We had the good fortune of connecting with Makendra Silverman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Makendra, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
In trimming horse and donkey hooves, one is trying to optimize their comfort, hoof development and overall well-being. If I can leave an equine more comfortable and on the road to developing better, stronger and more correctly balanced hooves for them, I feel great and the work is worthwhile. It matters to me that we keep animals in healthy environments for them and sometimes that takes some creativity as very few of us have the hundreds of acres we’d like for them. I enjoy helping clients appreciate the health of the whole horse (or donkey) by addressing not only their hoof trimming and hoof care, but looking at environment, movement, diet and overall wellness along with routine dental care and having access to forage as consistently as possible.

What should our readers know about your business?
Hoofcare is a constant challenge both physically (it is just a lot on your body) and even more of a challenge mentally as every stroke of a rasp or knife is changing how that horse or donkey feels when they move. I found that my business grew much faster than I expected – it took about 7 months to fill my client book. I believe this is due to a great need for hoofcare practitioners who focus on the hooves and applying non-steel protective shoes and boots as needed. I named my business Happily Hooved as though I specialize in “barefoot” hoofcare – they aren’t bare, they have the potential to grow great hooves to keep them comfortable in their environment. I want people to know that supporting a horse or donkey’s hooves requires movement, good nutrition and forage and environment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d dedicate my shout out to my primary mentor and hoofcare practioner, Philip Himanka, of Erie, Colorado. I found Philip through the Progressive Hoofcare Practitioners group after hearing about him on a podcast. The Humble Hoof podcast came to my attention when I was struggling to keep my mustang mare sound and had tried many many routes without sustained success. After listening to the podcast for a week or two I went out and took my mare’s new steel shoes off with some tools I found in our garage. Then I contacted Philip and took Arrow up to his place and loved the way he trimmed her hooves and explained to me in depth what and why he was trimming her the way he was and how this would help her. Philip has been the inspiration and instigator of many hoofcare providers around the country. He is the kindest, humblest and most genuine teacher. My horse and I would not be where we are without Philip and I would not have this wonderful profession of helping equines without him. Thanks Philip!

Image Credits
Main feature photo: Christina Krueger All others are mine or don’t need credit

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