.
Dear Anne and David,
Thank you very much for all that you taught me and for your hospitality
last weekend. I think that everything went well and I certainly
learnt a huge amount and much more than I expected! I don't think
that anything more could have been fitted in to the weekend. I'm
glad to have the tapes so that if I have forgotton something I
will be able to look it up.
Thanks again, I'm very glad to have completed the course and I
really enjoyed it.
regards Derek
Course Jun 18-19
My whole reason for enrolling in your course was to understand
the hoof and its function for myelf and my Equine Bowen Therapy
studies. It was the best thing I ever did!
As I am about to start my own Equine Bowen Therapy business I
feel your course has been life changing and will help the way
I treat horses. I now know more about the hoof and I am so excited
to go out and assess the horses hoof along with their body when
I treat my clients horses. I think I can now offer more advise
and hopefully educate the horse owner more on what to look for
in their horses hoof.
I thouroghly enjoyed working along side the boys with the hands
on work...and have even more respect for what the farrier does,
gees its hard work!
David is a great teacher and answered all my questions and thoughts
on the hoof and its balance.
I will HIGHLY recommend your course to my clients, friends and
family out there in the Equine world!
HOOF ASSESSMENT HERE I COME!!!
Tracey Meakin
After Hours Equine Bowen Therapy
Just a note to say a huge thank you for your hospitality over
the weekend.
I found the course to be extremely informative and David is a
total inspiration. Thank you to Anne for all the lovely meals
and you both have a beautiful home.
I am now looking forward to practicing what I learned over the
weekend on my horses, thank you for giving me the confidence and
enough basic knowledge so I can give it a go!! Poor horses I will
probably do one foot a day ha-ha.
I would like to get some practice and come back on one of your
five day courses.
I would recommend the course to anyone of all levels as David
is so knowledgeable and a fantastic teacher.
Can't thank you both enough and hope to meet again soon.
Mervyn Hill
Bunbury (WA)
Course May 28-29
I just wanted to take the time to thankyou for the 2 day Hoof
care course Matt and I attended in May. The course was very well
organised and you made us so welcome we felt at home!
Although I was only spectating I have learnt so much, I was so
ignorant to how correct farriery can affect a horse and I thankyou
for opening my eyes - my only regret is that I didnt do it earlier!
My horse and I are very lucky to have Matt who now has the basic
skills to care for his hooves the correct way. I would not hesitate
to reccommend this course, and I know we will be back to continue
learning! - thankyou.
Priscilla Staltari
Advanced course, March 7-11
Hi David and Anne,
There would not be one Horse person in Australia that would not
gain from doing a Hoof Care Course with David.
I work full time as a Farrier actually I'm a 5th Generation Farrier,
not too many around, and I gained more from 5 days with David
than I could have hope too in a lifetime working by myself. Big
statement I know, but I fully believe that people like David are
a national treasure for the hard earned knowledge that they posses
and are able to pass on.
Not much else to say but what are you waiting for, book a course
or just talk to either David or Anne.
Highest Regards.
Chris Arbuthnot.
Equus Performance Farriers.
P.S Anne.
Thank you for being fantastic and gracious host and for welcoming
me into your lives its something i will treasure forever.
Oakbank March 19-20
Hi Anne and David,
Enjoyed the course and the stay in lovely Oakbank.
David is a wealth of knowledge regarding hoofcare. His Hoof-Line
and trimming formula takes the guess work out of the equation.
We received plenty of supervision and David's enthusiasm is boundless.
Anne's cooking and hospitality are second to none!
Regards
Peter McCarthy
Murgon QLD Feb 12-13
I have read a lot of David's articles in stock horse
magazines over the years and thought, from what I read that I
would always like to participate in a course. Even though I had
bought a hoof shaping tool and tried to follow directions from
articles, nothing can replace hands on tuition. I find myself
thinking a lot about the horses I have and what I have been doing
wrong to their feet. It is the first time I am looking forward
to re shoeing the horses I shod last weeekend.
I was impressed by David's enthusiasm and his all round horsemanship
- he just has a way with the horses and puts them at ease with
their comfort being a priority. It was the same with us 'students'.
David has a casual, no nonesense style of expressing himself that
appeals to the people who are attracted to these type courses.
With the extra knowledge I gained from the course I now have some
confidence to know how much to trim, how far to go, to gain that
balance required and to keep improving until each foot is right
.
The course was very enjoyable, the venue was great, a blessing
in disguise, as Kilkivan could not have offered a venue close
by to view the videos etc on the Saturday night in such comfort.
Anyhow, I would recommend this course to anyone interested in
shoeing.
CJR
Oakbank Feb 20-21
Please thank David for me again for all his time, knowledge and
patience!! And thank you so much for the lovely place to stay,
beautiful meals and handling all the admin.
I'd love to keep in contact, without a doubt you guys delivered
on your word that the course is "life changing", it
certainly has been for me and is without a doubt the best thing
I've ever done for myself. I'd definately like to get to work
with my own horses, then take on some friends horses and see where
it takes me.
Thanks again so much for such a great weekend.
Cheers, Christy
Mike and I both thoroughly enjoyed the course.
Mike says what he got out of it was - sore shoulders, sore back,
sore legs etc etc - hehe.
I didn't seem to be so sore for some reason!! Seriously, we both
got an enormous amount out of the course. In theory I had it all
down pat after watching the DVD's, reading the book and being
shown over the past 6 months how the hoof should be balanced -
BUT, a whole other ball game to do it in practice and that was
where the course was so advantageous. To be able to actually do
it yourself under guidance was extremely beneficial - and very
hard work!! I would certainly recommend the course anyone who
cares about their horses welfare - in fact, it should be a must
do for any horse owner esp as so many problems can be related
back to unbalanced feet.
Thank you also for a wonderful dinner. We really enjoyed sharing
time with the other people on the course and with both of you.
Cheers,
Lyn and Mike.
October 16-17
I thoroughly enjoyed the week-end, even though the price was
high to pay - I don't think I have been this sore for a long time!
My aim with attending this course was not to be able to shoe my
horses myself. The main reason was to get a good understanding
of how to properly balance and shoe a hoof, so that I can make
sure my horses are well looked after - and that they can perform
to the best of their ability when I compete. Even though there
are DVD's and books, I don't think there can be a better way to
learn than 'hands on' practice.
I also wanted to be able to pull a loose shoe off without wrecking
the hoof, and, if necessary, put a shoe back on until I can get
to a farrier next time. I think I will be able to do both after
this week-end, even though I seriously have to practice my 'hammer
and nail' skills...!
David is very patient, gives all participants an equal amount
of attention, and constantly checks to make sure that you don't
make a mistake that can injure the horse that you are working
on. Something else I really think was important during the course
was that David showed why a horse might be difficult to shoe -
the fact that they may be sore, have had a bad experience, be
afraid or uncomfortable - and that you have to learn how to make
the horse relax and work with you rather than against you. Even
though it may mean that the first couple of times you trim them,
you may not be able to do anywhere near as much as you would like.
Spending the Saturday night with all the participants (over a
lovely dinner - thank you!) adds something extra to the week-end.
Personally, I would have preferred to finish a bit earlier that
night, after dinner we kept going until 11:20pm and I was absolutely
exhausted! I can see the difficulty in doing this any differently
though, because the information we covered in the evening is very
important and I would not have wanted to miss it. Perhaps some
could have been covered on the Sunday afternoon, when most participants
seemed to be fairly tired from just the physical efforts over
the week-end?
This is really all I can think of, all in all the course is very
well laid out and everything covered is done so in an instructive
and easy to follow manner. It has certainly made me realise how
important it is to take care of your horses hooves, and I am hoping
to be able to see David a few times to get both my boys back on
the right track again.
Cheers, Annika
Mackay - October 2010
I learnt a lot on the course and found David to be a lovely bloke
and really willing to share his knowledge with all .I had his
hoofline and latest book and was trying to trim to his methods
but didn't really understand how to find the critical heel frog
junction.Once David showed me how to find that the rest of the
measurements just fell into place.I was doing a good job before
the clinic but was starting to let my horses heels get too high
which was causing the frog to reduce in size from not contacting
the ground.I now know how to balance the hoof exactly to the millimetre
and also how to correct conformation faults in the conformation
of the horse's legs.This knowledge is priceless and very empowering.
Kind regards, Eric Hicks
I am so glad that I did the school, I learnt so much and hopefully
my horses will benefit from my new skills. I must say David sure
does make it look easy !!! Anyway couldn't really fault the course
in anyway, David spoke to us in a manner that made it easy to
understand, which was great. I would love to try and make it to
another school in 6-12mths after I've done a few horses and hopefully
fine tune a little more.
With thanks, Susan Danastas
Oakbank Oct 10-14
Hi Guys
Well, where do you start?
I will keep it short. I have taken a lot of courses be it military
or other, yes and most of these had some effect on my life, but
this course has and will forever alter how I look at and work
around horses, and for that I am forever thankful. You can guarantee
that I will be back for another course. I hope that one day I
will be able to pass on this method to someone else and change
their horseworld like mine has. Like a wise older man from oakbank
once said (nothing is impossible it just takes time) Once again
thank you and I will see you soon.
Matt
After a couple of weeks I can now say that my skills have improved
out of sight, even my customers have noticed a difference in my
work, my approach and in their horses, so thanks very much. Thanks
again for a great course
Doug
Hi Dave and Anne,
From the course I gained:
- more confidence in my shoeing
- more patience
- understanding of the hoof structure
- understanding of the balance
- gained knowledge of good tool to make the job easier
The accommodation company and hospitality especially the meals
were excellent
In the future I think I would benefit from a refresher so as to
cement the knowledge after some practice
Dave's delivery of information I found suitable to my leaning
skills, easy to understand and pick up, above all he was a true
blue bloke to be around.
Best regards, Spike and Ann Butler
Oakbank Oct 5-6
I found the course extremely informative and I gained a lot of
confidence and knowledge in properly trimming and shoeing my horses.
Your style of teaching makes it easy to understand and your encouragement
helped to show that were personally interested in each of us as
individuals. Thankyou for being such a good bloke to learn from
and be around.
Since being home from your course, I have had a number of people
interested in doing your course and asking me a lot about it.
Once again, thankyou for the terrific experience and for your
kindness in passing on your wealth of knowledge.
Regards, John Chalk
Oakbank Aug 14-15
We had a wonderful weekend at the school and feel very privileged
to have been able to have spent time with such a wonderful teacher
and farrier. Never in our wildest dreams did we think that buying
your dvd and book (which led to us attending the school) would
have such a remarkable effect on the performance and enjoyment
of our horses. The change in our horses has been so dramatic since
we have started using your methods that I can not speak highly
enough of the course. Every horse owner should do it! Our little
ASH gelding came second in the open working stock horse class
at the royal (the horse that placed 1st recently won the working
event at the national championships).... a pretty brilliant effort
considering this horse could not work to save himself a year ago.
He was so bad he very nearly went to greener pastures. Little
did we know he was plagued by poor hoof care which was debilitating
every part of his body. Now he is a different horse thanks to
a little David Farmilo magic! Thank you both for such wonderful
hospitality (the dinner was amazing) over the weekend. I don't
think we can put into words how thankful we are for passing on
your knowledge to us simple horse owners. We are now shoeing and
trimming all of our horses thanks to your course (when I say 'we'
I mostly mean Dave!) and they are all going better than ever.
Up until now the farrier world seemed to be some elusive world
that horse owners were not allowed to be a part of..... so thank
you for changing that. We all want the best for our horses and
we know that by doing your course we have gone a long way towards
achieving that.
Kind regards, Rachel Fenn and David Neale.
It's been over 18 months now since doing the 2 day course at
Oakbank SA. I'm from WA & where I live in the Pilbara (1600
kms north of Perth) we are very limited of farriers around the
place, so I bit the bullet & flew over to SA to do this 2
day course. This's the best thing that i've done for my own benefit
being a race horse trainer. I've got the confidence now where
I can walk up to any horse, trim, nail the correct size shoe on
& the most importantly thing is to have the foot CORRECTLY
BALANCED.Once again David & Anne thank you very much for you
knowledge & your friendship.
Mick Ball
Oakbank July 17-18
Just a short note to say a big thank-you. This course has exceeded
any expectations that I had. David your knowledge and life experiences
within the horse industry are amazing and your willingness to
share your knowledge is so strong. Your passion to 'fix' the lame
horse never wavers. I can't believe that after 55 yrs your passion
is still so strong and you are willing to share. The course content
was spot on - I never had any idea that I would have the ability
to shoe a horse but under your tuition and guidance I achieved
this. Your method is clear and easy to understand and the basics
are all there. My motivation to attend your course was to get
my daughters horse fit and healthy after being lame for nearly
12 mths - after learning your principals I am even more convinced
that her issue lays with a poorly balanced hoof.
Thank-you Anne for your hospitality beautiful meals and great
accommodation - They say behind every great man is an even better
woman :) sorry David - you both are amazing people and thanks
again.
Regards
Sharon MIKA
I am finally home. I had a terrific time, thank you both for
your hospitality and the education.
I found the course was well paced and once again learned a lot.
I refined my trimming techniques and David taught me a couple
of new ones which assist with my work flow out in the field as
well as extra information on hoof pathologies. I came away from
the shoeing aspects much more confident of being able to shoe
our own and begin to shoe the client horses that are asking for
shoes rather than boots. Some of the information David gave me
on shoeing endurance horses was excellent. The class size was
great with a lot of individual attention and discussion between
us. Being able to sit down afterwards and discuss techniques and
problems and being instructed on how to deal with them was great.
Everything stayed on time. The meals and accommodation were great.
It was well worth the 2000km drive.
Glen Hammond
Oakbank June 12-13
I had a great time and really enjoyed the experience.
I learned a lot from listening to David and his stories of what
he has experienced along the way and hope to be able to use the
new skills I have gained to improve my horses' feet. Even if it
is as simple as being able to discuss with a farrier what is going
on with their feet and feel confident about what I am looking
at and what I want out of my horses' feet.
I feel that David is absolutely correct when he says it is important
that every horse owner should know about how to care for their
horse's feet because there are too many horses out there suffering
unnecessarily through ignorance. And too many owners placing faith
in farriers who are just as ignorant as the owners in some cases.
I am now telling everyone I see who owns a horse what a valuable
experience the 2 day course is and recommending they attend.
