| At the C.E.M. Quarantine Station, a farrier's job is magnified for two important reasons. First, the horses are presented with a myriad of hoof conditions and shoeing styles. Second, the farrier will only shoe the horse one time before it is shipped home. Gil Meeker is the "on call" farrier at All-D-Reiterhof Farm. With 20+ years of experience shoeing primarily jumpers, dressage and event horses, Gil is particularly aware of the shoeing needs required by these disc iplines. Having worked for Mr. Wagner for 10+ years, the two men have developed a close working relationship and are able to communicate the individual horse's needs accurately. After arriving at All-D-Reiterhof Farm, each of the horses shoeing needs is assessed. Depending on its departure date or by owner's request, the horse is shod. If the attention to daily hoof management is required (i.e. thrush treatments, dressings, etc.) a plan is established until the horse leaves. In most cases, the horses moving through the All-D-Reiterhof C.E.M. Quarantine Station do not need "extraordinary" shoeing efforts.
What is required is a competent evaluation of the individual's static hoof balance and dynamic hoof balance and the proper execution of shoeing that individual. In Gil's practice, he view's a well balanced foot as one that evenly distributes forces throughout the foot during weight bearing. Static balance refers to the hoof at rest and dynamic while in flight. The latter may have interference implications, although rarely.
Finally, Gil is always available by phone or e-mail to discuss your horse's hoof needs. As well, if your farrier would like to contact him to get a leg up on the new horse's condition, Gil enjoys sharing this information and appreciates "a good rambling talk" about feet! | 
