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Our Resources:1. Owner/Manager: Me, Ava Dantis, owner, B.S. in Animal Science from VA Tech, but more importantly, 35 years of experience in the care and training of horses. Hoof Trimming: 2. Dr. Robert Bowker, Michigan State University The Equine Foot Laboratory, led by Robert Bowker, VMD, PhD, is charting the adaptive mechanisms of the equine foot. For more than ten years, Bowker’s research and clinical work has focused on the physiological function of the equine foot. The research has resulted in new recommendations that are leading to relief from navicular syndrome and other chronic foot ailments in the horse. Bowker's research in these areas led to a wholly different theory of how the equine foot responds to ground impact. His research has focused on blood flow to and from the hoof, and the role it plays in energy dissipation. These study results led Bowker to believe that the modern-day horse should be trimmed so that more of the back part of the foot—including the frog—bears the initial ground impact forces and weight. His research demonstrated that if the foot was trimmed so that the frog rests on the ground, the back part of the foot would be stimulated to grow more fibrous and fibrocartilaginous tissue in the digital cushion. Based on early findings in the laboratory, Bowker, colleagues, and students developed guidelines for a “physiological trim,” in which the foot was trimmed so that the frog rests on the ground. 3. Lauren & Danielle Gruber (Primarily Hooves) are our connection to Dr. Bowker. They conduct case studies in conjunction with him and have been to Hickory Ridge on several occasions to conduct hoof trimming clinics. They also operate a rehab facility in Greenville, TN and are dedicated to staying on the cutting-edge of every aspect of lameness recovery including navicular, founder, etc. They are available for consults and will send x-rays to Dr. Bowker, if necessary. Veterinarians: 4. Dessie Carter, DVM (Carter Veterinary) is well known in our area. We use him for diagnostics, lameness exams, and emergencies. 5. Rebecca Evans, DVM (Evans Equine) is the vet at SCAD. She practices Integrative and Chinese medicine (acupuncture, Chinese herbs) and sees outside clients on Thursdays and Fridays. We use Dr. Evans for diagnostics, lameness exams, treatment options, and dentistry. Body Workers: 6. Diane Dzingle (Back in Balance Equine Body Work) resides in Aiken, SC and frequently comes to Hickory Ridge to help our horses. Diane is certified in Masterson Technique and recently completed the program at Vluggen Institute for Equine Osteopathy. Diane is knowledgeable and passionate about her work and is “our body worker.” 7. Martine Groeneveld (Green Animal Osteopathy) is a gifted practitioner who takes Osteopathy to a whole new level. Martine resides in California and visits Hickory Ridge twice a year. Nutrition: 8. Tom Schell, DVM is doing cutting edge research into inflammation and what he calls the equine micro-biome. He has developed his own line of natural supplements. He has extensive information on his website and is available for nutritional consultations. Teachers: 9. Harry Whitney has been my mentor for twenty years. He understands the horses mind like no one else. When I work with horses I use what Harry has taught me. Several of us go to TN and VA each year to learn from Harry. Like us on Facebook to receive periodic information regarding "like-minded" clinicians coming to Hickory Ridge. |