I want to go out now and get a lot more experience at trimming
and hopefully come back at some stage and do another two day course
and practice the shoeing again under supervision.
Your information Anne is thorough and I can't think of anything
I would suggest to improve the communication or information.
Thank you both for being so very welcoming and I look forward
to meeting again.
Regards, Rebecca Bettiens
Oakbank June 12-13
A brand new rasp, hammer and knife, a shoe and
some nails and an internal fear!
Instantly gone. David and his passion to teach and spread his
knowledge instantly instilled confidence to me and the others
on the course.
I have been on many Equine courses over the years and I can safely
say that this has been the MOST beneficial. I have come away feeling
inspired, motivated and excited.
David is excellent at explaining things, I have always known the
anatomy of the lower leg, but as I see now, perhaps never really
understood it....now I do. I feel very confident in what I have
learnt and to continue with it, with Davids clear offer of always
being at the other end of the phone when needed.
Anne straight from the initial booking to feeding us and making
sure we were comfortable during our stay has been so welcoming
and hospitable. Everything being very clear from start to finish.
A huge thank you to both of you for creating a weekend to remember.
Kind Regards, Lucy
Oakbank June 12-13
Thanks so much for the great weekend. I learned such a lot and
really enjoyed your hospitality. The accommodation provided for
my horses was also excellent – please pass on my thanks
to Lyn.
I trimmed my old horse yesterday just to make sure everything
had sunk in and been retained and felt much more confidant in
what I was doing – removing all the flares and dealing with
his club foot. The horse seemed to be much happier with me doing
it than usual too so I must have improved!
I followed this up with a quick read through your book which
will be a great reference for me in the future and has helped
to consolidate what I learned on the weekend.
Thanks again, Carolyn
PS. My horse Cosi has now recovered his normal good manners and
will allow his feet to be picked up and hit with no problems.
He can also once again self load on the float. Two days away from
home must have been too much for his little brain!!
PPS. My bruises and stiff muscles are also recovering. Slowly.
Oakbank Oct 14-15
I arrived back in Melbourne only to find that
the arctic temperatures and rain had chased me all the way from
Oakbank. Thanks again for for the excellent taxi service to the
airport. I also have to thank both you and David again
for the warm hospitality extended to all of us on the course and
to say how much I appreciated the excellent quality of the bunkhouse
accommodation.
The course may officially be for two days but between Friday
night and Sunday night David somehow managed to spend 31 hours
sharing his knowledge and experience with us. In my 57 years I
have never met a man who gave of his time so willingly and passionately,
this was only complimented by the logic and clarity of his system
of hoof care. I was greatly impressed by the science, anatomy,
physics and extensive sampling that validates David's system.
His farriery skills were also pretty impressive.
What I gained from the course, David's expert tuition and guidance
was only limited by my own lack experience in horsemanship. I
look forward to returning for another course with yourself and
David when I have remedied that lack.
Once again an unqualified thank you to both you and David.
Warm regards, Mick Whelan.
Oakbank Oct 14-15
I found the course was well paced and once again learned a lot.
I refined my trimming techniques and David taught me a couple
of new ones which assist with my work flow out in the field as
well as extra information on hoof pathologies. I came away from
the shoeing aspects much more confident of being able to shoe
our own and begin to shoe the client horses that are asking for
shoes rather than boots. Some of the information David gave me
on shoeing endurance horses was excellent. The class size was
great with a lot of individual attention and discussion between
us. Being able to sit down afterwards and discuss techniques and
problems and being instructed on how to deal with them was great.
Everything stayed on time. The meals and accommodation were great.
It was well worth the 2000km drive. - Julia Wynn
Oakbank April 22-23
I have to say I put a set of shoes on my horse to day & it
took me 2.5 hours to do all 4, got the hoof balanced well, horse
was not lame at all.
In fact she seemed quite happy to be walking around after I had
finished.
The only issues I had was getting the nails to a good height
in the wall all the way around, some are a bit low, but I checked
her tonight & she is still not lame & they are all still
on.
I got a bit more used to using the rasp by holding the handle
in my hand & the body of the rasp up my forearm by the last
shoe which in my opinion turned out to be the best.
I can’t wait to make sure they are on again tomorrow!
Stuart
OAKBANK APR 17-18
Having just completed David’s 2 day hoof care course at
Oakbank I would have to say amazing & get yourself there whether
to be trained to be a full blown farrier one day or just be a
lot more informed about your horse’s hooves and how to balance
them.
I was amazed at how much depends on a horse’s performance
& just overall well being is linked to the balance of the
hoof. And you will see this in a horse’s demeanor over the
couple of days. I have been around horses all my life & there
is so much more to learn, I made a few mistakes on the course
but it was no problem to David, and I was a bit heavy handed on
the rasp which David promptly told me so which I respect as it
was just honest feedback, if he didn’t I would keep doing
the same thing (I will be working on it David, light hands) &
not fighting the horse with say a back leg picked up, much to
the help of my classmates improvement, they told me later! Also
I would suggest staying if you go to Oakbank as Anne will have
a great meal for you at the end of the day & you feel right
at home from the start. After many years in the trade David’s
knowledge & experience will astound you whether you be working
on the horse or listening to advice, listening to past experiences,
just watching how he gets around a horse while working (That will
astound you) & his overall enthusiasm about passing on his
knowledge is something I have learned is hard to get from people
or they just do not have an answers.
My advice to others thinking about it in 3 steps;
- Don’t listen to everyone who thinks they know, get that
advice from someone who does
- Do the course
- Get home & get your horse balanced
Thanks David & Anne I really enjoyed the couple of days at
Oakbank doing what we did.
Regards, Stuart Reseck
After completing your 2 day course I have learnt so much I would
not change a thing with what you have taught us.
You are one gentleman with a wealth of knowledge. I have completed
many courses, & on the plane home I said I had the best time
and our horses feet would always be in good health with the knowledge
I have learnt from David and the way he teaches people. I love
your book on hoof care - every lunch break I read chapter so if
something does change or if there are any problems I will have
a fair idea what to look for. The book also helps me to remember
about a lot of what you explained - just like you its the love
of this animal that makes it worth while. When I first got a farrier
out sometimes I was happy with their work sometimes not, now I
know right from wrong -you have changed my life in knowing I can
help and look after our horses and maybe others too.
Phil
Charleville QLD March 20-21
Both my daughter and I both gained an immense amount of knowledge
from the weekend.
David's down to earth and relaxed teaching style made learning
enjoyable and you could instantly see the benefits from his techniques.
My daughter, aged 14 said she would love to spend a week following
David and learning more of his horse techniques.
This speaks volumes for his ability to relate and engage with
all members of the group.
I thought that the group size was ideal and that everyone was
well catered for.
After many years of trimming hooves and being guided by other
veteran farriers, I now finally know how to correct and identify
many hoof related problems, that I had previously been at a loss
as to how to fix.
Thanks to David, I have the basic skills and knowledge to make
the process much more rewarding and successful for both myself
and the horse.
David has a wealth of knowledge and we could have easily spent
much more than the weekend, learning from him.
Everyone that attends David's course will come away with a whole
new understanding and outlook regarding hoof care.
Thank you for a very rewarding weekend.
Glenn Landsberg & Emily Landsberg
It was a great privilege to meet David and learn from his
vast experience – as he said it is mainly common sense and
his approach to the instructing was just that.
The benefit to me was that I now understand and can see what I
am trying to achieve when dressing feet, a lot of what David was
educating us with was to assess first before diving
in to the tools. This made the best sense and the fact that David
did not try and confuse anyone by using a whole heap of technical
terms instead the plain English approach meant that we could all
focus on the objective of what David was saying.
Honestly, I do not think anything could be improved – I
have attended a lot of courses (horsemanship type not shoeing)
and I am also a trainer as part of my occupation. David is able
to maintain the focus of what he is demonstrating and any deviation
from this is always by way of an actual example that is relevant
to the topic at hand.
Now that I am armed with this new knowledge I am looking forward
to the coming months to see how my horses feet respond to this
improved technique of feet dressing.
Best regards
Tony
Overall I thought the course was very beneficial to my career
in shoeing.
Being a beginner I didn't know how to attack a horses hoof, after
completing the course I can now confidently put a set of shoes
on a horse without worrying if the job was done properly, also
iI can now identify if my shoeing job is causing a horse pain
or lameness.
Thank you
James Neal
Millendon WA March 6-7
As always the course was extremely informative and enjoyable.
It's the third course I've done, and I learn more each time! As
long as David keeps coming to WA, I'll keep booking his courses
:o)
I particularly like the opportunity to work on horses with problems
hooves (and boy, did we have some!) and also horses with behavioural
issues. I think we all learned a bit about horsemanship over the
weekend.
This time I was reassured that what I'd been doing so far was
pretty much correct (just need the 50 years experience now!),
and I also learned how to go about correcting faults in my young
horse (like uneven wear, long toes, and boxy front feet).
David is clearly passionate about horses and their feet, and very
knowledgeable, and tells a great yarn. It was a pleasure, as always!
Now I'm just waiting for my daughter to grow up so I can pass
on this knowledge - she's currently 15 months old :o)
Cheers
Sarah
A huge thanks David for last weekend.
The value to me is that I have been shoeing my own horses feet
for a while and am now able to define and know how to balance,
also have a set of guide lines to follow which make it easy. Prior
to your course I was not able to consistently do this or really
know how to handle poor feet. Your relaxed, open teaching style,
plenty of time to talk and ask questions was a good format.
Of interest, on Monday afternoon, all inspired I did a trim and
your sole knife is unreal.
Once again, many thanks.
Bill
Hi Anne & David
Thank you for organising the course, it was a fabulous weekend
apart from the sun burn!
Even though I attended only as a viewer I feel I got alot out
of it from David sharing his language and feel I can communicate
with my farrier alot easier now I have a better understanding
and have an urge to learn more about it.
Hopefully you will have another course over here again where I
might be game enough to actually get my hands dirty.
Kind Regards
Bridie
Serpentine WA March 3-4
Absolutely Fantastic and could not thank David enough for passing
on his knowledge that he has leant over time.
In particular what I learnt from this course was to take the time
to properly assess a horses confirmation and attitude. relating
this to what I see in their feet.
Another was that speed in completing a job was not as important
as a job well done (Now I know why I can't get as quick as those
"Packet Fitters").
To top it all off, its now magic as to how easy it is to lift
feet from the ground, and how this seems to give horses confidence
when I step in to work.
If any one was wondering whether or not to do a course the answer
is obvious, YES YES YES.
Kind Regards
Steve Clarke
Bunbury WA Feb 27-28
After completing this two day course, I realised that it was
something I had done just for myself.
I very much enjoyed the opportunity of learning something new,
and also going about a task that has always been done for me.
It will take a lot of practice, but David's patient tuition during
the course, and using the hoof line, gives you an immediate confidence
to go about trimming your own horses hooves.
The opportunity was also great to meet like minded people and
an email network has been set up amongst the group to discuss
further learning experiences. Thank you!
Donna Brown, Boyanup WA.
Great Course, well worth it. Learnt and saw so much in the
2 days, the course has given me great confidence.Thanks so much
David.
Naomi Bonacci
It was a really informative course and I learnt more about
horses in two days than in the previous ten years. I can’t
think of any improvements but what I gained was what to expect
just by watching a horse walk and that when my clydies seem a
bit work shy it may not be that they are lazy. I really enjoy
all aspects and found David a teacher of passion with a real depth
of knowledge, very easy to learn from.
Kind regards
Doug
I found the course very rewarding and well run, I am now
a couple of trims down the line and can see the improvement in
my horses hooves, its nice to see the flares reducing and them
developing nice strong heels.
It would be nice if David ran refresher courses once in a while
as I can see that in another 6 months I would benefit from a bit
of an update and the horses that we bring along would be a reflection
in where we are going wrong.
Kind Regards,
Tracey Bannister
I found the course exceptionally informative and I believe all kids
from pony club should have their instructors taught this simple
method of balancing the hoof so they can to pass it onto the future
generation.
I took photos of some of the before and after for the participants
of our group and have permission to share them so we can keep in
touch and learn from each other.
I wished I had learnt this earlier in my life for mine and my horses
sake and maybe I should have considered doing it during Winter when
the feet are softer.
It was amazing as you became aware you could see flares etc pretty
much straight away; yet the hardest thing for me to comprehend was
the lateral reading of the hoofline, but once David explained the
removal of all the old sole (callous) and dry frog etc. then you
really saw the true foot and could assess the full situation.
Thank you David and Anne also for the correspondence. Kind
regards
Lorrie Noakes I really enjoyed the course, so much
so I am thinking of a career change. I enjoyed the fact we were
given a talk and notes to refer back to but we were able to basically
get on with it. I found being able to go and look at other horses
on the course with different problems and how to fix them was
very helpful. I think David presented the course well, and demonstrated
great patience with us all !!!
I would love to do another course to in the near future, to revise
what I learnt from the last course and to get some more assistance
/ feedback with my technique.
Thanks Again,
Bronwen
What can I say other than the Bunbury, WA, course was “great”,
which really doesn’t tell you much except that I liked it.
You have heard it all before…David’s patience, humour
and teaching style made it all flow and gave the group much confidence.
For me it was a huge difference to be able to be “hands
on” this year rather than merely observe as I did last year.
From seeing my work David was able to put me back on track, correct
some of my misdirection and give me a few pointers to keep me
going. The most important point that I gained was his emphasis
on NEVER EVER filing the heels lower than to 6 mm above the critical
junction. I had previously been able to get the numbers right
(toe to heel) but at the expense of possibly compromising the
digital cushion by bringing the heels down to the critical junction.
With that in mind David noted that sometimes we can’t balance
the foot in one trim but over time and with consistency it will
come.
Knowing that and having regained my enthusiasm I am more prepared
to go on.
Having attended various clinics at different times one of the
most useful tools to learning has been when the clinician has
asked each participant “What did you learn from the course?”
This cemented particular points and was a reminder of things that
might have been overlooked as well as raising questions and misconceptions
which were then answered before the clinic disbanded. I would
suggest that such a question would be asked of everyone at a group
meeting, perhaps at lunch on the last day. David started to do
that just before we cleaned up to go home but by then half the
group had already gone so it may not have been quite so effective.
Many thanks and I look forward to another session another time.
