The Humble Hoof
Episodes
Sedations Considerations for Hoofcare
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jeff Hall, a managing veterinarian with Zoetis Equine Technical Services Team, talks about the use of sedation during hoofcare and other husbandry...
Horse First, Rider Second: The Ethics of Hoof Rehab
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Becky Bawn, Kat Christieson and Lisa Agius-Gilibert talk about ethics in hoof rehab - just because we CAN ride a horse, should we? And what are some c...
Regenerative Medicine and Equine Soundness
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Holly Helbig talks about what regenerative medicine devices are, and how they can play a role in equine rehabilitation and soundness.
Safety With Power Tools with Jim Apple
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jim Apple talks about using power tools like angle grinders in hoofcare, how to approach the use when using new modalities, and how to protect ourselv...
Biosecurity: Protecting The Horses We Work With with Dr. Holly Helbig
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Holly Helbig talks about practical steps to ensure we don't spread infectious disease between horses we see, both as horse owners and equine profe...
Is It Really Navicular? With Dr. David Ramey
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. David Ramey talks about the ins and outs of a navicular diagnosis, why it can easily be misdiagnosed, and why you can likely have hope even when y...
Hooves in Winter
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Lynn Lewis and Maggie Lambert talk about some hoofcare considerations they make to keep horses safe, sound, and comfortable through winter months...
Throwback Episode: Hoofcare in the Winter
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is a re-upload of an episode with Deanna Quinn, a hoofcare provider in Alaska, discussing hoofcare in cold weather. Thank you to our amazing spon...
What Your Veterinarian Wishes You Knew About Hoof Health
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Erica Lacher of Straight from the Horse Doctor's Mouth talks about what your veterinarian wishes you knew about hoof health. Thank you to our amaz...
Rehabbing Navicular: A Case Study
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hannah Fox talks about her gelding Leopold, and how she rehabbed him from a damning navicular diagnosis back to soundness and competition - barefoot!T...
Barefoot Hoof Rehab
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dave MacDonald talks about how to successfully transition horses from shod to barefoot, and some of the steps owners can take to help hooves handle al...
Listening to Your Horse with Dr. Lily Wilson
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Lily Wilson talks about Attuned Assessment, and how noting subtle changes in your horse's behavior, posture, breathing, and expression can help yo...
Fall Laminitis
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Eleanor Kellon, Dr. Fran Rowe, and Dr. Ana Mesa talk about laminitis, how sugars in the grass affect hooves, what the fall means for PPID horses, ...
The Latest in Laminitis Research
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Eleanor Kellon and Dr. Kathleen Gustafson discuss some of the latest research into endocrinopathic issues, and briefly touch upon the topics that ...
Late Summer Hoof Issues: PPID Mini Episode
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the late summer and early fall, some horses seem to have hoof issues "out of nowhere." With no changes to their care, diet, or management, they mig...
Hoof Considerations for the "Long Ears"
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Carole Herder, founder of Cavallo Hoof Boots, talks about donkey hooves and care, as well as the development of the new Cavallo "Long Eared Boots."Tha...
Laminitis Recovery
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wisconsin-based hoofcare provider Carla Anderson talks about her road to laminitis recovery with her mare Cupcake. Thank you to our amazing sponsors:C...
Understanding Hoof Radiographs with Dr. Martina Neidhart
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Martina Neidhart talks about how hoofcare providers and horse owners can understand the basics of radiographs and speaking with veterinarians abou...
Equine Nutrition: Protein and the Hoof
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Eleanor Kellon, Dr. Priska Darani, and Dr. Fran Rowe discuss the topic of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, and what they do for the ho...
Alternative Therapies for Lameness: Acupuncture
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Ralitsa Grancharova-Hill talks about acupuncture for lameness recovery, including what it is, how it might work, and some cases she has used it fo...
Case Study: High/Low and "Not Quite Right"
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Thompson talks about her success with a severe high/low case, and the interesting journey it took to get feet that were more balanced. Thank yo...
