When Marshville, N.C., farrier Mike Stine first began learning to trim and shoe, most of the focus was on the hoof, and very little about the rest of the horse. After meeting the late Tony Gonzales, author of Proper Balance Movement, A Diary of Lameness, that perspective began to change.

This session will touch on equine balance, body posture, conformation, movement, hoof balance and other outside pressures that impact equine soundness and performance. Although we have many modern tools for measuring equine movement and for studying the hoof, when we are in the field, we often have to rely on our observational and practical skills.

These evaluation skills translate that into the work we do to help the horse remain sound or regain soundness, and perform to their maximum potential.