Hoof care course features County native, master farier

by Staff Pioneer Times
16 years ago

    PRESQUE ISLE – Northern Maine Community College is offering a two-week, 32-hour Natural Balance Trimming course for people interested in general horse hoof care.
    The classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 19-30. The instructor for the course is Bob Solman, a certified Natural Balance farrier and an ongoing student of the principles of Natural Balance as taught by Gene Ovnicek, a master farrier, researcher and clinician, and creator of the Natural Balance shoeing principles.
    Solman, a retired Aroostook County businessman and former president of Solman Beverage Distributors of Caribou, is himself the owner of a team of Clydesdales. He first learned of the Natural Balance principles when he attended a Natural Balance clinic in Phoenix, Ariz., and is now committed to sharing his knowledge with others.
    “The results that I have witnessed in treating equine lameness using the principles of Natural Balance are astounding. The understanding of how the foot works, the ability to diagnose a problem and prescribe a shoeing protocol that helps horses so much is rewarding,” said Solman. “Working with students who want to help horses and students who are interested in continuing education in this field is going to make a great difference in the health and well being of our equine friends. An educated farrier can help sound horses perform better and can help lame horses get sound again.”
    The hoof care course is ideal for horse owners and beginning farrier students who need an update on hoof care science, basic natural balance protocols, and the proper techniques of trimming. This is a hands-on course with fieldwork that will involve evaluation and trimming.
    The tuition for the course is $225, and enrollment is planned for only six students to ensure the best possible hands-on experience.
    For more information or to register, contact NMCC’s continuing education division at 768-2768 or e-mail lbuck@nmcc.edu.