Regards
Skip Groman
Oakbank 6-7 Feb 2010
Thank you both so much for everything this weekend and David
thank you again for the opportunity to work alongside you today.
This course has been as you say, "life changing".
I must say I was a bit skeptical about that beforehand but it's
certainly true.
It's like discovering something that has been in front of you
all along.
I would liken it to what I imagine a born again Christian must
feel after conversion but as its based on fact not faith its infinitely
more useful :)
I just cannot understand why this is not common knowledge in the
horse world particularly amongst the professionals!!
It just baffles me.
So, suffice to say, the course was practical, informative and
extremely well delivered.
The hospitality was what I would expect from a high end B&B
and very much appreciated.
The group was a great bunch of people and very interesting to
talk to.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in the
health of their horse as the benefits of good hoof care don't
stop at the pastern (as I now understand).
My only negative feedback is:
1. I am now extremely frustrated that farriers/vets etc don't
know this and so many issues that we see are so often hoof related
and can
be easily resolved. It's going to drive me crazy seeing terrible
hooves everywhere!!
2. As I discussed with David in the car this afternoon, it would
have been a big help to have some zombie-like horses to start
on, to learn
to drive before having to deal with the traffic so to speak. But
having said that, the learning curve was brilliant. I can certainly
deal with my horses now after being flung about by an overfed
spoilt two year old!
It was an absolutely fantastic weekend, thank you both so much
for everything. Im looking forward to doing the five day course
in the
near future so brace yourselves!!
Kind regards,
Ailsa
Thank you for the course it was amazing! I love every aspect of
it, but can see the benefits of bringing your own horse!
You have convinced me to take it up as a profession and I have
already inquired about the cert 3 course via NSW Tafe, but now
I have vital information for the building blocks to my career.
Thank you again and will see you in the future for the 5 day course.
Giddy
Where do I start?
I find it amazing that I have just arrived home and talking with
my girls that the terminology being used is also understood, even
(poofteenth) and I feel I can now contribute in helping with their
ambitions and aspirations as I now understand the hoof, what it
does and how it works and most of all the importance of "balancing
the hoof".
I certainly understand what to look for and how to identify a
problem and even correct it, I am not sure how I will get that
through to the farrier.
Aside from this, a very big thank you to you David for your patience
and understanding with me as I am sure you realised just how green
I am/was with horses and the fear I had being sooooo close to
them.
You allowed me to take my time without pressure to move into it
at my pace, your selection of the perfect school master on Sunday
was sensational which gave me the opportunity to come and do what
I set out to do and that was to trim an entire horse. I did it
and cant wait to do it again, fantastic. It may not seem much
to other people but to me (a non horse person) it was like climbing
everest although I would have never tried to let on just how nervous
I was, so thank you so much, I will recommend you and your course
to anyone and every one and drop you a line and some photos from
time to time.
Thanks again,
Terry.
Toowoomba Sept 09
This course should be done by every horse owner, farrier and
vet.
I had the best time doing my 2 day course with David - it was
for sure one of the best things I could have done. I learnt so
much in just a short time.
I would like to thank David for sharing his knowledge with me,(my
horses are much happier for it). Anyone considering this course
should do it straight away - you wont regret it,
Thankyou again David and Anne.
Paul
Oakbank Jan 16-17
Hi David and Anne
Its hard to believe the course was nearly 2 weeks ago. It was
definitely an amazing, life changing experience - sounds quite
dramatic but in so many ways things have changed.
David, I must say the way you presented the information for us
was very easy to understand, with emphasis on the necessary important
parts, but never at any stage did I feel that I wouldn't be able
to achieve the task at hand. I learned to understand the ABC of
hoof care with confidence and have talked about it to others with
the same confidence and have made them question the effects of
their farriers work on their horses.
As you said I will never look at a horse (hooves) the same. I
am feeling more at ease with using the tools definitely losing
that "Japanese" way, even getting looser in my wrist
when using the mallet on the sole chisel. I will need to think
about having to do the shoes before long - it's where I'm the
most unsure I just need to think how I'm going to tackle it. This
is where I feel I need follow up lessons. Its all practice - trimming
I have plenty to work on with some challenges to keep me on track
and I won't get any prizes for time!! It took 2.5hrs to trim one
yesterday - he hasn't been trimmed for over 16 weeks and not the
best job done previously. I have got some inner tube to make water
boots when I do him again in a couple of weeks.
I learn so much more than just hoof care, David you gave so many
horsemanship tips which I took on board, through both stories
and also watching you around the horses. I read your blue book
at breakfast and as I get near the end thoughts and information
continuously being confirmed gives me confidence that I have become
more complete as a horse person which improves my teaching. I
have seen that so many horses hooves look wrong but didn't know
why other than long toes. I can now read and observe others -
horses and people with much more assurance that I can see the
difference between better and worse ways and in some cases straight
out right and wrong.
Your whole setup was wonderful to experience - the blacksmith
shop and how it effected the horses, I have never had a whole
day (or 2) where I could observe my horses and learned a lot about
them. Anne, the bunk house and your home was so inviting and relaxing
in an exciting way - I wanted to take it home too! Also for having
Steve for dinner was very kind, and all the meals were excellent.
Steve learned a lot too which has helped me to be able to discuss
everything with him.
I will continue to sing praise for you both and will continue
to encourage all my clients now and in the future to have a greater
understanding about their horses hooves and the effects of hoof
care.
Thankyou for wanting to share you knowledge and life experiences
to help make a better life for horses.
I look forward to seeing you both again.
Kindest regards
Marianne
Jan 9-10 Oakbank
This course far exceeded my expectations. I expected to learn
a lot, but the hands-on nature of David's teaching opens up the
possibility for quite profound learning in a short space of time.
David's supervision, his generosity with his knowledge, and his
passion for the proper care of horses sustained us through experiences
that will change lifelong how I take care of my horses' feet.
Anne and David's hospitality made for a very pleasant weekend,
despite the extreme heat and hard work. They took care of us with
warmth and great attention to detail. The accommodation for the
horses at Aebi Park was wonderful - safe, very horse (and owner)
friendly and very well supported. This took away a major anxiety
I had about bringing my horses along.
Dr Eva Hornung, Visiting Research Fellow, English, University
of Adelaide
Dear David and Anne,
Thank you so much for having me on the weekend course, I never
thought I'd ever be able to shoe a horse in such a short amount
of time.
Your course not only taught me how to see potential hoof problems
but it also showed me how to accurately measure the hoof to achieve
a perfect balance and help the horse to move far more freely,
as was shown with those two horses I brought in.
I understand far more about the fundamentals of hoof work and
the cause of different problems to the horse with the flight pattern
and pressure points. Most importantly of course, how to fix these
issues before they get worse or affect the performance or well
being of the horse.
I thoroughly enjoyed the course and found it extremely interesting,
it was great having only two people as I think you were able to
help us far more.
Both horses STILL have their shoes on, which amazing as it may
seem is quite a personal goal for me. I had an amazing time.
Rory
Anne, David
Thank you for a brilliant weekend, hospitality was outstanding
and Davids knowledge and instruction was pretty good too.
In all seriousness what Joel and I learnt over the weekend was
invaluable; as with all learning we need to return to answer all
the new questions that have resulted from the course. Thank you
10/10 in all respects we will be in touch and back for more.
regards Tim / Joel
Dear Anne & David,
I wish to thank you David for taking the time to explain the
principles of hoof balance and care. Coming from a Barefoot trimming
background, I was impressed as to your openess, thorough and practical
manner in which you teach.
I certainly have benefited by attending your 2-day course (which
is actually around 4 days compressed into a weekend) and my clients
are equally impressed with the results.
In addition, I would like to thank you Anne for providing a boutique
B&B experience that is rarely found in resort destinations
– let alone an Equine clinic. I was expecting to stay in
the usual ramshackle accommodation and to my surprise it was spotless,
homely and 5-star rating. It was the small things like the jars
of vegemite, jam & honey that were all new and unopened -
not pre-used. Also having a fridge full of soft-drink, sports
drink and beer (too busy to drink) showed your attention to the
wishes of the students. AND I even think that the toilet paper
was scented – WOW.
David, I am now using your principles of balance on each horse.
It is easy to explain, is easy to show to the client (flares etc)
and has me wishing to book in for another clinic. I am certainly
proud to mention your name to my clients.
Martin Godwin
Oakbank Oct 31-Nov1 Hi David - thank you
so much for a wonderful hoof care course. Having come from a racing
background I was blown away with the
knowledge gained from yourself and the variety of fellow students.
The practical skills gained through observation and hands on training
was excellent. With such a variety of horses to work on, including
ex-racehorses, polo horses and ponies I could not have been more
impressed.
Anne, I must send you a big thank you as well. After two big days
the food was excellent and is really appreciated. I know you put
a great deal of effort in and both of you make a great team. The
wonderful facilities and hospitality added to such a great course.
Thanks so much,
Regards Michael Wooller
Gloucester NSW oct 24-25 Hi David and Anne,
I really enjoyed the course.
I consolidated my basic understanding, clarified some cloudy areas
and learnt new stuff. Over the years it's easy to get different
info. which doesn't make sense, and then lose one's confidence
in looking after our horses feet.
David, you have made it very simple and mathematical, which clears
up any guess work; and systematic, which has really given me confidence.
Backing all this up with a great understanding of why! And proof
of how it all works.
I learnt to make it 10 times less physical by taking time and
going slowly. I loved that David has such huge respect for the
horse and listens to what the horse is saying with his body...something
I find I often have to defend around people who just want to 'sort
them out'.
They say you have to hear something 3 times to remember it, so
I loved the repetition, both verbal and visual.
I enjoyed the opportunity to see so many different 'normal' horses
and their feet. The social aspect was great, meeting people who
enjoy different horse interests, and different levels of experience.
The course was well structured for getting the information but
also having general discussion; all questions given respectful
answers; anecdotes and humour all make it easier to remember stuff.
I really thankyou, David, and will be telling every horse owner
I know that they need to know more about their horses feet than
what their farrier tells them.
PS: Haven't seen any Afghanistan climbing camels, but we've had
a Horse eating Hollosaurus lurking around for years. Never actually
sighted by humans, but it must be terrifying judging by the horses'
reactions.....
Diana Lyall
The Gloucester course was fantastic - I am so glad I did it the
second time around, and my husband loved it too. Doing it the
second time really helped me clarify a lot of what I had learned
in the first course, and especially the parts that I was really
unsure about.
I had planned to bring my own 2 horses, but they're not great
travellers and at the last minute they wouldn't load so we ended
up not taking them. The upside of this was that both Phil and
I ended up being spectators for the whole weekend, and followed
David around to every single horse and looked at how he instructed
the treatment of each one. I can't tell you what a valuable experience
that was! Instead of seeing just 2 horses in detail we got an
overview of more than 15 horses, which was amazing. I now feel
a lot more confident in being able to assess and identify problems
in the hoof.
Phil hasn't really expressed a huge interest in horses and I
think he probably came along more to humour me, but he was so
impressed and inspired, he's now completely fired up about it
all - a true convert!
Thanks so much for another life and hoof-changing experience!
Nicole Goodwin
Townsville Oct 10-11
I learnt from the course that a currently balanced hoof can solve
so many problems that we we think are unsolvable or “just
the way the hoof is”. I have more confidence to do my horses
feet now and find that the hoof line is there to reassure and
show that the correct thing is being done for the horse and his
feet. Looking after my horses feet myself is now something I can
do.
I really enjoyed and got a lot out of the course and all I can
say is that it is a shame that David lives so far away –
maybe it is a good thing for him as he would get sick of people
hanging around trying to learn more.
Thanks for everything and we may talk again.
Celia McNamara
I really enjoyed the course and have no complaints. I have recommended
the course to a number of friends here in central Queensland and
they are interested learning these new skills. I definately want
to do more of these courses with David in the future. Please keep
me posted if you intend on doing anymore Queensland tours.
I'd also like to add that my friend Conal who was a veiwer at
the course had a great experience. She is very new to the world
of horses and horse riding. In her words the course was amazing
and she recommends everyone to do it before or when you get your
first horse. She learnt an incredible amount of info. I'd also
like to thank you for all your communications via email, it has
been extremely helpful.
Thanks again
Rebecca
Childers Sept 26-27
I would like to say a big thank-you for giving me the opportunity
to participate in the 2 day hoof trimming course. I expected that
I might gain a basic ability to trim my horse’s feet, perhaps
in between trims by a professional farrier. Instead, the understanding
I gathered, not only about being able to maintain a balanced trim,
but to also identify and correct problems in the hoof far exceeded
my expectations.
Before I participated in David Farmilo’s hoof trimming
course, I was aware that my farrier was making some errors on
my horse’s feet, but I was frustrated by my inability to
correct it. I am now confident that I have the ability to keep
my horses feet in healthy shape, (and in the long term save money…).
I feel that every horse owner would hugely benefit from any time
spent in David’s company, as he is an extremely knowledgeable
and skilled man who is more than happy to share what he knows
if it means helping the horse. He explained everything in an easily
understood manner and answered all questions with patience and
honesty, no matter how seemingly silly the question may have been.
Thank-you again,
BARB, MARYBOROUGH QLD
Bauhinia/Comely Sept 29-30
My partner Steve and I thoroughly enjoyed the course. It was
presented well and we found David very easy to talk to and answers
our questions in a way that was easy to understand. This helped
us improve our knowledge greatly and gave us more confidence to
trim and shoe our horses safely and effectively.
We would definately come back for another one.
Thanks again
Ranelle and Steve
Toowoomba Sept 15-15
The course was very informative. The information was well presented
in a casual yet professional way. David was always happy to help.
Although I was not there to do shoeing as everyone else was, I
still felt included and still learned lots. I even ended up assisting
with putting on 2 shoes which was great but also confirmed why
I leave that part up to the professionals.
At least now I can confidently do my own trimming and know how
to balance a hoof.
Michelle Dawson
Injune QLD Sept 09
The course was great. Straight forward and the right mix of practical
and theory. Highly recommended for any horse owner to attend.
I
would happily do another one if David is through this way again.
Lisa Bennett
David was so happy with the weekend. He has learnt so much from
this course and I assure you he will be following on with what
he has learnt. On Saturday night he came home and said "our
poor horses". Yesterday when he came home I could straight
away tell the difference in his horse's off front foot. That horse
left here with I thought a Club Foot but came home with a normal
hoof. Amazing how just to be shown something the right way can
change. Thanks so much from us and our horses.
