There’s a whole side of hoof care that has very little to do with the hoof or even horse itself. Hoofcare appointments can sometimes feel like mini therapy sessions – we talk about horses, life, worries, wins, frustrations, and everything in between. For hoofcare professionals, learning how to care about our clients while also setting healthy boundaries and protecting our own mental health can be an unexpected part of the job.
In this week’s podcast episode, I chat with Taylor Schouten of Wild Hoof Equine, a full-time hoof care provider who originally trained in psychology, about being “Part Hoof Care Provider, Part Therapist” and the mental load that can come along with this career. We talk about the human side of hoofcare, why these relationships can become so meaningful, and how professionals can create boundaries without losing the connection and empathy that make this work so special. Whether you’re a hoofcare professional or a horse owner, I think you’ll relate to this one! Listen on any podcast app by searching “The Humble Hoof,” or listen directly at this link.
