Steve McConnell

It's been a busy year, along with servicing all of my wonderful clients, my latest paper is currently at the publisher, I was able to host a couple of owner oriented clinics (following restriction protocols) and completed a couple of tutorial videos. I will continue to accept therapeutic/lameness referrals upon request and am expanding my Performance Improvement Assessment availability utilizing Werkman Black Gait Analysis along with other assessment modalities. Thank you Werkman Hoofcare for your continued support and dedication to the horse industry and I am looking forward to participating in future clinics, demonstrations and events once travel and gatherings are possible again.

First visit with a chronically foundered gelding. It's going to be a long process but after this shoeing was sound enough to begin turnout. I debated about the corks but the field he will be going in and the laneways have a fair bit of ice. Set up some new management/husbandry protocols with the owner and will see him again in 4 weeks.

Dorsal wall integrity shouldn't be compromised.

I'm disappointed there's no trip to Cincinnati this year but I'm registered and looking forward to the virtual lectures and seminars. Never stop learning!

On Saturday February 13th (weather and schedule permitting) I will be making and applying a variety of therapeutic packages on cadaver limbs. These packages will be a combination of Werkman horseshoes with Werkman Ortho-kit inserts as well as handmades. I'll put together step by step photo series and possibly videos of the process.... If anyone has any specific condition or shoe they would like demonstrated please let me know.

I thought I'd show an update on the new born foal, with a significant flexural deformity of the left hind, I had the pleasure to work on in May 2020.

A very good example by Ian Gajczak of how even the simplest of things can influence our perception.

Due to the tightening Covid restrictions on gatherings the Farrier Practice portion of the event has been canceled. The Horseshoe Removal clinic will still tak...e place but will be formatted to host a maximum 4 person group every hour starting at 9am. This will be first come first serve until spots are full. Each group time with the 4 participants will be posted as they fill. There will also be a draw for a free set of horseshoe pulling tools (approx. value: $300.00). Contact me via PM to reserve a spot or a time slot for your group. Cost will remain $25/participant. https://fb.me/e/1GfoZ02cz

As I put the final touches on my current research to send to the writer I thought I'd give you a sneak peek of some of the content: When we artificially raise the hoof angle of a horse, creating laxity in the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT) and changing flexor muscle tension, the flexor muscle must contract (changing mass, body and shape) to re-establish the proper visco elastic response as per the Golgi Tendon Organ(a proprioceptic receptor that senses muscle tension)'s queue. My question: Can this muscle change be reversed if this artificial angle change is determined to be unnecessary, counterproductive and/or detrimental to the horse's wellbeing?

Coffin bone dictates hoof capsule shape. When we see a capsule that might not be ideal remember it more than likely is ideal for that horse. When you go to a horse with an idea, remember that’s your idea not the horses -Mr Dave Duckett

Elliptical shoe This older quarter horse has a historic diagnosis of "navicular disease", arthritic issues and hoof capsule deformation (likely due to changes in posture and compensatory responses). This shoeing protocol will:... remove direct pressure from the compromised horn, heel elevation (including skeletal alignment) to relieve tension in the DDFT (deep digital flexor tendon) and encourage a roller-type motion through landing, mid-stance and breakover to relieve stress on the joints and soft tissues. The application of Impression material allows more load sharing through other epidermal structures such as the sole and frog.

Great illustration of the process used by a fantastic farrier and friend from Italy Carlo Montagna.

FARRIER PRACTICE DAY and HORSESHOE REMOVAL CLINIC for HORSE OWNERS, VETERINARIANS, VET TECHS, TRAINERS ETC. November 7th 2020 8am-4pm Location: Northern Sunrise/Onyx Equestrian in the indoor arena. 4243 Spring Creek Road, Lincoln, Ontario. ... L0R 2C0 Cost: Farriers- $25 (no cost to farriers who assist with the shoe removal clinic if numbers necessitate) Horsepeople- $20 These fees are to cover the cost of the cadaver limbs with all other expenses being covered by me. (Coffee, pop, water and a pizza lunch provided for participating farriers) I am welcoming farriers (limited spaces available) to come learn from each other, work together and enjoy a day of sharing knowledge and experiences...and of course, pounding steel. 8am-12pm: Using cadaver limbs (from horses humanely euthanized NOT slaughter) you can apply your keg shoes, handmade shoes, therapeutic shoes and other trimming and shoeing modalities in a safe, risk free practice scenario. 12pm-1pm: Lunch and mingling. 1pm: Open to public - horsepeople will be welcome to observe the process of trimming, the making of, fitting and application of various shoes and therapeutic packages. After this demonstration segment we will then host a shoe removal hands-on clinic to teach attendees how to pull a horseshoe off in case of an emergency situation. Farriers please contact me via PM or Email to reserve a spot.

Good luck to all of those sitting their tests over the next few days with the Worshipful Company of Farriers in England. I had hoped to be there with you but travel wasn't possible. Making plans to sit the test next year!

The fundamental reason that we shoe our horses is to improve their wellbeing and usefulness. Each hoof is in a continuous state of change through deformation, ...growth and wear, and to counteract these actions, we can upon the skill of farrier to redress the hoof’s balance with the aim of creating a conditional equilibrium. - FARRIERY: The whole horse concept (David Gill) See more

I would like to introduce my new apprentice - Courtney. Courtney has been riding since she was 8yrs old, ridden eventing and dressage and has worked at various racing and show barns. She has also attended school to study as a veterinary technician. Courtney has always had an interest in farriery and the important role that hooves play with regards to the entire horse's well being and I'm excited to see her progress in this trade.

Congratulations to Cora-Lee and Link on a fantastic show. 3 days, 3 tests - 2 firsts and a second with scores of 73.514, 72.500, 65.122 at Second level, Gold (N...ational) Division. Yes, Link is powered by Werkman Hoofcare with Warrior Specials on the front and Strikers on the hind! Thank you to Caledon Dressage and Angelstone Tournaments for putting on a wonderful show. #werkmanhoofcare #werkmanhoofcareusa

I'm really looking forward to this fantastic event!!!