David & Sue Walmsley
I found this course changed the way I look at my horse. I came
home and could see problems in all of the horses hoofs that I
had in work all from the way I had been shoeing them. I have since
reshod them using all the knowledge I gained from the school and
have fixed a lot of these problems. I like the fact this school
is so hands on, not were you are just watching. David has a good
way of explaining things in terms that every person from experienced
farrier to beginners can understand. Being able to use a tool
to measure what you are doing helps to makes sure you get it right
every time. Thank you
Bill Taylor
Newman WA Aug 1-2 I thought I'd give it
a few weeks before giving feedback and I'm glad I did. I went
away from the course feeling unsure of how much I retained, But
I am pleased to say I learnt more than I gave myself credit for.
The course and Daves delivery of knowledge makes a huge impact
the way I see horses overall I now have a greater appreciation
and understanding of how much pain and behavioural issues are
caused by poor shoeing/trimming practices. I remember most of
the stuff dave taught us and have been able to talk to other class
members to jog my memory. I am very appreciative of the knowledge
that Dave has passed on. The only thing that would have made the
course better for me is if I had only brought one horse then followed
Dave around on the second day listening to the advise that he
gave to other class members, If Dave ever does come back to W.A
please email me as I will definitely do the course again.
Cheers
Helena O'Dwyer
Clonbinane VIC Aug 29-30
Hi Anne
A big thank you for all your hard work in making the Clonbinane
course a huge success. David’s courses always exceed expectation
and get better and better, he really is a gifted teacher with
the patients of a saint. Anyone who does this course will never
look at a horses hoof again in the same way, and this is totally
to the benefit of horses everywhere. The knowledge you receive
from David’s course should be mandatory for all horse owners.
Jane Lamb – Clonbinane Vic.
To say that the course would be life changing is just about an
understatement! David and Lukas were patient and always clearly
and honestly explained themselves and answered any questions.
They provided me with constant encouragement and confidence. The
hoof anatomy sessions held at the start of each day were very
informative and vital to the overall understanding of hoof care.
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about David and Lukas’s experiences
as farriers. I felt that I learnt a lot from their stories as
they were both interesting and sometimes most amusing.
The only area of improvement could be, that sometimes we had to
wait a very long time before we could get help. I did do as was
suggested and follow either David or Lukas but having to wait
so long stopped the flow of what we were doing. Perhaps limiting
the time they spent with each person/horse could help this.
Overall I can’t speak highly enough of the course. It was
the best value for money that I can think of. My horses would
also like to say a BIG thank you. In particular ‘Nibbles’
(little chestnut pony-David may remember him) says THANK YOU my
feet don’t hurt anymore!!
Peg Twitchett.
Hi Anne,
A big thank you to everyone. It was such an informative course.
We both learnt plenty - we got home Sunday night and by Monday
we were straight into it, pulling pony's out of their paddocks
for trims!
It exceeded my expectations as far as the quality of the information
that was taught. Having Lucus there to assist David was definitely
a
plus - there was always something going on and always someone
there to field a question.
We both learnt that by following the basic principles, it's so
simple (we still need to get a bit quicker of course) to dress
the hoof, yet
getting it wrong can affect the soundness of a horse more than
you realise. We feel pretty honoured to have had the opportunity
of David's tuition.
The format of the course has struck the right balance too, just
enough classroom and hands on time.
Please pass on my thanks to everyone, especially David!
Take care
Joyce
Dear David, Lucas and Anne,
Many thanks for making the trek to Victoria to deliver the hoof
care course. The venue was ideal with great teaching and horse
facilities (well done to Jane!). The course structure offered
a good balance of "class room" and hands-on learning,
with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, clarify issues
and to discuss concerns / experiences. I have since read through
the notes in full and they will be a useful reference in the future.
Despite only being an observer, I certainly got a lot out of attending.
It was great having both David and Lucas working on the horses
too. I could bounce between the two of you when you were helping
others work on their horses and see your approach to assessing
the horses and solving their problems. In some ways, I think I
probably got more out of that than if I had had my horse there,
as I was able to watch you assess and work on each of the horses
(each of which had different issues).
The course validated some of the things I have been doing when
trimming my mare's feet (eg using the shape of the coronet band
as a guide and trimming away the flares) and pointed out many
other areas where I can improve (eg the way to identify the reference
point and measure the hoof to achieve balance and not being afraid
to trim the frog and sole!!). Having a science background, David's
mathematical approach made a lot of sense to me and, once you
know it, it is so simple.
Other little tips that David has gained during his 53 years of
experience were willingly imparted throughout the course and were
also really useful for us novices! For example, how to position
the horse and its legs for the safety and comfort of you both,
how best to position yourself and to hold and use the tools, the
use of the breeching rope, etc. It was also great to be able to
purchase some of the tools at the course as there are no saddlery
or horse supply shops near me. It was good to be able to purchase
tools that are recommended by those who regularly use them and
to also get advice on how to best maintain them.
I can't wait to get cracking on my horse - I'm sure she will be
happy that I attended.....!
Thanks again for a great course,
Joy
I really enjoyed attending the 2 day hoof care course at clonbinane.
Having had horses for years I learnt heaps about how the hoof
funtions and what a properly trimmed hoof should look like. I
also learnt how to correctively trim a horses hoof to improve
gait problems and also muscle problems.
Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of information with
us David, I enjoyed the course so much and have been telling heaps
of people about it.
Sharon Mazzella
Oakbank Aug 22-23
Dear David and Anne,
I have to let you know that I had the most unique, wholistic,
incredible full on learning experience of my life at the "House
of Farmilo" last week!!
Your welcome, hospitality & kindness was more than I ever
would have imagined.
The A B C training David was excellent.
I know the other participants have probably given you similar
feed back because we all shared positive and challenging learning
experiences (Me less challenging with not doing the shoeing part).
I learnt heaps to overload and have started on the 28 feet that
stomp this patch I call home, not quite mirror imaging the Master
Farrier yet!
Heh, thanks for everything.
Best wishes & until next time.
Rosemary
Oberon, NSW, March 2009
This was a great course i would recomend this course to anyone
that would like to learn about hoof care from owners to farriers.
Thankyou very much
Tj McGovern
Kununurra July 4-5 2009
Anne, Thankyou…..for ‘lending’ David to us
for the weekend. I can’t remember ever being so happy and
so damn sore at the same time ever in my life before!
Danee Jenks
The course was just amazing. A real eye opener for all of us
at the Kununurra session. I think we all now know how important
correctly trimming and balancing is. I am now quite confident
that I will be able to trim and balance my horses feet. My appreciation
to David for his dedication in attention to detail for the wellbeing
of the horse.
Denise Hales
Oakbank May 2009
I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn how to balance
a horse's hoof correctly. With David's knowledge it has helped
me to train my 1st winner on the weekend.
Mick Ball
Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend, although im not feeling
so wonderful today...ha ha. The course was great and appreciate
all that I was taught. And the hospitality was a refreshing change
you both made me feel very welcome in your home, and I thank you
both
very much for that. I look forward to continuing along this path
and im sure we will cross paths again in the not too distant future.
Thank you both again,
Kind regards
Amanda
Lismore NSW April 4-5
David's private consulation and 2 day course was a
real eye opener into how modern hoofcare has deviated from the
basic truth of the balanced hoof.
The logic is so simple, even I now feel confident to have a go
at trimming hooves.
I thought my horses suffered from bad feet and that was their
lot, but David showed that with correct trimming, foot problems
could be reduced or eliminated.
My 28 year old mare is feeling so good now, she took herself off
250m up the road to visit the neighbours! - Ali
Grafton NSW April 1-2 I feel
that the course was really nice and beneficial for me. I just
wish it lasted longer as I am not the most talented student.
Thanks to David for sharing his knowledge and demonstrating that
even after 53 years of horse shoeing, you can still be passionate
about it!
Thanks to you Anne for the very quick communication, it was very
much appreciated. - Saskia
Oberon March 28-29 I have just
completed my second ABC Hoof Care Course at Oberon and it was
fantastic.
I went along as an Observer which means I didn't get to actually
have a go on the day but I watched everything that occurred and
David very kindly answered any questions I had.
This Course was especially good as people brought along so many
horses with problem legs which, without properly balanced hooves
(David's method), were breaking down on a regular basis.
It was amazing to see how David balanced the feet correctly and
then we could see how the horses walked and trotted better straight
away.
There were also some amazing hoof problems presented and we witness
the difference in them once David had shown the owner how to balance
the foot.
One horse had been battling Seedy Toe for over 2 years and arrived
with a gaping hole in her hind hoof.
David worked with the horse's farrier (a student at the course)
to show us how to remove the hoof wall as high as possible to
allow the air to get to the bacteria causing the problem, then
rebuilt the hoof, just leaving the top section open to the air,
then reshod her.
She was sound enough to ride then.
It was a truly fantastic course and I learnt so much, I also have
a copy of David's DVD to refer to at home, so I feel very confident
in doing my own horses now. - Patricia Preston
David is genuinely driven by the desire to help people learn so
that horses don’t suffer.
I have done the course twice and this time as a looker for 1 day
plus a consult the Monday morning.
I am now confident that I can proficiently shoe a horse and have
it’s feet balanced.
The only complaint is that he needs a bell to sound so he eats lunch!!!
Cheers - Ralph Turnbull
Changing from a participant to a viewer this time was lucky for
me in a way as it allowed me to be in the right place at the right
time (ie not under my horse) to pickup a great piece of knowledge
from David that has enabled me to solve ongoing mystery injuries
with my horses.
David mentioned that if a horse won't stand still when a farrier
is doing the front feet to look at where the farrier is standing.
Quite a few farriers pick up the horse's leg then drag it out to
the side to work on it : an unnatural and often painful position
for the horse which means they will often try to "escape"
the situation.
Well, the chiropractor has been telling me for ages that my horses
have torn/scarred pectorals (which I found odd since they are very
quiet, not in work and we have no slippery areas).
My farrier came on Friday and I noticed, yes, he drags the leg out
to the side and hangs on to it when the horse rears in response
to the pain (!!!!!).
I saw immediately how this ongoing damage to all my horses' pectorals
is occurring and how they are re-injured every 6 weeks !
Please pass on my thanks to David for resolving yet another problem
with my horses - K NWS
Learnt heaps!
Must do course for all farriers or people wanting to do their own
horses.
Thanks for sharing some of your knowledge - Greg Hamilton
Junee NSW March 17-18 First
of all thank you for running the school.
I got lots of information out of it... from ,using the right size
nails, how to hold the horse correctly, the use of the breaching
rope , which i have used already.
I got a lot of information about shaping the shoes, especially
where to hit the shoe.
The main thing was the use of the hoof line so we can get more
out of the horse and the horse is more comfortable in his stride
and his working.
When I got home i looked at a horse that I shod before I went
to the school and i had to pull them of and re do them with the
information from the school. I must have learnt something.
Thank you - Steven Crawford
Eye opening practical course where everything made sense.
Having a map to follow really put me on the right track. - Steve
Condell
It was my son Jake that attended the Junee course.
Before getting into the car to head home 3hour trip he told my he
was going to sleep all the way home.
Well that didn't last long.
As soon as he got in all he could was talk about the course and
how doing it, it all clicked into place, and what a good teacher
he was.
Well that went on for 3 hour he is still keen.
Thank you - Jane
I attended the course as an auditor and found the course was well
run and information very good.
The instruction was really good - simple and too the point.
There was a good mixture of theory and practice.
The clinic was the right size for everyone to get some individual
instruction.
David challenged our brains and made us think a lot about what we
were doing and why we were doing it.
As an equine barefoot trimmer and body worker, I was a bit wary
about going to a more conventional school as while I am not anti-shoe,
a lot of people think I am.
I was made to feel very welcome and learned a lot from David that
refined my own trimming technique and taught me a lot about shoeing
and hoof balance.
After looking at my course notes and the hoof line DVD and hearing
how good I found the clinic, my wife has offered her retired barefoot
endurance horse for the next clinic, but it has to be one of David's.
A big thanks to Andrew Sheridan, our host, and of course to David
for taking the time to strop and teach us - Glen Hammond
Thank you for a great couple of days.
I came away with a lot better understanding of the horses feet &
hope to keep improving from shoe to shoe.
David is a great instructor which in turn wants to make you learn.
I would recommend this course to everybody in the horse industry
without a second thought - Robbie Cameron Bywong
NSW March 21-22 The course was very educational
as well as entertaining.
David has a great sense of humor and – as is to be expected
after so many years of experience – a whole lot of true
stories to tell as well.
I had booked a course before, but – “thanks”
to equine influenza – that one had to be called off.
When the next course was on after EI, I was overseas, so this
was my third time lucky, and I am so glad I finally made it!
I had bought the DVDs before, and – yes – they are
certainly helpful.
But for someone like me who is a lay-person when it comes to trimming
and not all that confident or brave either, there’s nothing
more valuable than the experienced look over the shoulder (and
the occasional “hands-on” assistance, especially when
hooves are rock-solid due to drought ;-).
I watched the DVDs since, and now they make even more sense to
me.
As David says, the hoof mechanism is not rocket science (albeit
an amazing piece of evolutionary engineering), but David has a
real talent for explaining how poor trimming or shoeing will impede
the horse’s performance and well-being.
Not only do I now feel more knowledgeable about hoof care in a
technical sense, I also feel much better emotionally, knowing
that I am doing the right thing by my horses.
THANKS A LOT! - Eva
The course for me was very rewarding,everything I had in mind to
learn was addressed with a good supply of physical examples and
computer animation.
David is very approachable and generous with advice and information.
Carol was a generous host allowing those who camped to shower at
the house and supplied an excellent meal on Sat night.
The only down side for me was the stress that David and numerous
students were put under when trying to learn to shoe with little
of their own gear on horses that were less than well behaved ( I
note that horse behavior is addressed on the application form )
I suspect it is a common problem for David. Thank you- Michael
Allen
Thank you for the opportunity to have spent the day observing on
Saturday.
With having no knowledge of a horses hoof to start with I found
the explaining and observing very simple and easy to understand.
It is great to see that David is very passionate about his work,
by the way he 'listens' to the horse and their needs, not 'just
get the job done'.
