I found this great article on the Importance of proper Shoeing to
reduce Lameness.. Since we have decided to accept
the Care Control and Custody of the Wonderful Horse, it is our
responsibility to be Aware...

Enjoy and file:
From John Silveira



I am a Farrier for over 16 years now in the San Francisco Bay Area California. My claim to fame is I have not had one single lame horse due to my methods of shoeing for almost 17 years now. What i want to tell you about today is one of the very important issues of what true "Level" is and how to achieve it. The misconception of how to achieve level is that it's done by looking at the hairline of the horses foot. So let's find out the truth.

If you pick up a horses foot and flex it you will notice it basically only moves in an up and down motion. If you try to twist the foot like a lazy susan you will see the foot does not move that way- also if you try to press one side of the foot down it does not move that way either - "Only" up and down. True level is determined by a 90 degree axis to the up and down movement and not by visually looking at the hairline from the front of the horse.

Here is how you determine true level. Pick up a foot (Front foot is easier) and place your eyes directly over the foot as you let it dangle by a grasp at the fetlock joint. Place a ruler of 12 inches across the foot side to side, not toe to heel. Holding the ruler on the foot (ground surface of the foot) flex the foot up and down in the only way it moves. Keep focusing on the movement/travel of the ruler. Now - raise one side of the ruler off the hoof by at least an inch and move the foot like that again. Imagine now if the foot actually were trimmed that way. Obviously the foot would not be level if indeed the ruler were one inch higher on one side of the hoof.

True level is established when the ruler is at a absolute 90 degree angle like a "T Square". When the foot is level the pastern bones aligned with the coffin bone will nestle correctly, when not you will have bind and pressures in the joints that lead to arthritis and other problems ultimately lameness.

Get your horse level. If your Farrier does not know how to test for level "show him" - your horse depends on it.

Any questions please contact me personally. The consultation is at no cost to you - that is "Free". My contact information is below in the author bio.

thanks very much and hope your horses stay sound for you.

Author Bio: John Silveira, Farrier, Aikido practitioner, spiritualist, born and raised in San Mateo California the bay area. For information on his shoeing method and 16 year 100% track record "not one single lame horse" just go to http://Care4Horses.com and leave contact information. thank you and remember to Care4Horses

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Silveira

Here is some Fun Stuff.....
How to Talk Your Wife OUT of Buying a Horse
By Ron Petracek

Many couples who have been married for any length of time know that any marriage is based on compromise. For example, this is when the husband informs his wife that he needs a new set of golf clubs to improve his golf game. This is when the wife will ask how much and the husband responds $800. This is when the wife will respond "not in your dreams!" After some debate, the couple will agree that he can purchase new golf clubs, but he is only allowed to spend $400.

Married couples go through this routine on a daily basis about many different things that happen in their lives and now your wife thinks that she will have some leverage over you and tells you that she has dreamed of owning a horse since she was a child and she wants to purchase a horse of her very own.

You know that owning a horse will be much more expensive than purchasing golf clubs; after all, golf clubs do not eat. This is when you decide to put your foot down and tell your wife that she cannot purchase a horse, but before you inform your wife of this decision, you need to have some reasons prepared to defend your position because she is going to argue with you.

The first point that you can use to defend your decision is that horses are too expensive to own. You can tell your wife that unlike purchasing golf clubs, purchasing a horse is not a one time expense. Besides paying a high price for a horse that is safe, you will also have to pay for monthly expenses like feed and board. You will also have to purchase all of the necessary grooming supplies and a saddle and bridle so that your wife will be able to ride the horse.

Another valid reason that you can use to defend your point of not purchasing a horse is that your wife will be driving every day to where the horse is boarded to take care of it. This means that she will have to fill up her gas tank more often and with the rising cost of gas this could be a very costly expense. Your wife will also be putting a lot more miles on her car driving to take care of the horse. This means that there will also be more routine maintenance expenses that you will have to pay for.

You can also argue that the two of you will not be able to spend as much time together as you do now because the horse is going to take up all of her extra time. This means that the two of you will not be able to do some of the things that you enjoy together like going to the movies.

You will have to be prepared to stand your ground on this issue because a woman that wants a horse can be very persistent. You should also start saving your money because even though you have many valid reasons against purchasing a horse, this is one battle that you will lose and before you know it and your wife will be the proud owner of her very first horse!

Ron Petracek - Raised in Southern Idaho, Ron's love for Trucks,Horses and the outdoors all fell hand in hand. Ron loves to ride his horses and work on his diesel trucks in California where he now resides with his wife and two children. His love has founded two online business.

To view the equine classified network just click here -->http://www.horsechitchat.com

The other is for diesel and automotive related fuel enhancement additives which can be viewed by just clicking here -->http://www.fuelboost.com

Stop on by and say hello. We also leave the door open for friends.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Petracek