Frequently Asked Questions
How Can We Assist?
WHO ARE WE?
Belgian Lane Farms is a 501(c)3 organization doing business as "Primarily Hooves." We specialize in the rehabilitation of chronic hoof lameness in equines along with offering hoof health education catered to a horse owner's unique needs.
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WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?
Our farm is nestled into the foothills of the Cherokee Mountains in an area called Camp Creek, of Greeneville, Tennessee.
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WHAT TYPES OF LAMENESS/HOOF ISSUES DO WE HANDLE?
Primarily Hooves is capable of handling most hoof pathologies. Our facility specializes in the rehab and recovery of pathologies such as white line disease, chronic toe cracks, seedy toe, thrush, contracted heels, caudal failure, long toe, navicular syndrome and disease, high/low syndrome, pain associated with ringbone, thin soles, laminitis, founder, and more. We will also intake certain sports medicine injuries if the cause of the injury was determined to be poor hoof balance.
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HOW DO I SEND MY HORSE FOR LAMENESS REHABILITATION?
If you or someone you know has a horse struggling with a chronic hoof lameness the first thing you need to do is contact us! Please contact us either through the form on our Learn More or through our Facebook page. We will then go through an interview process to understand your horse's specific needs so we can decide if we are the right fit for you. We will then check availability. If there is no open availability your horse will be put on our waiting list until a spot opens up.
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HOW LONG DOES REHAB TAKE?
This can vary significantly based upon each individual case. On average we recommend one year, as that is the length of time it takes to grow out a new hoof capsule; at the end of one year the hoof is grown out but still need time to strengthen and develop integrity -- which can be accomplished at home if an owner is willing to commit to the aftercare. In rare cases, horses have gone home in as little as three months due to owners having an appropriate support team to continue the case moving forward.
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WHAT ARE OUR RATES FOR REHAB?
Pricing and rates may vary for board sponsorship depending on the issue your horse is struggling with, along with their specific health needs and the level of care they will require. Additionally, we are actively fundraising in an attempt to keep costs as low as possible for horse owners and prices can vary depending on fundraising and donor support.
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WHAT SERVICES DO YOU INCLUDE/DO NOT INCLUDE IN YOUR REHAB RATES?
Most services related to hoof care are included: trims, hoof supplements, hoof treatments, and hoof boots during rehab are all included. Average amounts of feed and hay are also included. If the horse is older or a hard keeper and requires a greater volume of food that will need to be covered by the owner. Likewise, supplements and medications not directly related to the hooves are not covered by Primarily Hooves. Gastric ulcer treatment is not covered, but is required by Primarily Hooves during intake as most horses in chronic pain tend to have gastric ulcers. If the horse needs blanketing or extras such as leg wraps due to an injury, this needs to be provided by the owner. The owner will be required to purchase a pair of hoof boots prior to the horse returning home; these can be purchased through Primarily Hooves. Veterinary costs including but not limited to hoof x-rays, blood tests, injuries, and/or colic are the responsibility of the owner.
*As fundraising increases we aim to be able to cover more of the board sponsorship to further reduce financial strain on owners.
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WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED DURING REHAB?
Our list of therapies and modalities is constantly growing and expanding. At the time of writing this we currently utilize a therapeutic trim, trim prescriptions via Dr. Robert Bowker, high quality herbal remedies, kinesiology tape therapy, general equine massage, Masterson Method of Massage, structured targeted exercise, cold laser therapy, and acupuncture. We are always striving to continue to expand our available therapies.
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WHO IS DR. ROBERT BOWKER?
Dr Robert Bowker, VMD, Ph.D is one of the leading hoof researchers in the world. He spent his career running the Hoof Lab at Michigan State University with a special interest in the neurology of the equine hoof. Because of this he has made leaps and bounds in understanding what factors affect the structure of the hoof in regards to pressure, stimulation, and loading. With his incredible research, we are now able to make trim changes that more effectively stimulate the development we seek through having a better understanding of the neural aspect. To put simply: certain stimulation causes positive development while other stimulation (or lack of stimulation) causes both negative development as well as deterioration and decay. Depending on the severity of the case, we sometimes require Dr. Bowker to advise and oversee rehab of a specific horse.
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DO YOU NEED VOLUNTEERS?
Yes! We are always looking for excited horse oriented folk who want to come on over and help out! Mature, responsible, and physically capable are the only requirements -- along with a lust for learning! In exchange for doing jobs such as cleaning water tanks, helping to fix fence, and mucking manure, you will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience in the hoof care industry working with some of our most intensive rehab cases. Grooming and exercising the rehabs are also jobs open to the most dedicated of volunteers. These horses rely on us for their recovery, so the care give them is not something we take lightly. If you or someone you know may be interested in diving head first into the world of hoof lameness rehab, please don't hesitate to reach out!
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WHAT IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Currently all payments made to Belgian Lane Farms excluding product orders are tax deductible. If product orders change this are will be updated. Potential donation opportunities include, but are not limited to: personal horse sponsorship, Primarily Hooves' horse sponsorships, Patreon subscriptions, donations in return for services, donations in return for educational opportunities, product donations, as well as charitable donations.
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WHAT CAN I DONATE IF I HAVE NO HORSE EXPERIENCE?
No worries if you have no horse experience! Primarily Hooves can use talents of all varieties for day in and day out operations. From secretarial work to marketing to social media coordinating. If you believe in our mission and want to know if you can help out, contact us and we can discuss our needs!
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