Mystery Lamenesses and Muscle Myopathies with Marion Otto
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marion Otto discusses MIM, muscle myopathies, and what is commonly known as variants of PSSM - how they present, how they are managed, and what that m...
Case Study: A Laminitic Eventer
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Frances Hughes and Alicia Harlov talk about a case of laminitis in Frances' personal eventing Holsteiner, and recounts the story from diagnosis to rec...
Dietary Iron and Its Effect on Hooves, with Dr. Kellon, Dr. Rowe, and Dr. Darani
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Eleanor Kellon, Dr. Priska Darani, and Dr. Fran Rowe talk about excessive dietary iron as well as iron overload in horses, its effect on the hoof ...
Throwback Episode: Are Seasonal Changes Affecting Your Horse?
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen Wertz and Rosemary Zwanenburg talk about hoof issues stemming from the sprout of new spring grass this time of year. Thank you to our amazing ...
Equine Weight and Its Effect on Performance
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Elek of Stonewall Ponies chats with me about how she keeps track of the weight on her hunter ponies and horses, and how she sees excess weight a...
Equine Diet for Healthy Hooves
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We all know the phrase "No Hoof, No Horse," so how do we ensure that we are doing all we can to help our horses grow healthy feet? Dr. Priska Darani a...
Pain Indicators in the Ridden Horse with Dr. Sue Dyson
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sue Dyson talks about her Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram, and ways we can advocate for horses exhibiting pain behaviors under saddle. For more informa...
Staying Safe: Injury Prevention in the Horse World with Alexa Linton
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As a hoofcare professional, our job is inherently dangerous - even when the horse is well behaved, we can have repetitive strain injuries that force u...
Hoofcare in the Winter
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For those of us in cold climates, we know horsekeeping becomes exponentially more difficult. It is true for hoofcare providers working in the cold wea...
Holiday Mini Episode: Winter Laminitis Edition, by Equithrive
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In cold weather, we can see a sudden increase in hoof pain in some horses with a past of laminitis even with no change in management. In this short mi...
Exploring the Equine Gut Microbiome, by Equithrive
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mary Hartman of StableFeed talks about equine gut health, symptoms of issues, research into diagnostics, and what she has found to help improve gut he...
Recognizing Patterns In Hooves, by Equithrive
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ula Krzanowska talks about how her architecture background has helped her in hoofcare, and what patterns in hoof wear may indicate in terms of conform...
Building a Track System Facility, by Equithrive
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Vova and Alicia Harlov chat about tips and tricks and "what we wish we knew" when building a track system facility. Thank you to our amazing sponsors:...
Training for Soundness, with Amy Skinner, by Equithrive
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Amy Skinner and I discuss what training issues may look like when pain is involved, and how to focus on training for soundness. We also discuss a hors...
Hoofcare Conference Takeaways, by Equithrive
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A bunch of the 2024 PHCP Conference attendees share some of their favorite parts of this year's conference and some takeaways from the presentations. ...
Hoof Health Lessons from Nature, by Equithrive
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Melody O'Brien talks about why we may see stronger digital cushions and healthier hooves in wild mustang feet. Topics also covered include track syste...
Equine Fitness with Jec Ballou, by Equithrive
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the best ways to prevent injury and lameness in horses is to keep them fit. Jec Ballou discusses ways to improve our horses' fitness levels, an...
PHCP Conference Sneak Peek, by Equithrive
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You'll hear snippets of conversations from this year's PHCP conference speakers, including Dr. David Rendle, Dr. Jenny Hagen, Celeste Lazaris, Wendy M...
Sole Depth and Hoof Comfort, by Equithrive
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Philip Himanka discusses those difficult "thin sole" cases and why they may struggle to become comfortable. He also talks about how he approaches thei...
Feeding Forage for Horse Health, by Equithrive
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Erin Roddy and Dr. Ethan Romas-Hill discuss various types of forage and their possible effect on hoof health as well as overall health. Thank you ...
Hoofcare In The Heat, by Equithrive
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Lynn Lewis and Cristina Winemiller chat about considerations for owners and hoofcare providers to keep ourselves safe and healthy while working o...
