About Us
My name is Dave Fitton and I would like to welcome you to the ever changing and evolving world of natural hoof care and equine stewardship for our equine friends.
As with most of you it was a horse, my favorite rope horse, Booger Red that led me on my barefoot odyssey. At the age of eighteen Red was diagnosed with Navicular Syndrome. He had been well cared for his entire life with traditional regular shoeing. Three Farriers and two Veterinarians later I began searching the internet for answers. I had the good fortune to attend two workshops with Martha Olivio and was mentored by James Welz. Both at the time had just returned from Germany after completing their studies with Dr. Hiltrud Strasser. The knowledge they shared with me put me on the right path to allow my horse to heal. A little over a year later I too was certified by Dr. Hiltrud Strasser after completing a year long technical and practical international study course. I have continued to study and network with some of the top pioneers in our field, having had the wonderful opportunity to study with both Pete Ramey and Dr. Robert Bowker. As a professional I consider it my responsibility to continue to study, network and learn for the sake of my equine clients. I currently teach several times a year at the Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care. I continue to mentor students and Farriers interested in learning natural hoof care and the importance of equine stewardship.
What just a few years ago was considered off-beat and grasping at straws when trying to heal a lame horse is now becoming mainstream thinking as horse owners, performance trainers and Veterinarians educate themselves and see the undeniable results of the barefoot movement.
What has become known as Natural Hoof Care is an important part of the total stewardship program that improves the overall physical and mental health of our equine friends. It is our responsibility as caregivers to maintain natural living conditions integrated with regular Veterinarian, Dentistry and Chiropractic care
when keeping these magnificent animals in a captive situation for our convenience and pleasure.
For those of you that were wondering about Booger Red, he is now twenty eight, still sound and still competing at weekend ropings. His newest job is teaching our granddaughter to ride!
® 2009 Dave Fitton Hoof Care Specialist L.L.C.
Dave trimming a very ill foundered mare
Horses need and enjoy moisture for their hooves. This clients horse decided to soak his own hooves.
Dave Fitton and Booger Red high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Red was 24 years old and barefoot at the time this picture was taken.
Teaching a colt that there is nothing to be afraid of when you get your hooves trimmed. This colt was born with "calf knees." This was his 2nd trim and his legs and hooves are balanced. If caught at an early age many leg and hoof problems can be corrected in just a couple of trims.