I like to think of David as an 'Osteopath', mine always says that
a lot of peoples back problems occur from the feet, and I believe
this to be the case with horses.
Thank you again for the valuable experience, I really feel that
I learnt something and wasn't just lectured to.
The venue was tranquil and everyone got on well. Thanks again. -
Sandra Capel Jan 31-Feb
This was my 2nd course within a year and I
loved it and learnt plenty more.
Thanks to David my lil black pony NYFTY will be heaps better soon.
The course was brilliant and the venue gorgeous as ever.
Thank you Jan for supplying tea and coffee and the lovely scones
and of course the grounds.
Candice Dahlstrom
I attended the clinic as a viewer in order
to get another viewpoint on horse’s hooves, trimming to go
barefoot and particularly to learn to balance the foot. The clinic
itself was fascinating; anecdotes, responses to all questions, comparisons
with “barefoot trimming” vs. trimming to go barefoot,
appropriate use of shoes, specific information and technique, explanations
of the “why” of David’s method, and thorough teaching
to develop a balanced foot. The Hoof- Line now in my tool box, takes
the guess work out of getting and keeping feet correct.
When I took the information home and got under my own horses I immediately
discovered how out of balance I have been inadvertently keeping
them. Flares, distortion, long toes were all there. After trimming
I noticed an immediate change for the better in stride and how they
stand. But I also notice that spending two days with David, watching
and asking questions, did not prepare me for all the problems that
I now see. He certainly did tune my eyes. Now I have to tune my
skills.
My one regret was that I didn’t bring a horse to trim under
supervision, but David assured us all that he would respond to all
questions emailed and he particularly welcomed photos. Throughout
the clinic he was more than willing to answer any question and in
many cases he pre-empted them. Given that he has been shoeing and
giving clinics for so many years he has heard most of the questions
already, but he was never too busy to respond.
In short the clinic exceeded my expectations. I’ll be first
to sign up again if the opportunity arises…..and bring a horse
or two.
Regards
Skip
I really enjoyed the course and learnt such
an incredible amount over the weekend. David is a very good teacher:
methodical, interesting, he went over the important basics again
and again, reinforcing the process; and made the importance of balanced
feet to the overall health of the horse very clear. I got so much
out of the weekend, I now feel quite confident in having a go at
trimming my own horses' feet, even though I was only a spectator
on the weekend. In fact, I can't wait! And it is very reassuring
to know that I can send David some photo's of my efforts for advice
and feedback.
Alex van Beek
Dear Dave & Anne, I
have thoroughly enjoyed the HoofCare Course in Capel and I feel
that I have learned a lot, even if I didn't have the "hands-on"
experience. It was very well presented, easy to follow and all
so logical even for complete beginners like me. Every little bit
of information made absolute sense for me and it was good to see
how your method works straight away when put to the test.
Thank you so much for your assessment and correction
on my horses feet! I have spoken to my farrier about your method
and I hope he will follow his word and contact you in the near
future, so I can work with him on keeping Cruiser's feet correctly
balanced. I have taken photos of his feet today, so I know what
we're aiming for and to keep track. Thanks again, kind regards,
Ann Young
I totally enjoyed myself and gained a whole
lot of knowledge while completing the course with David.
I have to say I was very apprehensive to do the course
and was very wary of David before I even got there. I was completely
wrong, he turned out to be funny, kind and extremely helpful.
The reason I was so worried was due to the nature of the wording
in the very first lot of pamphlets I received from you. I found
the way it was worded to be blunt, rude and very offensive to
me. That's my opinion, it may not be anyone else's but since you
asked, I decided to be honest and share my opinion with you.
In the end I am so glad I did the course, the paperwork was correct
in one big way, yes it has changed my life. I can now trim my
horses feet correctly and also help my dad as he can't do it anymore
with a sore back...
It was expensive for me - my dad was taught by an
older gentleman who didn't ask for money, but I guess he didn't
have the "centre of the hoof" knowledge David has and
I really appreciate that. I also appreciated David helping my
dads horse. Braefields Araminta (Minty) is 25 and a new pony.
What an absolute legend David is. My dad is still talking about
it and you've made him extremely happy.
I thank you David from the bottom of my heart.
Kind regards
Nola Wright
Perth Feb 7-8
It is amazing how much you can learn in the space of two days. I
attended as a fence sitter but still learnt quite a bit.
It was interesting to hear all David\'s & Craig\'s stories about
what they have seen and done. At no stage was anyone put down or
humiliated for making a silly mistake. Even the master can make
mistakes and miss with a hammer.
We had a range of horses with a range of hooves and at the end of
both days all the horses were in a lot less pain and the difference
in their behaviour was amazing. As David said, he has been in the
industry for 53 years and still doesn\'t know everything and if
you ever did know everything, there would be a horse walk around
that corner and prove you know nothing. Next
time, will bring horse with me. Thanks to everyone involved and
the venue at Oakford was brilliant.
Anna Noyelle Thank you David
for your advice and help. You are a fantastic patient teacher and
your enthusiasm for the subject is infectious.
Your notes and handouts were very helpful.
All the best
Judi Moore
Absolutely inspiring! I am looking
at horses feet with new eyes - and feel I have some skill in knowing
what should be done at a basic level.
Entertaining, educative and fun. The hands on was great. David's
wealth of knowledge and his clear way of getting it across made
it money very well spent.
I wish I had been able to do it years ago. Thank you so much.
Will David be coming to WA again? I will bring more problematical
horses next time. Please keep me informed.
Sue Edmonds Thank you so
much for your generous sharing of the knowledge down the generations.
To work it, to know and demonstrate & teach that, you have not
only made practical use of this, but also forged it into the "Hoof-line"
tool and the guidelines and wisdom that surround it - it is bloody
fantastic, primarily for horses and other hoofy beasts, but I bet
old Joe and the old fellas that taught him will be beaming some
gratitude down from heaven also!!!
Your courage, patience, compassion and wit also serve to "get
it across" to learners & so called "experts"
alike... (you are a bloody great example of a human being)
Bless you and thanks again,
Mandy Thanks so much David,
your course was fun and I leant heaps.
Every horse owner should do this course.
Julie Thomas David, thank
you so much for sharing your knowledge, guidance and sense of humour.
The course booking form states that the course will change your
life ... how true!
Prior to the Oakford course on 7/8th Feb 2009, I would not have
attempted to trim equine hooves. I now understand that I have a
duty of care to do this for my horse - and I know how to do it correctly
- thanks to you!
Hope you won't mind me contacting you for guidance and assessment
of my work, but as long as I remember my "ABC", Roadmap
and Points of Reference, I should do okay.
Really enjoyed the training group, everyone was there to learn,
share information and help each other - and sincere thanks to Jules
& Craig for their hospitality.
If you have horses, you owe it to them to attend this course - it
was excellent!
Cathy Campbell Hoof
Care Course Oakbank Jan 17-18 2009
We arrived home safely and I have already taken of one horse's shoes
and assessed! Next one due tomorrow. A great course that was informative
and very interactive. I was initially surprised that the horses
we worked on were, at times, quite uncooperative. This didn't bother
me at all, I think I just expected really quiet ones that we could
drive nails in without them kicking. I believe that this was not
a bad thing as it taught us to handle difficult animals in David's
presence. This will make our own horses easy! I
really liked the fact that we got our "hands dirty"
right from the start. No pussyfooting around - a bit of theory
then do it. I am too old (as in, running out of years!) to obtain
the knowledge and skills David has, so to have someone pass down
their wealth of knowledge was wonderful. It was a professional
course that was not overwhelmingly formal and restrictive.
Your hospitality and friendliness was most welcome
and the premises were a home away from home.
Lindy Read
Bywong ACT Courses Oct 10-15
I really enjoyed the course and by the end of it I felt
much more confident about tackling my horses feet. It gave me concrete
information about just what to do and what not to do and David was
very approachable and informative.
Say a big thank you to him, Wendy Eddey
I would like to say thank you for both the
course at Oberon in which I was an observer and also the course
at Bywong in which I brought two horses. The result of having attended
these two courses is that I now feel confident enough to trim the
pony - usually costs me $45- for two and a half minutes work. While
I am not yet confident in shoeing my horse, I do feel that I can
trim her feet ready for the farrier. If there is a future course
in Bywong or close by, I would certainly like to attend again with
my horse. Again, many thanks
Barb
I enjoyed the Hoof Care Course at Bywong
very much. I am now much more confident about trimming and balancing
my horses's feet. My horses are all barefoot
so I was only trimming, but I still found it interesting to observe
other students learning to correctly shoe their horses.
I found that I had been leaving the toes way too long
on my horses and also cutting their heels too low. I took my young
grand-daughter's horse to the course with me as he had a bad crack
in his off hind foot (almost to the coronet). David showed us
how to clean out the crack and then he filled it for me. You would
not now know the crack had been there unless you look very closely
- great job!
I would definitely recommend David's course to anyone
wanting to learn how to make their horse more comfortable by balancing
the hoof properly - and of course getting rid of those flares!
David is a good teacher and he gave everyone equal attention.
Virginia Tropeano
I learnt heaps from attending the weekend
hoofcare course. David is an excellent teacher (I used to be a teacher
before I retired) who obviously loves passing on what he knows to
other people. He doesn't just talk at you all the time - there is
plenty of opportunity for questions and comments, and lots of practical
demonstration of the things being talked about.
We were happy that David found time to come and look at our mare
with the sore feet/legs, and to trim them to make her more comfortable.
She is still sore on the arthritic leg but in general is much happier
to move around and we know what to do to keep her feet as he left
them.
I've done some trimming of a few of our horses since the course,
and will keep going till I get better at it. Hard to get the sole
out and cut the bars back, not so hard to work the nippers and the
file. All hard with the ones that don't cooperate, and so much more
pleasant and successful with the ones that do.....heaps to practise
and more to learn but I have a sound theory to work on now.
Regards,
Kristen Proudfoot David
and Anne First of all a very big thank you.
The course was very interesting, informative, well presented and
fun. David's passion for hoof care has inspired me to pursue a
career as a farrier, hopefully with David as a mentor (I'll stay
in touch as I gain more experience), and can guarantee you will
see me at Oakbank within the next six months.
David's no fuss, straight down the line style makes
it easy and simple for anyone to grasp and understand, the small
groups meant that every one had a chance to ask questions and
get one on one tuition. His genuine want to help all horses by
informing their owners/farriers meant he didn't keep any secrets,
if he knew something that would help he would show it to us and
explain it.
I definitely recommend the course to anyone who cares
about the well being of their horses.
Also a big thank you to the Dawson's at Country Herbs
in Bywong, their hospitality was second to none. The experience
is one I will remember and has resulted in meeting of people I
hope to be lifelong friends.
Thank you
Steven Magee
Oakbank Course
Thanks so much for a terrific experience on the weekend!
I now feel confident to tackle all my own hoof problems at home.
The content of the course was excellent. David made it so easy to
understand, and was so patient.
Also your meals were awesome!!
Thanks so very much for the opportunity to come down to SA and learn
from David.
Its right up there with one of the best horse experiences in my
life!!
Thanks again, I really appreciate everything!
Emily Prosser
I'm just writing this email to thankyou for your great
hospitality at the course I've just completed.
The knowledge I gained from your course was exactly what I was after
and more; the learning environment was excellent, my partner was
very impressed with the information gained.
The ABC of Hoof Care DVD I call “ David at home”.
Stuart Ivens Muttaburra
QLD July
David really doesn't require feedback as his grasp and
enthusiasm for his subject and his skill in course presentation
mean no changes could be suggested.
I thought the smoko/evening sessions also useful and good
use of time. Only bit would have been handy
to have would have been 5 or 10 minutes on tools, tool care in
particular His skill in his trade combines very well with his
skill as a trainer as every person, from the highly experienced
to the learner in the course I attended, would have learnt a great
deal, and developed more.
Simon Campbell
We really enjoyed the weekend and once again learnt lots. The
things we got out of the weekend were about the critical heel
and how far you can take it off. Where the pedal bone and what
it does.In taking off the toe and how far, some times we are cautions
about what we take off. Also the junction between the frog and
the sole how far you can go in an untouched hoof. Seeing the crack
in the sole and how to treat.How to trim cow hocked and turned
out hoofs (still will need to confirm this one more). I guess
a lot of checking that you’re dong the right thing.
Thanks for a great weekend
Jim and Sue
What an awesome experience. David taught all the participants
so much and we all took away a little something to carry on with
our own horses.
David has a brilliant knack of teaching and getting his point
across in laymans terms so that we all understand.
Personally I intend on travelling to SA to do the five day course
at some point, very keen to learn more.
Sarah Rayner
2 day Course Perth Aug 9-10
As horse owners we are continually striving
to learn more to enable us to care for our horses in the best
possible way. David's course was a enormous step forward into
better horse management. It encompassed all aspects of the workings
of the hoof, effective hoof trimming and hoof balance making it
clear and easy to understand. How exciting to know, armed with
this
valuable knowledge following David's methods, this skill can only
improve every time you look at and attend to your horses hooves.
Every single moment we spend with our horses builds our bond and
understanding, now I really can start from the feet up! Thanks
David it was a great weekend. Thanks also to Sue Jacobson who
was always there if you needed a bit of support and encouragement
when David was trying to spread himself around our group.
Melissa Guest
Perth
2 day course Gloucester NSW Aug 2-3
Thank you for your time, knowledge and patience.
You got your message across to me and I understand what is required
of me to produce a healthy and balanced hoof and a happy and competitive
horse. I have since begun trimming and shoeing my horses and will
revise the process again in 4 weeks to gradually achieve balance.I
am amazed at the shoe size reduction after one trimming, and when
comparing old shoe to new shoe just how long hooves were being
left. Nothing you haven't seen or heard, just to let you know
I see it. Again, thank you, I will contact you again at some point
either to ask you for advice or to express my gratitude after
further work.Please take care - I don't think there's another
quite like you.
Lachlan Ellis
Regarding the course, It was amazing for me. I have been barefoot
for about 5 years following methods of Gene Olvenik and reading
as much as I can - but was not equiped by these teachings to deal
with either of the horses that I bought to the course. After balancing
and shoeing of Sahara who had been in paddock condition for last
18 months, I found a smoothness of gait and responsiveness that
I had previously never experinced. Similarly Dawn, who we have
had for 12 months and came to us with poor hoof confirmation (
long toe, contracted heels and no frog contact) the changes to
her gait after the corrections that we started were impressive.