Gut Health and Hoof Health, by Equithrive
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Ethan Romas-Hill talks about factors that affect gut health, and potential links to hoof comfort and health. Thank you to our amazing sponsors:Equ...
Farming Practices and Horse Health: A Vet's Experience, by Equithrive
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Elizabeth Hilborn, author of "Restoring Eden," talks about her experience with pesticides and their effect on her farm, wildlife, and horses in he...
Throwback Episode: Thrush, Sponsored by Equithrive
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A throwback on a previous conversation with Sam Austin on what thrush is, what causes it, and how we can treat it. Also included is dialogue with Joe ...
Feral Vs Domestic Hooves with Bonny Mealand by Equithrive
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We have heard the arguments about how we can't compare domestic horse hooves to feral hooves because they lives such different lives and have differen...
Are Seasonal Changes Affect Your Horse's Hooves?, Sponsored by Equithrive
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rosemary Zwanenburg and Kristen Wertz discusses symptoms we see in horses' movement, comfort, and hoof health when dealing with seasonal changes from ...
Managing Mud and Hooves, by Equithrive
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Amy Dell-Anthony talks about practical ways to manage "mud season" to keep horses and hooves healthy. We also discuss mud on track systems, and the pr...
Off-the-Track Thoroughbred Feet: Genetics or Environment? By Equithrive
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The age-old stereotype of "horrible OTTB feet" is heard all over the hoof side of social media and beyond. Kate Anderson challenges the idea of bad th...
Ethical Considerations in Working on Lameness Cases with Kendra Skorstad, by Equithrive
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One difficult issue hoofcare providers struggle with is how can we advocate best for the horses in our care, while also managing expectations for thei...
The Pros and Cons of Stall Rest, Sponsored by Equithrive
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Martina Neidhart talks about what happens to a horse's soft tissue and joints when on stall rest - and when it is warranted and when we should may...
Knowing What's In Your Hay with Ellington King, by Equithrive
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the largest contributors to a healthy hoof is a healthy diet. Ellington King of Equi-Analytical discusses how to know what is in your hay, how ...
Hoof "Balance" with Dr. Jenny Hagen, by Equithrive
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jenny Hagen talks about how what we do to the foot affects a horse's soft tissue, joints, and movement. Thank you to our amazing sponsors:Equithri...
Throwback Episode: DDFT Tears and Navicular Bone Damage, by Equithrive
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this throwback episode, Alicia talks about what got her into hoofcare - her mustang gelding Vinnie and his various navicular-related pathologies - ...
Lameness Rehab: More than Just Handwalking with Dr. Sherry Johnson, by Equithrive
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sherry Johnson talks about working together as a team on a lameness case, what kinds of exercises can be of benefit, and things to consider when b...
Rehabbing Hoof Canker with Dr. Frank Reilly, Sponsored by Equithrive
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Frank Reilly talks about causes of canker, and his process for rehabbing it and preventing recurrence. For more information see: equinemedsurg.com...
Tips for a Successful Barefoot Transition, Sponsored by Equithrive
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pulling shoes on horses can be so much more than just "pulling shoes" if we want them to be comfortable long term. Hoofcare providers Jen Rakas, Sara ...
Laminitis: Myth-Busting and Fact-Checking with Dr. Andrew Van Eps, by Equithrive
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Van Eps discusses myths and misunderstandings about laminitis diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. To reach out to Dr. Van Eps or look into donat...
Throwback Episode: Saving the Laminae, Sponsored by Equithrive
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Originally published in 2019, this episode includes a conversation with Dr. Andrew Van Eps about the three main causes of laminitis as well as their t...
Advancements in Laminitis Research with Dr. David Rendle, Sponsored by Equithrive
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
David Rendle, president of BEVA, talks about the latest in laminitis treatment research and new medications that are showing great promise. To contact...
Riding Mules Cross Country
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bernie Harberts talks about his cross country treks on his mules, along with how he handled their hoofcare and hoof booting. Look out for his memoir "...
