The Humble Hoof Rehab Facility is a track system rehab property in Amesbury, MA, specializing in hoof-based lamenesses such as navicular pain, laminitis/founder, thin soles, chronic abscessing, and overall weak hooves. We incorporate a forage-based, mineral-balanced diet, along proper movement and biomechanics to strengthen the hoof and ensure the horse receives the best chance possible to return to soundness.
With fully customizable care through all seasons, vet collaboration, and tailored rehab plans, horses typically stay for 3-6 months of rehabilitation and are sent home with a folder with information for continuing care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lamenesses do you rehab at HHRF?
This rehab approach is great for hoof-based lameness such as laminitis, founder, navicular, soft tissue injury within the hoof capsule, thin soles, hoof sensitivity, caudal failure/NPA, and more.
What are the horses fed?
The horses have 24/7 access to tested hay in slow feed nets, safe for metabolic issues. For meals, the horse’s diet is tailored to their individual needs – whether they are a harder keeper or easier keeper, have health concerns, gut issues, dental problems, etc. The basis of their diet is forage-based, so even meals consist of forage: timothy grass pellets, unmolassed beet pulp, Triple Crown Timothy Balance Cubes, minerals balanced to their hay test, vitamin E, and flaxseed. Harder keepers may received additional calories in the form of Coolstance Copra (coconut meal), Triple Crown Senior or Senior Gold, pea protein, or additional amino acids for protein as needed.
Horses are separated for meal time so we can ensure they are able to eat to their individual needs.
What is their water access like?
The horses have 24/7 access to fresh water that is heated in the winter. The water on the property is filtered through a triple filtration system that removes iron and other heavy metals to help ensure their diet is properly balanced.
Do horses have access to shelter?
The horses are out on the track 24/7, but do have access to shelter at all times in the form of a permanent run in shed as well as natural shelter from trees during the warmer months.
The inside barn has 12×12 matted stalls with shavings in case a horse needs a stall for vet care, hoofcare, or an emergency.
How are new horses introduced?
New horses are introduced to the track through an “introduction paddock” that borders the track. They are only put onto the track once herd dynamics have been assessed and we are confident the horses are ready to be integrated.
How long are horses in rehab at HHRF?
Typically, horses stay at HHRF for 3-6 months and are sent home with a folder of how to continuing their progress. Owners can decide to keep their horse for a longer time frame if they feel they need extra support. HHRF does also offer retirement boarding at a lower rate for owners who wish to keep their horse here in retirement.
What does rehab boarding include?
Care and Management:
Seasonal care: blanket changes, fly masks, fly spray, etc.
Scheduling/holding for vet for on-site preventative and emergency appointments
Manure maintenance
Fecals and deworming schedule
Grooming as needed
First aid as needed
Hoof care:
Maintenance trimming
Boot changes/care as needed
Care provided by a certified hoofcare provider
Vet collaboration to discuss approach and handle diagnostics as needed for treatment
Regular progress updates via text or email to owner
Rehab work:
Use of SureFoot pads as needed
Handwalking as needed
What facilities are on the property?
The 20 acre property includes a barn with a heated tack/feed room and heated full bathroom, a lit riding ring with all weather rubber footing, a track system with various surfaces to prevent mud and promote proper proprioception, a hot/cold water wash area, access to riding paths, and more.
Can I visit my horse?
We know how hard it is to have a horse dealing with lameness issues and to worry about how they are doing!
If you are coming from out of state, we can send a list of lodging options or a farm stay depending on availability, to check on your horse’s progress and pay a visit.
If you are local, we love for people to come visit. We ask that it be when we are on the property, as many horses here have individual needs and we want to ensure we are monitoring what they are getting – even down to access to treats.
What is the board cost?
Rehab boarding is all inclusive – meaning we seek to provide all the care needed to give the horse the best chance at recovery. In order to mitigate the limitations incurred by an “a la carte” approach to boarding where certain care may be skipped due to cost, we set our board price to allow us to do all we can to rehab the horse. This may include modalities such as red light therapy, Sure Foot pad use, handwalking, weekly trim adjustments, thrush treatment/hoof soaking, boot changes, basic thoracic sling work, and more. This is in addition to free choice tested hay, minerals balanced to hay test, vitamin E and flax, etc.
Rehab board: $1500/month
Retirement board at our property is ideal for metabolic cases, or horses that need the extra watchful eye of a hoofcare provider. Our retirement board includes free choice hay in slow feed nets, feed balanced to hay tests, basic care (blanket changes, fly spray, first aid), and one monthly trim.
Retirement board: $1200/month
Sign up below to inquire about rehab boarding spots at the farm.
Please include your name, email address, and some basic information to help us assess whether this will be a good fit for your horse.
