No Hoof...No Horse Clinic

Dawn Willoughby finally arrived in Panama on January 8th to kick off a week of “No Hoof • No Horse” clinics. Some of you might be asking—what does that mean? In my previous blog post: http://boquetesafaritours.typepad.com/boquete_mountain_safari_t/2009/12/no-hoof-no-horse-seminar-boquete-panama.html there is a full explanation, take a look if you don’t know what I am talking about.

It was a lot of hard work for Dawn, Rancho de Caldera, and Boquete Safari to pull off this clinic in a country where many ‘gringos’ shod their horses, and most locals, even though barefoot, are doing it wrong, but ‘know everything there is to know about hoofs’. What could a gringo woman from the U.S. possibly teach them? Plenty. Even little Tornado was anxious for his turn.

The clinic was divided in to Spanish days and English days, but by the final day, word had gotten out about the clinic, and we had a mix of local guys from country clubs to simple cattle and horse farms; and expats from the U.S., Canada, and England (or maybe Australia—I get confused with the accent). We even had a few local guys who were so excited about learning the “Mustang Roll”, they came to several clinics. If we could have kept Dawn here a month, I’m sure we would have touched every corner of Panama—one week was just not enough time.

The following pictures were taken from the classroom portion of the clinic, (where Dawn had prepared a simple but informative Power Point presentation), and the hands-on with some of the horses from Rancho de Caldera. I would like to express a HUGE thanks to Hoof Jack Hoof stands for donating several stands for use at the clinic; and to Heller Legend rasps, for giving us a box of tools for the clinic. http://www.hoofjack.com/v/vspfiles/home.asp (I don’t have the Heller Legend rasps web site link as of this writing—I will re-post when I find that info).

The Hoof Jack was a totally new concept to most of the local farriers and horse managers here in Panama. The stand enables you to trim from the top or bottom; allows the horse to lean on the stand, instead of on the trimmer. The horse is more secure and the trimmer can use both hands and be perfectly balanced. We had several horses that are always a bit itchy getting their hoofs trimmed—but with the stand holding their leg up, several of them were actually falling asleep.

The Heller Rasps were also new to some. They were long and extremely sharp. Gloves are essential when using one of these rasps. However, the comments were glowing from the guys who usually use a nipper or machete (very common in Panama). The rasp enables you to trim more precisely, and achieve that beautiful Mustang Roll.

Although there are barefoot horses in Panama, and trimmers who think they are doing it right, Dawn and her Mustang Roll have taken the clinic attendees to a new level of expertise and hoof health.

If your horse is still wearing one of these, then you should have attended the clinic!

Barefoot Buzz already starting: Panama Ladyl

Beware of Imposters in Boquete, Panama

Imitation, they say, is the best form of flattery; but if it is a knockoff without the original quality, you are not getting what you think you are paying for.

Seven years ago the "Yellow Jeep" tours started in Boquete, Panama with 1 truck and 2 tours. Today the Yellow Jeep tours are synonymous with fun, adventure, and customer service international travelers expect. Since original thinking, or thinking outside the box, is not common amongst most panamanian locals, as Boquete Safari has developed new and creative experiences in Panama, so have the locals taken, what they think, is the substance of our tour experience and copied it. The local impostors, without certifications and credibility, have gone so far as to pass out our brochures, (stolen from hotels), and tell tourists that they are the "Yellow Jeep" tours, and "how would they like a tour?".

Beware of impostors! Boquete Safari pioneered the Wildlife Expedition, Horseback Riding and Hot Spring tour and more! If you are approached by a guide who is not in our distinctive uniform with our logo on it -- it's not us! Book directly with us or your hotel for the best tour experience possible! As wildlife lovers we don't like poachers!!

Watch for the Yellow Jeeps to pick you up, and the guides with the khaki shirts with our logo.

Rancho de Caldera

Boquete, Panama

We are excited to announce that Dawn Willoughby, www.4SweetFeet.com, from Wilmington, DE, U.S. will be coming to Boquete, Panama in Janauary to teach several clinics on how to create a Naturally Balanced Horse. Dawn is an expert in Barefoot, naturally balanced Horse Hoof trimming. She has been able to obtain sponsorship from:Easy Care Boots http://www.easycareinc.com/ and Hoof Jack Hoof Stand http://www.hoofjack.com/ . She is also working with Mustand for Heller Legend rasps.

If you don't understand why Barefoot is better, go to Dawn's web site or the Boquete Safari Blog.

Villa Marita Boquete, Panama

Sunday Brunch at Villa Marita * The last Sunday of every month. Villa Marita is the home of the largest Hydroponic Greenhouse in Boquete. Fresh vegetables grown on the premises will be avaialable at the brunch. Garden setting, beautiful views, and friendly birds surround you. To see more about Villa Marita just click on the invitation.