Lake Effect Farm & Forge, LLC

Ready to have some fun on the farm! We could not ask for a more perfect day to put up some hay.

We've had some exciting new things happening lately! Most recently, Chelsie has taken on the position of barn manager and riding instructor at the new FM Farm. Chelsie brings plenty of experience and energy to make riding lessons fun and successful for everyone. If anyone is interested in some riding lessons for any level, contact Chelsie to get started!

We have been busy this year replacing most of the fencing around the farm. It has been a long and tiring project, but today we were able to finish our summer pastures and the horses (and our helpers) were so excited!

Here's a horse I saw today. This mare has a medial heel avulsion on her right front hoof. The owner reported that she didn't find any signs of where the accident took place so we suspect that it was self inflicted due to an over-reach. Also, the fact she had no other wounds you would expect from getting stuck in something suggests it was her own doing. The mare was taken to Cornell where the wound was debrided and wrapped. Today we applied a Z-bar to alleviate ground contact with the injured heel. The owner will continue to treat and wrap as vet prescribed and we will see her again in 5-6 weeks. As far as future problems, the coronary band was fairly intact so I anticipate the hoof wall will grow out with minimal scarring but time will tell.

A short video we recently made looking at the complex anatomy of the internal hoof capsule and how when we as farriers drive nails into the hoof we are doing so with such small margins for error. Www.efarrieryeducation.com Alex Ridgeway Kendell Norris Laurence Ridgeway

Seems like everyday is a new normal. #doyourpart #flattenthecurve #slowthespread

As I'm hooking up the trailer and getting ready to leave for my first appointment this morning, I cant help but feel an extra sense of fulfillment. While so many are stuck at home feeling helpless, I get to continue to do what I love. I realize there is never a bad time to feel grateful, but I thought I'd take this opportunity to embrace it. I'm grateful for my flexible and understanding clients. Not just during these trying times, but anytime things don't go exactly to plan.... For those that won't be able to attend your scheduled visits, thank you for trusting that your horses will be well taken care of. Your safety and well being is always number one but the horses comfort is a very close number two. This executive order is definitely open to interpretation. I truly hope everyone will use common sense with the knowledge we have about this virus. I do feel confident that my role is clearly spelled out and I would never want to unnecessarily put anyone at risk. I'll continue to provide the best service possible for as long as possible. Most of all, I'm grateful to my wife, Chelsie. Not only has she stocked my truck with an abundance of anti-germ goo and anti-bacterial wipes but she is hard at work on the farm doing her normal routine along with deep cleaning after every interaction. I literally could not pull any of this off without her. To everyone, both clients and friends from a far. This will pass and we will all return to normal. Until then, please do your best to comply with the most current mandates. And most of all, stay safe and stay well. - Josh

Here's an oldie but goodie! This is why a balanced trim is the foundation for everything the horse does. Whether staying barefoot or getting four shoes. The trim must be balanced to the horses conformation for everything else to work.

This is so important and can't be stressed enough! Resist the instinct to pull it out and call your vet.

Update on the heel avulsion case: It's been about 6 weeks from the initial injury. As seen in the pictures, there has been significant growth at the site of the injury. Approximately - inch. The yellowish tissue circled in the 3rd picture shows how the sensitive tissue that was exposed has now keratinized as its grown out. This mare has remained sound from day one and is back on full turnout soon to return to light work.

Pictures definitely don't do it justice. We put up about 900 bales in 5 hours. Thanks to all of our helpers! Hopefully we didn't scar you for next year.