Maria Siebrand is EasyCare’s Dealer of the Month.
Hoof Care Practitioner Maria Siebrand is one busy lady! She began trimming about 7 years ago when she decided to take her own horses barefoot. Unable to find someone to help her locally she sought out the help of Marjorie Smith of Barefoot for Soundness. After that she picked up a rasp and dove in. She’s been trimming ever since.
“It’s important that trimmers convey information other than just trimming,” says Maria. She works very hard at educating her clients. “I think it’s extremely important that people understand what I do and why, and have all of the information they need to make educated and informed decisions regarding the care of their horses,” she says. There are many keys to being a successful trimmer. Maria says that hoof care is not about the trim alone. A good trimmer should be able to guide the horse owner in every aspect of growing a healthy hoof, including proper diet, adequate movement, appropriate terrain, hygiene, and selecting and fitting boots. She feels it’s not just about her reputation as a trimmer, but instead about the credibility of the barefoot movement in general.
Utilizing her background in web design and electronic publishing, Maria created a fantastic website and newsletter to help educate horse owners. She found herself sharing the same information continuously so this created a great background for her to share the wealth of information she provides. The website called The Thoughtful Horseman provides new research studies, ways to treat thrush, training tips, a newsletter and so much more. She says people love to see the changes happening in the Case Study photos on the website. Maria says, “I have clients that literally check that section every night to see the updates!”
Maria believes in hoof boots whole heartedly. After all, it was hoof boots that helped keep her own horses comfortable through their transition from shoes. She says she will not pull shoes off of a horse unless the owner is willing to buy boots and pads. “If the horse never needs them, I’m happy to buy them back,” she says. Her sole objective is the comfort of the horse. “I’ve had more than one client moved to tears when a horse they thought was doomed to neurectomy trotted off happily landing heel first in new boots. Moments like that make it all worthwhile!”
“I believe barefoot is the future of hoof care. But we need good, sound research to make it happen. One of my projects is to establish a non-profit organization to fund and orchestrate the kind of studies we need. Working on that in my ‘spare’ time – it’s called The March of Hooves.”
Maria is a big fan of the Epics but also stocks the Bares and all the replacement parts. Located in the San Diego area, she currently has about 120 horses under her practice. Visit her website www.thoughtfulhorseman.com, email maria@thoughtfulhorseman.com or call (619) 865-9614. Maria would be happy to assist you with your equine needs.