I look forward to seeing her progress as we get her hoof balanced
over the next couple of trims.
David's patience and method of teaching was fantastic
- and the method of balancing the hoof was a huge piece of information
that to date had been missing for me. I look forward to seeing
David again.
Thanks again,
Andrew
5 day Advanced Course
Just thought Id give some feedback on the course - a couple of months
on... I think one of the first things David
said about the 5 day intensive course was that it'd be life changing...
Well, it certainly was
My horses feet look incredible, they don't have any
cracks, flares, seedy toes and Im not shoeing them as a result.
Theyre happier better performing balanced horses.
I'm doing the Second Chance horses every 21 days and
slowly getting them looking good - although a lot of the work
with these horses is to do with the training of the horse - and
less about the actual work.
Reflecting on the time in Adelaide, Id say that it
was challenging to the point of making it interesting without
overdoing it. What I took away was huge a big difference to many
horses.
I just can't thank David enough... And Anne - still
dream about that hot bread and butter!
Thanks guys!
Andrew Turnbull Perth
2 Day Hoof Care Course
We found the course to be an amazing experience.
Firstly the attention to detail with the hospitality and accommodation
was exceptional - we have been less well looked after at so called
"luxury" b&b's.
The course content and delivery were nothing short of remarkable-
David's knowledge, enthusiasm and patience made for a very productive
educational experience.
Having just spent the weekend vetting an endurance ride (I picked
up and looked at 320 feet if you do the maths!), there is no doubt
that the Hoof Care Course has resulted in a paradigm shift in my
understanding of the relationship between feet, performance and
lameness in athletic horses.
David, you may live to regret offering that lifetime consultancy
- we will be picking your brain on a regular basis! Many
thanks
Bruce and Kerri
2 Day Hoof Care Course
Hi David & Anne
Thank you so much for letting us come to your place at Oakbank,
to learn more about hoof care.
The course was great and really I"m not sure how you could
improve it. On completing the course I
realized how important correct balance of the hoof is for the performance
and wellbeing of the horse.
Correct balance is more than just getting the sole flat and whacking
a shoe on.
Well done and thankyou both again Dave Hoare

Muttaburra QLD July 19-20
The school was excellent, a great teacher, very patient, very sharp
assessment skills in terms of participant skills levels, great co-learners,
enjoyed every moment of it and of course that runs through to some
strong recommendations if anyone asks me (as they will!).
All the best, thanks again, cheers,
Simon
I've really benefited from doing this
course – I’m confident that I can balance a horses
foot and with practice Im looking forward to being able to shoe
all of our horses, full time.
As I’m sure its been said many times, I doubt
I’m going to be able to go away to polocrosse tournaments
without looking at every horses hooves. And I’ll make sure
I check the feet of my opposing number 1s horse! (thanks David!)
Your welcoming attitude and manner along with the
great accommodation facilities really made for an enjoyable weekend
and I’m sure I’ll be back again in the future as we
never stop learning!
Thanks again for everything!
Ebony
Accomodation and Catering............First
Class
Course subject matter...................Well presented and informative,
even for a Novice
Support and empathy....................Excellent
Variety of course...........................Offers exceptional variety
and depth of each subject
Facilities.......................................Could not be better
Value for money............................Exceptional
Would I do it again?.......................When do I start?
Longer term Benefits.....................Having back up support
from David and Anne and building the relationship
Course retention...........................How could you forget,
with all the resources availed to you
David Kemp QLD
Many thanks for the course had a
educational time and you took all the mystery out of trimming and
shoeing horses, learnt a lot and would recommended it to any horse
owner experienced in horse hoof care or just a learner both would
learn a lot. Some feed back re course, while
I can do appreciate the fact that some people are going to learn
from observing and that some of their input and questions are
beneficial. I found it difficult to get your tutorial during the
course as these observers were monopolising your time with story
telling. This was a bit frustrating when I was trying to improve
a develop my technique and at times I felt though the squeakiest
or noisiest student got the most tutoring. As a hands on paying
student who is investing more into the course I think time devoted
to these hands on students should be the priority and the observers
learn from observing and asking questions at more appropriate
times.
Mobile phones should be left in vehicles as they are disturbing
and an interruption to students and teachers.
Over the next few weeks while we are in off season
for Polocrosse I am going to canvass my club members and others
and try and get sufficient numbers for you to hold a course for
hands on students only in Mount Barker or Albany as I think this
will be of huge benefit to our club and fellow horse owners. Look
forward to working with you in the future and hope you don't mind
my feedback.
Best Regards
Darren Rutley
Thank you so much for a wonderful course.
I have learnt so much and still have so much to learn. I would like
to say thank you very much David for having such patience with me
with getting shoes on my two Arabs. Yes I was one of those that
had never pulled, filed or even thought I could ever put a shoe
on. I learnt so much this weekend and met some wonderful people
who like me had never done much farrier work, in fact I had a total
over load by the end of the course. I found some parts of the course
very daunting and felt that I would never get this right but was
reminded over and over again that help is only a phone call, email
or even an airplane trip away. It is now time to practice what I
have learnt and will defiantly be attending the next course that
is held in WA. Once again thank you so much and I have been practicing
to hit nails to get the right wrist movement so hopefully next time
I can hit the nails and not the horses hoof. I
took my two arabs on a 20km training run today and can not believe
the difference, their strides we so much longer and smoother as
well as we cover the ground a lot faster than their usual training
times. They both worked really well and the difference is very
noticeable.
The only suggestion I have is not to have so many
beginners on the same course, as it was very hard to get through
all our questions or get David to check what we had done. I know
it is very hard to be in 10 places at once and we did get the
job done in the end. (only a suggestion)
I would love to be notified when the next course will be in Perth
Vanessa Crispe
I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 day course.
Not only have i learnt how to trim my horses feet. I now understand
more about the hoof and how important
it is to keep it well balanced.
David is so patient and explains everything step by step you gain
confidence you never knew you had.
Thankyou for allowing me to participate in your course.
Regards
Bernadie
I was a spectator for the first
of the two days at the SEC in Perth and really enjoyed the experience.
Not only is the technique developed and demonstrated by David thoroughly
convincing in its sensible logic, but he also encourages plenty
of questions which really helps with learning. I now feel confident
tackling my gelding and perhaps my mare, but I regret not asking
about my foal, assuming at the time it was too crucial for me to
handle ..... but perhaps not. I will try to master the technique
on my adult horses first and see how I go. Thanks for a great day
of learning.
Cheers
Ingrid
I absolutely loved the course. Extremely informative, but so easy
to understand. Went home and trimmed 1 of my ponies the very next
day. Will definitely do another course later in the year. Both my
horse (Henry) that I took to the course and my pony (Butterscotch)
who I trimmed at home are rather pigeon toed. Butterscotch has rather
tough neat little feet but due to never being corrected she is pigeon
toed. She used to swing her front feet a bit but after 1 trim is
much straighter.
Thanks for all the help throughout the course. Much appreciated.
Candi
Hi Anne and David,
Once again, for the third consecutive course, I have learnt so much!!.
Every horse and pony comes with its own set of new and interesting
problems to solve, so there is always something more to learn. But
it always comes back to that if you apply your guidelines of ABC
you will get a balanced hoof. Looking forward to the next course!.
Sue Jacobsen
Bowen Therapist for horses
Gidgegannup
Thanks for the course at Capel.It
was a great course and I got a lot out of it. It has especially
given me alot more confidence in what I am doing and it also gave
me some simple guidlines to follow.iIhave been telling everyone
at the Ag college equine course about you and they want to meet
you as well so there might be some more of us there at your next
course. Simmo one of the girls you were teaching at Yarrie Station
also came from Narrogin and I have been handling her foals for her
and we cought up the other day and she also said she loved it. i
would love to attend another of your courses.
Cheers
Jake Webster
My husband really enjoyed the
course and now understands why I made him go. I had previously done
Davids course and got so much out of it, I felt it was important
that he do it. With both of us now having the same knowledge and
understanding its going to be a lot easier to organise and plan
our horses hoof care, without arguing. Please tell David that the
PoloX mare he did the second day went brilliant at a training tournament
on the weekend.
Lynda and David
The course was excellent, and relevant
to commercial horse breeding. The notes provided were very self
explanatory and the practical sessions invaluable. We breed standardbred
horses for racing and the early development of the foal’s
feet and legs is crucial. Many breeders and farriers do not understand
this which results in poor results at the yearling sale and race
track. It’s a shame there were no local farriers/breeders/trainers
at the workshop however I will spread the word within the industry
where possible. I appreciate David’s offer of providing after
course advice on specific hoof problems via email.
Cathy Wood
The course I just completed was fantastic
and soooo valuable. There were horses at the course that I reckon
owe their lives to David because if they had not benefitted from
his expertise at this course they would have gone on suffering till
their lives were cut short due to incorrect shoeing or treatment.
All the other horses there would certainly have extended their happy
working lives, therefore benefitting their owners.
I was an observer but I know my horses will benefit greatly as well,
and I have David's DVDs to keep me on track as well.
I can not tell you in words what a wonderful weekend I had and how
much I got out of it, as I think all the participants did.
Thank you David so much for travelling to NSW and running this course,
as I doubt I could get to SA, and would have missed out on so much.
Cheers
Trish Preston
On 20th and 21st October I
attended your clinic at Oakbank. I was
enlightened on how a horse could be trimmed and shod correctly.
This clinic opened my eyes on how correct balance can be achieved
so that our horses are more comfortable and will remain sound
throughout their competitive career.
Your decades of experience shone through and this
course is a must for all horse owners so that they know that their
equine friends are being trimmed or shod correctly.
Farriers would also benefit as it will refresh their
understanding of a correctly balanced hoof and their clients will
certainly notice a change in their horse’s performance.
Without the correct balance a horse cannot perform
to its best ability and will show signs of soreness through its
body, whether it is lameness, proppy gait, sore back, grumpiness,
lack of forward or unwilling to work.
My farrier Harvey Excell also attended the Clinic
and we can now work together on my horses balance. We also have
a better understanding of how to use the Hoofline tool.
I am fortunate to have had a wonderful farrier and
friend, Jim Ellis, for 27 years who is always particular about
the correct balance of the horse. Jim is now 73 and still trimming
my two oldies that move like 5 year olds. He took me along to
many Farrier clinics to educate me on the correct trimming of
horses but I feel that your clinic was the best that I have attended.
You have managed to take a serious and technical subject and present
it in layman’s terms allowing both novice and professionals
alike to understand your concepts.
Thanks also to your wife, Anne, who is just lovely
and such a wonderful host and cook. Your hospitality and friendliness
made everyone attending feel like a part of their family.
I feel honoured to have been a part of this clinic
and Country Park will be hosting a course with you when the Equine
Flu situation is over.
I also would like to come back for another refresher
clinic with you soon.
Warm regards
Carol Dawson (Country Park Animal Herbs)
This was my third course & David did
it again!!! It just amazes me how our poor horses survived all these
years without his help. For anyone thinking of doing a course &
for your own horses health... please do one. You'll never regret
it. As long as David keeps teaching, I'll be at his courses.
Kristi McVee, WA
A very down to earth fella, every
aspect of the course is down to earth and the wealth of information
I came home with is beyond beleif, every person with horses in their
lives be they farriers, riders and owners, vets should attend these
courses and become responsible from the ground up. Thanks David
& Ann I will attend more courses, you have enriched my life
and my horses will benefit from here on in.
Karen Drage, WA
This is the second time I've done
the 2-day course and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to
do the best by their horse. David explains things clearly and concisely,
and by the end of the second day your understanding of the hoof
and how to look after it will have increased 100-fold!! Do you horse
a favour and get into it!
Sarah, WA
Thanks to David for a very informative
2 days,would recommend to any horse person for the extra knowledge
for the health and safety of your treasured horse.I look forward
to Davids return to the west.
Kevin Williams, WA
I found the course to be very informative
and well worth going along to see. The hoof-line is a fantastic
invention of David's and feel
that everyone who owns a horse should have one. David's methods
make such common sense and are easy for anyone learn. Everyone should
know at least basic hoof care and how the horse's foot works. Trimming
correctly should be part of anyones basic care and horsemanship
skills. How wonderful it was to see the end result of a horse's
foot being trimmed and shoed in such a
way that, all I can say is WOW.
Tracey Stirling, WA
This was the best horsey experience
I've had. The course was so informative and made so much sense it
helped more than i thought it could. David was really friendly and
helpful and explained horse trimming and shoeing well. I couldn't
say a bad word about this course and would recommend it to anyone.
Thanks David.
Mandy Wilcox, WA
The course was really good. I learned
a lot and will put it to good use.Everything that I was taught will
stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you
Sadie, WA
The course was excellent!!. I have
learned so much in 2 days. David's hoofline tool is the best thing
since sliced bread, anybody can balance a horses foot using this
tool. I can't honour David enough, he is so helpful and is so dedicated
to this cause of making horses sound, happy and pain free. It has
been an absolute pleasure to have met him.
Sue Jacobsen, WA
Thanks again, David & Anne, for
your warm and freindly environment which you provide to everyone
who does this course. In such a short amount of time you have provided
us with the knowledge to improve the state of all our horses' well
being and that's what owning or looking after horses is all about.
If we want them to live in our backyard, then we'd better keep them
happy.
Thanks again, really enjoyed the course and I'll definitely be back
to refine what I've learnt. Thanks,Chris
Chris Bechly
We lived and breathed hooves for
5 days, and I loved every minute!!
David's knowledge is unsurpassed, and his passion for what he is
teaching never wavers. As someone whose interest lies mostly in
barefoot trimming, I am confident that this 'traditional farrier'
knows more about the natural function of the hoof and how to maintain
it at its optimum that many a 'barefoot specialist'. Since completing
the course I have had the knowledge to confidently trim every hoof
I have come accross, and his teaching on horse handling has certantly
improved the experience for both myself and the horses! That aside
the course is worth doing just to experience Anne's hospitality
and cooking!!
Emily Hamlyn, SA
A Fantastic course that every horse
owner should attend. I got so much out of it and immediately put
what I learned into practice at home on my own horses. My only regret
is not attending the second day of the course but I will be back
to learn as much as I can from this Wonderful man. Thankyou David.
