Posted by Rick Burten on September 18, 2003 at 00:44:52:
In Reply to: Re: Who's in it for the money? posted by Denise McLain on September 16, 2003 at 09:43:23:
:
: Rick,
: I am beginning to understand what your problem is with Anne, or myself or any Strasser trimmer who is having success using the Strasser methods or for that matter with anyone using any barefoot method and having success and charging a decent price.
The only ones I have a problem with is the Franchisees of Strasser. And it has nothing to do with money, although it seems that the Strasserites are wont to accuse farriers of only applying shoes "for the money". I merely asked the question, and provided some reference material. The rest ast they say, "Is history".
:I recently attended one of KC LaPierre's clinics. KC tells his graduates they shouldn't get under any horse for less than $40 a trim, as he claims his trim takes longer than the typical pasture trim most farriers perform (it does). KC is a RJF member of your vaunted Guild and his other message loud and clear was that shoes do not heal the horse, even the more "scientifically studied" ones such as Redden's or the Natural Balance EDSS. KC's business card even has a logo with a horseshoe with a big red circle around it with a big red line through it.
Well , KC has a business to run and a product to sell. He's entitled to his opinions, right or wrong as they may be. He appeals to a certain segment of the population, farriers appeal to the intellegencia.
:When you have one of your own "rank and file" members preaching the same message as Dr. Strasser I have to think there is more to this barefooting "fad" as you and your ilk call it and why you so vehemently oppose the barefoot trimmers and why you want to propose a barefoot certification for AFA members.
You need to get a life and learn to read for content in context. I have never opposed the barefoot condition for horses. I oppose the Strasser stuff because it is unnecessary, dangerous, invasive, stupid, based on junk science, follows a false paradigm, takes a holier than thou attitude, harmful and wrong for most(but as I have repeatedly said) but not all horses. Even as flawed a protocol as Strasser practices will , for whatever reason or reasons, benefit a small percentage of the equine population. At least that is how it appears at this time. But, time will tell.
You feel you've missed the bandwagon.
Well Denise, when you are right, you are right. I feel the AFA has not done its due dilligince in promoting this aspect of proper hoof care. Not that it is not a part of the program, it is just not promoted properly. So, to rectify that, I am going to propose the Barefoot Endorsement. We'll see how it is taken and whether or not it is accepted.
Regardless, I'll make this standing offer to you or anyone else. I will provide you with a complete list of my clients/customers along with their addresses and phone numbers. You call each one and ask them if I have ever discussed or suggested the barefoot option for their horses, with them. If you can find as few as ten individuals who will state, catagorically, that I have never done this, I will pay you the sum of $25,000.00US by certified bank check within 10 days of verification. If you cannot find even ten of my clients/customers who will state this, then you pay me $25.000.US by certified bank check within 10 days of verification. Now, put up, or shut up.
:But like Anne says, there is enough work out there for everyone.
And your cult is making more work for me and mine everyday.
:Maybe you should just raise your prices you charge for trimming, it might make you feel better.
I feel just fine. It appears that it is you who have gotten your undies all wadded up.
: Denise
Rick