Equine Euthanasia: Knowing When It's Time with Dr. Sara Cook, Sponsored by Equithrive
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Deciding when to euthanize in cases of lameness or chronic pain is never an easy decision. Dr. Sara Cook of Black Brook Veterinary Services talks abou...
Throwback Episode: When The Job Wears Us Out
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Originally published in 2021, this episode include Dr. Jenny Susser, Kendra Skorstad, and Sydney Kotow, all talking about burn out and compassion fati...
White Line Disease with Travis Burns, Sponsored by Equithrive
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
White Line Disease can wreak havoc on a horse's hoof capsule. Travis Burns talks about what it is, what might contribute to its development, and commo...
Evidence-Based Hoofcare Choices with Pat Reilly, by Equithrive
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the hardest things to know is if what we are doing for the horse is the right thing for that current situation at that current time. Hoofcare c...
Laminitis Rehab: A Case Study with Daisy Bicking, by EquiThrive
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Daisy Bicking talks about a laminitis case study that wasn't doing well at home, despite the perfect diet and a dry lot. Daisy discusses how the manag...
Corrective Shoeing on Dwarf Feet with Josh Dolan, Sponsored by Equithrive
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dwarf miniature horses may seem cute, but unfortunately they come with a lot of health concerns and often have extensive limb and hoof issues. Josh Do...
Safer Grazing for Horses with Cherrie Nolden, Sponsored by Equithrive
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Grazing horses safely can take a lot more than just tossing horses out on grass. How do we know if the grass is safe, how can we minimize risk for lam...
What We Know About DSLD
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As a hoofcare provider, seeing a horse with DSLD is one of the most heartbreaking things to deal with. These horses often slowly decline in comfort, a...
The Body’s Role in High/Low Hooves
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I have been on a bit of a “bodywork” kick lately, just noting how important the whole body is in what we as hoofcare providers see when coming to ...
Case Study: Navicular with Collateral Ligament Damage, Sponsored by Equithrive
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tayla Pierce-Hart discusses her journey to rehab with her horse Frankie, diagnosed with navicular and collateral ligament damage, with a vet suggestio...
Finding Unity in the Horse with Saxon Alexandra, Sponsored by EquiThrive
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Structural integration involves working with the fascial connections in a horse to help address movement and soundness issues with the goal of solid i...
Managing Foal Feet with Kirsten Proctor, Sponsored by Equithrive
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We can influence foal conformation and development long term by how we trim their feet - whether that's good or bad! I speak with Kirsten Proctor, hoo...
Horse Track Systems with Amy Dell-Anthony, Sponsored by Equithrive
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Amy Dell-Anthony of Abbotts View Track Livery talks about what track systems are, how to practically start one, and the benefits we see in horses and ...
A Horse's Shock Absorber: The Digital Cushion, sponsored by EquiThrive
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sharon Warner talks about her PhD research into the digital cushion in various species, how it functions, and what it is made up of. We also talk ...
The Beginnings of a Lameness Rehab Facility - Sponsored by Equithrive
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mollie Murphy and Humble Hoof host Alicia Harlov talk about the new Humble Hoof Rehab Facility - the inspiration behind it, how Alicia and her husband...
Back to Horses After Injury
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When you have a career with horses, it can be life-altering to get injured. At the least, it can mean unpaid time off work to recover, and at the wors...
Keratomas and Chronic Abscessing with Dr. Craig Lesser
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Craig Lesser, vet podiatrist at Rood and Riddle in Lexington, KY, shares his insight into how to deal with keratomas and chronic hoof abscessing. ...
How Hoofcare Affects Movement with Dr. Kate Horan
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Kate Horan talks about her study on racehorses, and how various approaches to hoofcare and two different surface options affected the breakover an...
Throwback Episode: Managing the Metabolic Horse
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The seasonal rise of ACTH in the fall can throw many PPID horses into laminitis. How can we better manage this? How do we take care of our metabolic h...
A Day in the Life: Our Favorite Cases
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cristina Brogdon, Jodie Jensen, and Alicia Harlov talk about some of their favorite hoofcare patholoy cases they have worked on and why. Stringhalt, l...
