In addition, we do cover special lameness situations and how to help the horse toward soundness. The curriculum draws on current research of Dr. Rooney, Tracy Turner, Hilary Clayton and others. In addition, the school hosts guest lecturers, such as Dan Bradley, Steve Norman and David Nadeau. And Mitch selects case studies with live horses so that he and his staff can train the student's eye and mind to observe and think through the shoeing with the long term in mind. The horse should be functional, well shod, well protected and well supported, thus providing not just a pretty job which may be accompanied with problems, but happy feet.
Fundamentals require proper timing, proper shoeing and proper riding.
To convey this information to his students, Mitch first presents a complete picture of the healthy foot in order to provide them with a point of reference. Once we can read a normal, healthy foot, then we can learn to read the pathological foot. In the case of an unhealthy shape, we can make the best of it, and over several months make it more symmetrical and balanced. As a valuable exercise, Mitch teaches the students to draw the bottom of the foot on grid paper. The foot is measured, drawn on paper, and the shoe is shaped and compared against the drawing.