PS I am loving your book
Lee-Anne Rowland
Thanks so very much to David and
Anne for the wealth of imformation I gained at this wonderful course!!
I arrived knowing nothing and am now confident to trim my own horses.
David is a wonderful teacher and I am now keen to come back and
learn how to shoe. This course is a must for not only farriers but
all horse owners.
Jackie Forrester, SA
A very well set out professional
program that will benefit riders, farriers, master farriers, vets,
owners, trainers etc. One place that anyone would never stop learning
or get bored and goes beyond shoeing. David Farmilo is not just
a Master Farrier but a Master Horseman and Educator. An ongoing
life program that just starts when you leave. Plus food worth shoeing
for. Thank you David and Anne,
Justin Worth
I found this course extremely
informative and effective. After spending time under Davids expert
eye I have the confidence to shoe a horse (properly balanced) from
start to finish.
Tony Cook
A great experience for me, the course
has put me back on track seeing I haven't shod a horse for many
years. To me after doing the course balancing the hoof is the most
important part of shoeing, and I know I will achieve that by using
David Farmilo's hoof line rule.
Rodney Johns
I highly recommend this course, we
saw and dealt with all types of "problems". David's simple
approach to hoof care is to balance the hoof, and most of all he
is a very good teacher - Life Changing.
Gary Faulks
I once was lost... but now i'm found.
Was Blind... but now i see. The word thanks is not nearly enough
but i know that David would be proud to know that throughout the
remainder of my days there will be BALANCE. I will honour your genius
and forever respect the man. Cheers David in you I have found a
mentor and a mate.
Lucas Holland
A very useful and enjoyable course
- I found David easy to understand and he explained all aspects
of the course thoroughly. Highly recommended
Daniel Wilson, Gulgong, NSW
The course was great and I learnt
heaps. 2 days with David just didn't seem long enough to answer
all my questions. I would love to have him teach me one on one for
2 full days. David has so much knowledge. Many thanks..
Chris Noonan, Gulgong, NSW
Been a first timer at shoeing horses
David's course was a great way to learn the right thing the first
time. The course taught me alot about basic shoeing which i needed
and also taught me how to deal will common hoof problems in my area.
Over all an very wothwhile learning experience.
Stuart MacDougall, Grafton, NSW
I had a great time. Found the course
a great learning experience. Mum has since learnt a lot from me!!!!
Thank you very much and hope to see you next year
Tammy Hughes, Goondiwindi, QLD
My farrier helped me with the last
part of the hoof - I showed him the HOOF-LINE and also watched the
CD then we went to work. He took a lot more sole out near the toe
and a bit more on the heel until it was even, and yes most of the
crack was taken out and he beveled the corners of what was left.
He now has a new lease on life, he runs with 2 geldings and a stallion
and now is back being top dog, much to the displeasure of the stallion.
My Farrier had seen the HOOF-LINE before and was curious but hadn't
asked how it worked - he loved it. He couldn't believe that a gumby
like me could do as well as I did in 2 days with the help of something
so simple - he suggested that they should be standard with every
farrier. I noticed that he checked the other horses to see how balanced
they were before he started. The larger of the 2 greys is having
his first draft back this weekend I'll let you know how we went.........
I got him back in work the following day after the course and he
used to try to bury me for the first 50 odd meters (cold backed
everyone told me!!!!!) he hasn't even turned a hair and that was
about 2 weeks ago - one very happy pony I think.
Tig Fenwicke, FEN, NSW
We just completed the clinic here
in O'NEALS, California. All 13 of us were blown away by the improvement
in the horses that were trimmed and shod. I see it as a step toward
a healthier horse population in central California.
Hugh Bishop--Manager of Flying O Ranch, O'neals California
I found the course answered all the
questions I have had ever since I started doing my own shoeing.
Particularly it took away the guesswork and was very specific in
the correct method of trimming. David is a wealth of knowledge which
has been tried and proven and is backed up by his experience over
a long period of time. I would be interested in getting David to
conduct a school in Broken Hill sometime next year as we discussed.
Ray Johnston, Mildura, VIC
Would like to thank Dave -
he did a great job. Found the course very interesting and very informative
& found the information about shoeing back feet very helpful.
Was great to finaly learn how to use the balancing tool as I have
had one for some time.
Steven Blackadder, NSW
I was really impressed with the course
and I think my horses will reap the benefits. Finally learning how
to put shoes on correctly was a buzz for me. David was so patient.
I would recomend anyone attend David's Clinic male, female, young
or senior. Take care David and thanks Anne for the information and
work you put in to help us along too.
Marilyn Harvy, Mildura, VIC
I had a great time and learned
a lot. Just love that Farmilo sense of humour.
Alan Mouat, Gulgong NSW
I found David extraordinarily patient
and helpful. I liked his focus and ability to make a potentially
complex process straightforward enough so that even a rank novice
could follow his instructions. When my legs recover I'm off to practice
on my horses at home....Look forward to attending another course.
Lesley, Mildura, Vic
The course was great. The presentation
was great and the level of knowledge gained was more then expected.
There is something to be learnt from the very inexperienced to the
very experienced.
Warren Clark, Tamworth, NSW
After shoeing my own horses
most of my life, it is finally good > to know how to get a properly
balanced & well shaped hoof (plus sort out a few other problems).
So simple when you know how, not rocket science at > all.
Stuart Thomson, Lockyer Valley, QLD
Dear Mr. Farmilo It
has now been almost 3 years since I witnessed your talent. You
were teaching one of your 3-day hoof care classes on Walhallow
Station. I was writing to you to say thank you so much for everything
you ever taught me. My horses would say thank you too if they
could talk.
Those three days down at the horse yards helped me
to build patience and understanding for my horse as well as for
myself. Even though I am now only 17 I can shoe the backside off
most of the stock camp here. The only competition I get is from
my older brother and sister; my sister being one of your students
at the same 3 day courses. The other is 32 so he has a slight
advantage. For the rest of my life I will always be employable,
as long as I can keep my back in good order. Wherever there are
horses I will be able to make a living. I hope you realize how
much of a gift that is in an age where millions rely on others
for money and support.
I am a terrible boast, every time the others get on
their high horse about how good they can shoe I just laugh and
ask them if they can shoe a horse in ½ an hour. If they
say no, I just tell them that the fella that taught me was about
sixty and could do a freaking good job in that time. Ask them
if they could fix seedy toe and they just look at you like you
are from another planet. Show them that book (ABC Hoof care) and
they soon change their minds about how they go about shoeing;
even though they don’t admit it.
Even though it was 3 years ago I still remember everything
you taught us there. The book that you gave us sits right next
to my bible on my bedside table; the pages are worn and torn from
3 years of constant study.
I hope to catch you at another of your shoeing courses
sooner or later (unless you’ve retired).
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my shoeing
kit.
Possum Vaughan
The venue, course content and information
delivery were excellent. David has an approachable, friendly manner
which makes it easy to ask questions which are always answered fully.
I learnt a lot reading David's book and articles but the course
really cemented the ABC priciples in my head. DO THE COURSE, your
horse will thank you for it.
Ken Reimers, Lockyer Valley, QLD
I attended first day only. David
is an excellent speaker presenting the theory with humour and in
simple terms. In the practical I was helped (with my 2 Shetland
ponies) by two fence sitter farriers otherwise with class of 12-16
(12 hands-on + 4 viewers) I would not have finished. Suggestion
is that one day be devoted for trims only.
Diana Mitchell, Lockyer Valley, QLD
I found the course very informative
with hands on demos being a great way to improve techniques. David's
excellent knowledge of shoeing and his desire to pass on and assist
with hoof problems is invaluable. As a full time farrier myself,
his knowledge has helped make my business grow.
Raymond Dingle, Lockyer Valley, QLD
Just Fantastic! David's love of horses
just shines through his informative and enlighting course.His easy
to understand ABC system, Assessment, Balance, Correction is life
changing both to horse and owner. I will be armed with my Hoofline
from now on, "look out any flares!"
Caroline Arena, Mooloolah, QLD
Excellent information and well presented.
Last year did it at Mooloolah on a very hot day out in the sun so
was glad it rained this year and we moved to Nambour Showgrounds
in the shade. I personally would rather pay a few extra dollars
towards the covered arena rather that have it outside in the sun
as it was a very comfortable learning facility.
Jean Robinson, Mooloolah, QLD
Thoroughly enjoyed the day. David
is a wealth of information. Glad I did the hands on, I think it
helped to ingrain the information seeing as I had never shod a horse
before. Many thanks David, see you next year.
Leanne Searle, Maryborough, QLD
I learned a lot from David's course.
He explained things in a way that was easy to understand and he
didn't mind me asking questions. I now feel confident to trim my
own horse's feet and I look forward to attendingnext year's clinic.
Jeremiah, Maryborough, QLD
I had very limited knowledge
on farrier-ing , what I knew was wrong anyway!!. It is enlightening
to see a master at his trade -the course is hands on, implementation
under guidance,watching others more competent than you and learning.
I found it excellent -thoroughly recommend it.
John Flynn, Kikilvan, QLD
Great course. Learnt more in two
days than I have in the last four years about hoof care. I'm glad
I was able to attend this course as I am confident to tend my horses
feet now knowing that what I am doing works. Horses don't lie. My
crew of six are much happpier. Unfortunately I have picked up a
bad habit of looking at horses feet. Very Weird.
Lee, Alpha, QLD
Enjoyed the course and learnt a lot
about horses feet and how to care for them, in particular how to
balance their feet. David is an excellent trainer and very helpful.
Especially like his explanation and support with real live examples
and photos etc. Only one dislike, which was his language at times.
Nebo Participant
David's hoof care course was great,
I don't think I've ever learnt so much in 2 days.
Chris, QLD
An eye opening two days, I found
the course very educational and worthwhile. A lot to learn for everyone
who thinks anything of their horses.
Jeff Clews, QLD
Seemed simple but still working
on the concept which makes sense. Time will tell.
Alistair Gordon, Charters Towers, QLD
This is the second course that
I have attended and I found the course very good. I picked up things
this year that I missed last year. David explains everything in
a simple to understand way. I would recommend David's courses to
everyone.
Bill Abraham, Goondiwindi, QLD
Well presented, in a language that
is easy to understand.
Dominic Toomey, Charters Towers, QLD
I found that the course was very
informative & David was easy to understand & pass on his
knowledge to others. I would like to have spent a little more time
on the basics, but am sure that I have enough understanding to go
on with. I would like to do another next year as a refresher , thank
you.
Paul Flynn, Charters Towers, QLD
Great course and I learnt a lot from
david and his experience. His passion for and knowledge of this
subject is truly astounding. Thankyou!
Matt Ahern, Roma, QLD
Great Course, only suggestion is
that for the first day sort of split the group (1/2 working and
1/2 watching)for the morning then swap for the arvo session. So
people have more of an idea before they start. Then let em all go
the 2nd day. But all in all a really great course.
Bmat, Roma, QLD
David helped me understand some basic
principles of the trade -how to stand, how to balance the hoof -
two things that make the job easier and in the end help improve
and strengthen the horses ability. Two of my horses have had issues
due to injury and/or conformation faults, David gave me more confidence
in my self and therefore the ability to continue their hoof care
and since the course the two horses have started to repair and perform
better then previously. For this I am truely grateful. Thank you
Mal Shaw, Bunbury, WA
Excellent course. The value of David's
methods is that you follow a formula in a step wise process. Stick
to that and with time the mystery will go. For grossly abused feet
seek help but that help should be to restore balance.
Ken Lee, Cummins, SA
Thanks David and Anne (behind every
great man.....).You have cleared up some grey areas and provided
an easy, correct, common nsense approach to hoof care. I feel at
ease having gained bits of the RIGHT knoweldge on which to build
further skills and to forever help my best friends.
Cindy Dennis, Cummins, SA
Great two days David, as always easy
to understand. I was glad my two older sons were able to attend,
they now have a simpler understanding of how a hoof works, why problems
start and how to correct them. The tool makes it fool proof and
you can see to shape easily. Thanks again, hope to see you over
here next year.
Noelene, Geraldton, WA
I would like to thank again David for his excellent course which
contains extremely valuable information and is well delivered. Keep
up the great work!!
Allister Butcher, Kojonup, WA
Fantastic thanks - learnt a lot considering
last course was 20 years ago; learnt a lot personally for my own
horses, and as for my work side as a vet, will be dealing with lameness
and founder a lot differently thanks a lot. Hope you can get into
the vet schools to start basics to students.
Miles Nye-Chart, Kojonup, WA
David, my friend and I spent about
a week in total amazement at how much better our horses trotted
after doing your course! I didn't realize how much smoother and
softer a trot could be after one hoof trim! I didn't doubt what
you were saying, I just didn't comprehend how much better it would
be! Thank you for that!
Nadia, Derby Clinic
Thank you David, you are an absolute
gem. I feel confident to trim my pony and my warmblood will love
you forever. Every horse owner should attend your courses even if
it's just to know your own farrier is doing the
job RIGHT. Can't wait to see you next time around.
Adele Lubcke, Kojonup, WA
Many many thanks, I learnt
more and clarified many things that I was still questioning after
last years course.
The foundered pony was on his feet more today and he is locked in
the cattle yards and is spending quite a bit of time roaming looking
for something to eat.
Jacky Ynema, Bunbary, WA
My partner Trevor is still raving
about all the wonderful knowledge that he gained from David. He
is implementing all he has learnt even after 30 years as a farrier
and is really thrilled with all the results.
Sarah, NT
Bloody fantastic!! David's a great
teacher with so much experience to share. I feel much better knowing
something about how my horse's hooves should look! EVERYONE SHOULD
DO THEIR HORSES A FAVOUR AND GET THEMSELVES ON THIS COURSE!
Squitch, WA
I have been around horses most of
my life and have never even picked up a rasp. but after just 2 days
I feel completely at ease about trimming my own horses' feet. David's
course was very informative. Thankyou.
Jo Petit, Bunbary, WA
The course was enlightening and informative.
I wish all horses had the opportunity to have their farrier follow
the ABC hoof care method.
Helen Vaiciunas, Geraldton, WA
Thank you David, I now have the knowledge
and with time and a bit more practice, will have the confidence
to trim my own horse. We are very priviledged that you have shared
this information with us and the best part is, if you follow the
system and guidelines, you CANNOT go wrong!It is foolproof and proven.