No Footing, No Horse with Dr. Sarah le Jeune and Christina Rohlf
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sarah le Jeune and Christina Rohlf discuss footing considerations when it comes to both performance and injury. The discussion dives into recent r...
Navigating Lameness Cases with Dr. Sasha Hill and Stuart Muir
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sasha Hill and Stuart Muir discuss various approaches to lameness including diagnostics, as well as navigating the vet/farrier dynamic when workin...
Going Pro In Hoofcare: What We Wish We Knew Beforehand
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Denys Antonenko, Nicole Jory, and Lisa Mittler all discuss the surprises - both good and bad - that came along with a career change into hoofcare. We ...
The Body's Role in Hoof Issues with Celeste Lazaris
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Celeste-Leilani Lazaris talks about how the body can affect movement, hoof balance, and soundness. She focuses on the thoracic sling and surrounding s...
The Genetic Side of Metabolic Syndrome and Laminitis with Dr. Elaine Norton
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Elaine Norton discusses her extensive research into the heritability of equine metabolic syndrome in various breeds of horses, and how that relate...
Boot Fitting for Professionals with Sara Hunt
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sara Hunt, hoofcare provider and boot fit expert based in San Diego, CA, talks about incorporating boot fitting and sales into a hoofcare business. We...
How Saddle Fit Affects Soundness with Terri Beecher
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Terri Beecher talks about how incorrect saddle fit can inhibit movement and ultimately affect hoof balance and soundness. Also discussed are considera...
Hoof Boots for the "Difficult-to-Fit" Feet with Sara Hunt
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sara Hunt, PHCP member and hoofcare provider, talks about tips and tricks for fitting hoof boots on less-than-perfect hooves. We talk about how to kno...
Navicular Isn't the End: Rehabbing Horses to Soundness
27 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Carey Russ, Hannah Darpoe, Tayla Pierce-Hart and Laura Koskenmaki join a discussion about their horses' navicular diagnoses, prognoses, and how they r...
Making Hoofcare a Positive Experience with Adele Shaw
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Adele Shaw, international mentor, trainer, and creator of The Willing Equine podcast, talks about how to work with horses to have a more positive farr...
The Ins and Outs of Hoof Abscesses with Dr. Neal Valk
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Neal Valk talks about hoof abscesses in horses: what causes them and how to treat them. We discuss how the health of the foot comes into play, and...
UK Farriers Pt 2: How Horses Compensate
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Jackson, Mark Johnson, and Robbie Richardson join the podcast for a second time, this time about how horses compensate for less than ideal env...
The Cost of Doing Business: The Ins and Outs of Hoofcare Pricing
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Carrie Rule, Kristin Thornberry, Libby Thorman, and Rosemary Zwanenburg join a discussion on hoofcare pricing and the "hidden costs" we don't often th...
Ground Reactions Forces: Why Horses Injure Themselves with Dr. Renate Weller
11 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Renate Weller talks about the movement of the distal limb, and how hoofcare providers can affect biomechanics. Also addressed are how owners can b...
Leaving Steel Behind: UK Farriers Gone Alternative
25 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Johnson, Matthew Jackson, and Robbie Richardson all discuss their journey from being a fully qualified UK farrier to shifting to barefoot trimmin...
Stringhalt and Shivers with Dr. Audrey DeClue
11 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Audrey DeClue discusses two serious causes of hind end movement issues - stringhalt and shivers. She also discusses symptoms, treatments, and time...
Caring for Pig Feet with Emily Mohring
28 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Mohring, a farrier and pig trimmer, talks about how she developed the Mohr Method for trimming pig hooves. She also discusses factors that affec...
Keeping Ourselves Fit: Preventing Injury for Hoofcare Pros and Riders with James Shaw
21 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
James Shaw discusses how to change our posture and movement to better protect equine professionals and riders from injury when working with horses. He...
Gaited Horse Feet with Diane Sept
24 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Diane Sept, rider, trainer, judge, and lover of smooth gaited horses, talks about various gaited breeds and considerations for their feet. She chats a...