Don Vick picture here with foundation bred QH 'Chief Red Boots' who came to live with them in 2001.
Don Vick, owner of Hoof N Boots, has been selected as our June Dealer of the Month. Located in Nashville North Carolina, Don has been running his successful trimming business for over four years. It was their foundered donkey who led him down the path of becoming a trimmer just five years ago. Once he found the right person to help he began studying hoof care and trimming and was hooked.
Hoof-N-Boots has been caring a portion of the EasyCare product line for a little over two years. Currently they carry the Easyboot Edge, Easyboot Epic, Old Mac’s, EasySoaker, and the Easyboot Rx. Don’s favorite boot- the Easyboot Epic continues to be his best seller.
When asked what he thinks contributes to his successful business Don says, “Stock boots, if you ain’t got’em, you can’t sell ‘em. If I have used boots on hand, I allow my customers a ‘try before you buy.’ I don’t push clients to purchase boots. I feel they need to be positive about what they purchase so they will be happy.” Keeping current stock came in handy when Don was at a recent clinic where a nine year old mare with thin soles was being treated. He says the clinician trimmed her but there were no signs of improvement. Don immediately went to his truck, grabbed a pair of Easyboot Epics and Comfort Pads and asked if he could try the boots on this horse. Once outfitted in the Epics with Comfort Pads the mare was 100% better. The owner was so pleased they bought the boots and pads on the spot.
Don feels education is another key to being a successful trimmer. This heavy equipment operator turned trimmer has attended barefoot hoof care clinics in different states in addition to recently graduating from Equine Soundness. He says it took a lot of studying but was worth every minute. He also keeps his clients on a regular schedule. “I treat and trim every horse no different that I would my own,” he says.
He feels the hoof boot industry has become a lot more competitive in price and quality through the years and expects to see continued growth. “I think it would be economically forced to grow, due to the fact that it is more cost effective. I would rather see it grow by choice.”
“Being able to help other owners that have ended up in a founder situation or one similar to what we experienced, and being able to help others prevent problems before they arise is very rewarding. If I only trimmed for money I would quit tomorrow,” he says.
If you are in the Nashville, North Carolina area, allow Don Vick of Hoof N Boots to help you with your hoof care needs. Give him a call at (252) 205-4583 or drop him an email at donvick99@yahoo.com.
