A year ago I purchased a Miniature Mare. At that time she was expecting and I was so looking forward to having another farm toy to play with. Unfortunately there where problems with the delivery and we lost the foal and almost lost the mare. Due to the stress and the fact that the mare had not been looked after (by her previous owner) during her pregnancy, she foundered. I tried different Farriers and no one could correct her problems and over the next few months she continued to founder. By October of 2006, I was at my wits end and she was suffering more and more each day. She was so stiff she could hardly walk. I would take the feed and water to her. I was almost at the point of having her put down.

Then one day my friend called me with a phone number of a woman who specialized in foundered horses. I immediately started to try to contact her and after five days of playing phone tag I had the pleasure of speaking to Kate Romanenko a Natural Barefoot Hoofcare Specialist. The only important question I had was when could she come to see my little mare and she said the next day.

When Kate arrived it took both of us to get Venture into the barn, by the time Kate was finished Venture walked right beside me on the way back to the field and even went for a small trot with my other horse. The difference was immediate.

For months when I went to the barn she would hang her head and make no notice of me, but now when I go she has her head up, ears perked and whinnies. After the second trimming, Venture now comes into the barn yard at feeding time on the run, bucking and bouncing off the ground. I could not be happier. Kate is coming today and I look forward to Venture and myself reaping the rewards of her talent.

My last Farrier said he could not perform miracles. Thank goodness I have found someone who can. Thank you Kate!

- Ruth and Venture

Kate, thank you for saving my horse's life. During the five years I owned my horse he was continually on/off lame. Finally his veterinarian recommended euthanasia. Then you entered our lives. Within 2 months of a more natural lifestyle and a PROPER barefoot trim my horse has gone from Death's door to totally sound and lots of fun to ride.

It is unfortunate that we often don't seek out the obvious alternative to horse shoes and/or chronic lameness until we are in a crisis situation. My sincere hope is that the barefoot movement spreads like wildfire.

Thank you for your care and for sharing your knowledge.

Sincerely,
Anne Chopra

Our horses no longer need shoes to cover up their hoof problems. The natural trim has eliminated cracking and thrush problems. Our horses now move soundly on any terrain. The most satisfying change I've noticed is the head level on all four of my horses . Before the trim, they would cary their heads much higher, but now the head level is low and they move out more willingly.

- Rosemary Mesley, Roseview Farm

My name is Toni Skelton and I've been dealing with laminitis for about twelve of my twenty years of horse ownership. Whiskey was about eight years old when she first foundered. Subsequent bouts over the years resulted in the rotation of the coffin bones of both front feet. My vet and farriers have done everything they could to help my mare and I will be eternally grateful for their care and dedication.

Special shoes, pads, bute, abscesses, epsom salts, and poultices became part of life for Whiskey. We did everything we could to keep her comfortable, but still she declined over the years and daily buting became necessary just to keep her going. She had good, bad, and occasionally very bad days. When my vet noted that Whiskey may not be capable of enduring another winter of hard, frozen ground, I called Kate Romanenko, the farrier I had heard many mixed opinions about.

That was two years ago. Kate's trims and natural approach have made a world of difference for my mare. Instead of bute given daily, we occasionally use white willow bark for pain. Apple cider vinegar is diluted and sprayed on her coronary bands, frogs, and soles to help keep her feet in good order. She has far more good days now. She still gets the odd abscess and days when she is a little sore, but she also gets days when unmedicated, she trots soundly and even gallops and bucks! The vast majority of her days are spent in comfort and her quality of life is no longer in question.

I highly recommend Kate to anyone who is looking for a great farrier.

- Toni Skelton

One specific issue I faced was the condition of my mare's feet. Unfortunately, they are very petite and would constantly abscess, leaving her in great discomfort. It was impossible to remove her shoes as without them, she would be lame and could not be ridden. For many years, my blacksmith provided the only solution he could offer -- pads and bar shoes.

I searched endlessly to find a way to ride my mare without causing her discomfort or pain. Finally, I met a natural trim farrier who not only educated me on the importance and benefits of a natural trim, but who took the time to assess the needs of my special companion.

Two years ago, at age 14, my mare's feet were transformed! The natural trim has provided her with comfort, ease and enjoyment. To this day, she has not suffered an abscess or taken on lame step. This has convinced me that this is how it should be -- the way nature intended it.

- Sophie Benoit

My mare is labour intensive. I watch her food, temperature of water, how much grass, how long she’s out – every little thing has to be monitored. Not many people would put up with all the work for a retired horse and I was starting to question it myself – especially when you do all the work only to have her founder again. I was beating myself up that I could not prevent her coffin bone from slipping. Kate showed me, with the help of a cadaver foot, that her feet had no room. If she had any trouble whatsoever, her only relief was foundering. Kate opened up the sole to allow the hoof to spread instead. My mare responded immediately! Mind you, it took me almost four weeks to believe I could put her out for 24 hours – it’s a big decision. But, I can honestly say, my mare has spent the last 3 consecutive days OUTSIDE! And she’s loving it!

L. Harris