Pour-in pads may help with joint pain

Deep ground surfaces, like plowed dirt, can put stress on a horse’s upper body, shoulders and hips, and can be especially painful if the horse is already experiencing joint pain from lack of exercise. Sometimes, extra support can help level out the surface a horse stands on and ease any pain, says Tab Pigg of Vettec.

Pour-in pads are an adhesive material that bond to horse soles to create a firm protectant over the sole. To apply, farriers squeeze the adhesive into the foot, where it dries after about a minute.

Pour-in pads build a sort of flotation device on top of the terrain, so the horse doesn’t have to strain itself to move through the deep, sinking ground, says. Pigg, a certified journeyman farrier from Azle, Texas. The pads can also help prevent joint aches in the first place, because the material is designed to absorb concussion and shock.

Pour-in pads may help prevent joint aches in horses by providing shock absorption.

Choose your words thoughtfully to successfully collect from late clients

Ever experience the awkwardness of having to call a hoof-care client to remind them to pay their bill? According to business expert and author Jeff Mowatt, you walk a fine line of diplomacy.

Mowatt says certain phrases can inadvertently sound like accusations that can put clients on the defensive. Telling clients they are late or overdue sounds like a generalization. Mowatt advises providing specific dates and encouraging clients to respond.

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