Will recommend your clinics and system to everyone I know in the
horsie world! Thanks again.
Kelly, WA
I thoroughly enjoyed the two days
as a 'viewer' and felt privileged to see David working with people
and horses that were obviously benefiting from his knowledge and
skills. David's clear and simple message in relation to correct
hoof balance interspersed with discussion and many factual stories
was an unforgettable educational experience. Thankyou -from me and
my horses.
Julie, Geraldton WA
Excellent course supported by very
comprehensive notes and instructions. I didn't really think I would
be able to do it but ended up trimming two and a half horses! David
is a superb teacher with endless patience and a devilish sense of
humour. I feel confident enough to go and trim my other two and
a half horses especially with knowing I can email him if I have
a problem. Would love to see every horse owner attend one of his
courses. Thanks David.
Kerry Hadley, Geraldton, WA
I found it to be a comprehensive
course which made the job easier, with the aid of the simple ruler
which David has made, which in turn just reasures some people what
they have been doing for years. David is easy going and knows his
trade and I reccommend his course to anyone, novice or experienced.
David Bowman, Willeroo Station, NT
All who took part in the course were
surprised at how much they didn't know - it gave them a new view
and understanding of the preciseness required to shoe a horse. We
recommend the course and the Hoof Line Ruler.
Kerrie McInnes, Liverenga Station, WA
Thoroughly enjoyable course. This
is the second time that I have attended and you just can't stop
learning from David - he is a great teacher and makes shoeing uncomplicated
and enjoyable
Bonnie Anderson, Jubilee Downs, WA
I have been shoeing horses for a
few years, but did not know what I was doing, the course was brilliant,
with participants from all levels, I now have a basic knowledge
of the correct way to put shoes on & the problems caused by
incorrect shoeing etc, & what to look for in lame horses; highly
professional & informative.
Bob Lee, Karratha
Dear David, Your Hoof-Line method
is a true reflection of yourself. Basic,commonsense approach to
proper hoof care. Your true passsion for equus is pure and so refreshing
in this industry. I thank you and all the horses thank you, for
they have the final say. Wishing you the very best.
Ron, Richmond VA (USA)
My husband & I found both of
your clinics invigorating. We felt confirmed in our thinking. It
has afforded us hours of conversing. You have been a welcomed blast
of refreshing energy. Thank you also for such thoughtful insight
and straight-from-the-hip humor.
Sloan and Michael, Glover VT
I was called to look at a friends
horse 2 days after the horse came home from the trainers. This horse
cost the syndicate a lot of money.
When I saw her I got the shock of my life.This 3 year old filly
had won her barrier trial but was stopped from racing her first
race by the vet due to lameness. The vet didn't comment on her shoeing.The
trainer's farrier had already attempted to correct the lameness.
The shoeing of this horse when she was deemed unsound by the course
vet must have been even worse.
In 35 years of shoeing I have never seen a worse shoeing job than
this. Her toes were so long that her pasterns were forced to stand
vertical. This horse was walking with tiny steps and in obvious
extreme pain.
With your HOOF-LINE she measured 7 to the toe and 5 to the heel.
After balancing and re-shoeing using the HOOF-LINE, the balance
was equal at 5.5 & 5.5 in one shoeing. She instantly walked
away with normal strides but still with slight lameness.
The first thing obvious to me was that no sole had been trimmed
out at all. I cut probably 1/2" of sole out and she still had
plenty of sole thickness left.
She was shod in aluminium plates with very hard pads about 1/4"
thick apparently to relieve stress. To me there did not seen to
be much stress in the actual hooves - it was all in the tendons,
leg and back directly from the incorrect hoof pastern angle caused
by extreme toe length. So I think the pads just made the situation
worse by effectively adding thickness to the shoe and placing the
frog so far off the ground surface it
could not possibly touch the ground as it should.
I reshod her with size 2 light concaves without the pads - this
was a size smaller than the plates I removed.
I have just received a call from the owner saying the morning after
I shod her was the first time they had seen her walk and canter
normally with no pain.
The owner contacted the trainer to inform him and complain about
the original shoeing. The trqainer's comment was "I've had
horses for years and that (the bad shoeing) was one of the best
shoeing I've seen". The trainer had previously told him "all
horses get sore from time to time".
For a racehorse in training she stood abnormally still for the entire
shoeing and didn't move a muscle - it was almost as if she was crying
out for help and knew she was receiving it.
This is a sad story but one that can have a happy ending if only
people would learn and listen.
David I cant thank you enough for the help you have given me and
the extra confidence I have gained by your method, even after 35
years of shoeing.
Geoff Townsend, Yarrawa, NSW
In my mind David is "The Mentor"
to us all in the horse fraternity, whatever country. More farriers
should refresh their abilities and knowledge by attending David's
courses.
Ken Walker, Newman WA
Having shod horses for over 30 years
I have come to a point where I could not accept some of the traditional
shoeing techniques. It is refreshing to hear David's logical and
simple method of trimming and shoeing.
Many time I have shod horses thinking on observation at completion
of the job that I could have done better (i.e taken more toe or
heal off). Now with the aid of Davids teaching and his HOOF-LINE
I can walk away knowing I have balanced each horse's hoof correctly.
Thank you David for the time and patience you gave to answer all
of my questions. In my opinion every farrier should attend one of
David's couses as horseshoeing like all other endeavours in life
is a never ending learning process, to think we know it all is to
deny any advancement. So to all farriers and horse enthusiasts do
yourself and your horses a favour and attend one of David's courses.
Geoff Townsend, Yarawa Pony club, QLD
Mount Pleasant Pony Club hosted
the David Farmilo Hoof Care Course on October the 22-23rd. The course
was well attended, with elegantly sufficient numbers to make one
on one tutoring extremely effective, and the Club received many
compliments on the facilities and organisation. The weather held
out long enough to give us a good first day and the show shedding
provided a good base of operations on the Sunday when the weather
turned to custard. David Farmilo is a fantastic
teacher with a wealth of knowledge, and by the end of the weekend
all participants were assessing, balancing and correcting their
horses hooves with confidence. Even muggins here is confident
that I can provide Mannie (my beloved 1st pony) with a lifetime
of good health care from this time forward. David's humour, insight
and patience makes for a lively and open discourse on the subject
throughout the whole course.
He came well prepared, with tools for everyone and
good course materials and handouts. We were able to buy basic
hoof care tools from him - a real boon and useful in the extreme.
We even received a copy of his book, which along with many amusing
anecdotes from his over 40 years as a farrier, also contains a
swag of instruction and graphics on hoof care and trimming. This
is exceptionally useful for future reference when refreshing knowledge
from the original course. It turns out that a DVD is on its way
and most of our course, myself included, fully intend to add this
to our resources for the ongoing programme we have all committed
to.
Those courageous enough to attempt their own shoeing
found his method simple and easy to follow; we were all treated
to full instruction on this, a full course on conformation and
correction of issues, as well as ongoing hoof care for any horse.
David is one of those rare teachers who wishes to
impart all his knowledge, and is particularly keen to teach youngsters;
he was thrilled to see Alex and Emma on the course. He also has
supplied his home phone number to everyone to call him anytime
with queries and problems (a rare find indeed!) and the students
all remarked to me afterward that they thought it was the best
course they had attended on anything to do with horse care.
I would recommend this course to anyone - I got bagloads
out of it myself, and will continue to make my horses lives more
comfortable and ensure optimum performance by treating their feet
correctly and in a timely manner. Remember, 'No hoof - no horse'
and 'Flares are your enemy'! Most participants remarked that the
first thing they learned was how little they actually knew, and
not a few of us were forced to face the fact that we had taken
the incorrect/ignorant words of our farriers and other horse people
as gospel.
One young participant has decided that she wishes
to be a farrier and at the end of her Navy tenure at the base
will take up studying with David's system full time! Lets hope
she ends up with David and practising in the area :). The club
has also obtained two new members and an offer of sponsorship
from one of them. What a fabulous weekend!
I was hoping to have recovered from a crushed nerve
in my back before this course, but it was not to be so; David
kindly bought along hoof stands for those that required them,
and it was easy to go at your own pace, making it comfortable
for any level of fitness and ability. So dont feel that you will
be unable to take this on due to one of those issues.
I'm packed in ice packs at the moment; made it through
but its giving me curry now for pushing it a bit. MOTH (Man of
the House) called on the Sunday night from OS and soundly berated
me for pushing the envelope. With the reply "But Mannie is
Comfortable now!", my very wise beloved husband changed the
subject. :))
For those who missed this unbelievably life changing
weekend; lets hope David comes back for a second course with us
as it is entirely your loss, I can assure you.
Mt Pleasant Pony Club Newsletter,
by Michelle Hungerford
The course was great! I learnt a lot and
now don't have to waste
money on a sub-standard trimming or shoeing job because I can do
it myself! Thanks a lot David!
Katherine, Kunanurra, WA
Thank you very much for running the
course at Dardanup - I found it very valuable. I had much more confidence
to keep trimming the over-long toes back to where they needed to
be. The flares were amazing before I started.
My little Bay horse with the long toes seems to have improved in
leaps and bounds with his work abilities. I did a 3 day clinic on
him the following weekend - he was bouncing off the ground like
never before.
Jacky Y, Dardanup, WA
It was the best decision I ever made
to do this course. I would highly recomend it for anyone that has
anything to do with horses, even if you never intend to work on
your own horses it's worth gaining the knowledge
to understand the workings of a hoof and how it can be affected
by seemingly
minor imbalances. Thanks David.
Andrew, Moggill, QLD
The course was an inspiration. I
now look forward to shoeing rather than dreading that time again.
This can be attributed to the knowledge and manner in which you
gave your hoof care course. Knowing what makes the hoof tick and
how we should be balancing makes the job that much easier and rewarding.
Would like to see more demonstration or working around a horse when
shoeing.Once again thanks for a terrific and valuable course.
Ken Walker, Newman, WA
Of the three geldings my husband
shod at your clinic, I competed on two of them the following weekend,
in a "3 Divisional Barrel Race". Placings for the event
are calculated over three runs per horse. "Mack" &
"McCoy" place 1st & 2nd in the 1st Division, with
them running the fastest pattern times clocked on the day. "Mack"
also won the Open Barrel Races. I don't how much of this was there
new feet, but I am sure they played a significant role.
Quiona Young, Middlemount, QLD
I was roped into doing the course
by my wife but after the first day I was hooked. Having never shod
a horse in my life I was very happy to go away on day two with 4
shoes all round and not a bad job if I
say so myself. Thanks for a terrifc school, well worth it.
John Willcox, Kilkivan, QLD
Taking just a few moments to
thankyou once again for the time, effort, and fabulous presentation
at your clinic. It has been agreed by all, that this was one of
the best clinics in the northeast in ages !
I just played your CD and I can tell you its great. I have over
$2,000. in books and video's and your short CD explains more and
tells it clearer than the best video's in my collection.
Some of us have already talked about a return visit
in the future. You truly do have a lot to offer. I spoke with
the horse-owners throughout the clinic and they finally had a
chance to listen to someone who explained things in a manner they
could understand.
There were a lot of different levels of expertice at the clinic
and you had EVERYONE'S attention and everyone followed you from
horse to horse .
NOT once did I hear anyone say, " I am confused".
Back to Basics by David Farmilo will be the talk among farriers
up here for a while to come.
We were HONORED to have you teach us.
Thankyou
Bruce Matthews CJF
Vermont Farriers Association President
Northeast Drafthorse Shoeing LLC
Very hands on, staff learned quickly and
took away a lot of practical ideas. Don't mind return training sessions.
Townsend, NT Very informative, the course
has given us the tools and knowledge to look after our horses
feet and make their working lives more comfortable. The change
in our horses in 12 months has been outstanding.
Geoff Murrell, Manager, Helen Springs, NT
There aren't enough words to describe the feelings
I have from doing the ABC hoof care clinic with David, but if
I could do anything for my horse this would be it. I didn't realise
I could be in charge of such a big part of
horse care & the most important part hoof care. David is an
amazing person & an inspiration to all horse owners &
I would do another clinic tomorrow in the blink of an eyelid.
Thank you to David & Anne for making such a
workable & inspirational course!
Kristi McVee, WA
David was very easy to learn from. The course was enjoyable and
made it easy to learn about the horses feet and how to shoe them.
Thoroughly enjoyed myself and would attend another one again.
Bonnie Anderson, Fitzroy Crossing, WA
Well worth doing, David is very easy to learn from and explains
things so everyone can understand. Makes shoeing seem enjoyable.
Kelly Smith, Fitzroy Crossing, WA
I signed on the course as I am a Bowen Enthusiast and see many horses
with "muscle" problems "I believed" were related
to hoof angle. I was looking for greater understanding of what was
going on. My expectations were greatly exceeded.With an understanding
of the balance principal and my trusty hoof line I am now confident
to explain to owners the basic balance principal and
let them make their own assessments.This can only be a wonderful
thing for many sore horses out there. I signed
on as a fence sitter looking to improve my trimming techniques
as I had stopped paying professionals to shoe my older horse 4
years ago when he was becoming progressively lamer with each shoeing.
We have been much sounder bare foot with our trusty old macks
forbackup. After the 1st day I had to upgrade and the 2nd day
saw ME put two good front shoes on my old boy, there is no holding
either of us back now.
(Which is good for me and something to work on with him).
Liesa Platten, WA
Hi David We have just
got home from Corryong where Rowan (16 yrs) competed in The Man
from Snowy River Challenge
I thought you might be interested to know that in
the Horse Shoeing section in the Juniors Rowan came first, he
had to do a trim on one front and one hind in 15 mins.
We got Rowan all the tools you had suggested and he
made himself one of your boxes, boy were they all impressed, during
the comp all the officials and judges were gathered round just
pulling his box about looking at it all.There was the sole chisel
tool that one judge was particularly interested in, saying “Where
did you get that” -he was really inquisitive.So we told
him proudly.
Thankyou once again for the great tuition you gave
the Boys - they look at horses feet constantly now, evaluating
them and trimming a couple of our own horses. It was great on
the weekend as Rowan’s competition horse threw a shoe on
Saturday, but as we had the box and a spare shoe he was able to
just put another one back on, and he was right for Sunday.
Lyn Ross NSW
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