2025: What a year!In my business, there were many rehab cases with severe pathology, lots of transitions out of shoes, and plenty of work maintaining and making improvements on healthier hooves.
Notably, there were two laminitis cases that were right on the verge of coffin bone penetration through the sole. Those ponies were successfully rehabbed to reverse the coffin bone rotation, and they were eventually feeling well enough to be bucking and getting the zoomies in turnout. Horses with navicular syndrome also improved dramatically. These cases are tough in the beginning but are so incredibly rewarding with progress. I always enjoy making incremental improvements to build the healthiest hooves possible, and treating small problems before they become large ones. Working with the animals and really getting to know them is an added bonus. |
"They are such majestic creatures."
-Not a Horse Person
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 With PHCP colleagues: Lorie Fleenor (TN), Christina Agosto (VT), Maia Chaput (QC), and Deanna Stoppler (VT)
It was a busy year working with Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners as the organization continues to grow and turn out top notch hoof care practitioners who are improving equine welfare.
I have been the Director of Education for my alma mater since 2022. I am so grateful to be working with such an amazing organization and inspiring colleagues. PHCP currently has 183 Beginner Students, 46 Intermediate Student Practitioners, and 30 Advanced Student Practitioners in the program. In 2025 PHCP held 10 hands-on clinics in California, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Tennessee. We also hosted 10 industry experts for webinars. All of our classes were approved for education credits with the International Association of Professional Farriers. As part of my role at PHCP, I get to be the hostess for the webinars. Some of my favorite presentations in 2025 were: Paige Poss and her eye opening dissections showing heel anatomy and distortions; Nick Hill from Bulgaria on hoof wear patterns and pathology; and Dr. David Rendle from the U.K. on hyperinsulinemia, laminitis, & PPID. Private mentorships are at the heart of the PHCP program. If you would be willing to have a PHCP student work on your horse as they pursue certification, please let me know! 
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Other continuing education included the four-day ECIR No Laminitis virtual conference which featured many top veterinary and PhD experts presenting the latest research.
I also attended the two-day Humble Hoof Podiatry Clinic. It was great to spend time with colleagues as we learned from Dr. Jenny Hagen from Germany, Ula Krzanowska from Poland, and Celeste Lazaris and Pat Reilly from the U.S. Less exciting, I converted over to a new cloud-based accounting system. With advanced functionality it is making my office duties a lot easier. It took time to learn and refine, but I’m happy to have things flowing more efficiently. 
Personally, there was a big blow with the loss of my 25 year-old soul horse to colic. Preciada was so beautiful and intelligent and we had such an incredible connection. I was very lucky to have her for 21 years and there will never be another horse like her. She taught me so much and sent me on the constant quest to learn more.
Other big things were moving to Connecticut and getting married! Christopher is the most amazing partner and we have so much fun hiking, kayaking, and gardening. We met via a matchmaking service in May of 2024, and wow did they do a fabulous job matching us up. We reached many dazzling mountain peaks at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Bear Mountain in Connecticut, the Shawangunk Mountains in New York, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and the Poconos in Pennsylvania. The grand finale was hiking on our Thanksgiving vacation in Puerto Vallarta. One hike went up to a glass platform on a mountain peak with spectacular views in all directions. 
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My favorite hike in PV was on the mountainside along the ocean with swimming stops down at remote little beaches.
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I can’t thank my clients enough for their trust in me and being part of this incredible journey. Thank you for another wonderful year.
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In the White Mountains, NH
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Shenandoah National Park, VA