This email is to highly recommend Ida Hammer specifically in the area of hoof care.  This past March I had made a appointment for my 36 year old thoroughbred named Mikey.  He had been diagnosed by Dr. Monfort of Farmer City to be foundered as a result of Cushings disease.  The doctor recommended that I trailer the horse to Farmer City for x-rays and corrective shoeing.  Since I knew that this guy couldn't survive a trailer ride I elected not to do this.  I had seen Ida at the Illinois Horse Fair and knew that she worked with foundered equines--I had even recommended her to a local man for a rescued miniature horse--so I called her for an appointment.   She set me up for the following Monday.  In the mean time, Mikey's condition had deteriorated and his level of pain was so great that reluctantly I made the call to the vet to put him down.  I even had a backhoe ready to use for the burial.  I then put in a call to Ida to let her know that she didn't need to come the following Monday.  She asked me to hold off with the plans until she had a chance to evaluate Mikey.  I didn't hold out much hope for my four legged friend but I agreed to let her come out and try.  She came that same evening - we started with a soak in vinegar water to help with the pain and he was able to put a little weight on the leg for the first time in a long time.  Her course of action was the soak once a day in vinegar water - twice a day would have been better, but not a possibility for me-- until the abscesses broke.  Then we were to soak in warm water and epsom salts until they had entirely drained.  She fit Mikey with special boots that helped him to walk with less pain and I started to take him on short walks.  He improved every day and within a month he started to show a little spunk - enough to attempt a little buck when I let him out.  I cried when I saw that---and to think that I almost had him put down.  It's been a tough road for Mikey, but with Ida's help he's growing good hoof and eventually we hope he'll be completely sound.  His coffin bone seems to be slowly returning to a better position.  Although he's too old for us to ride anymore, he makes a great companion for his buddy Krys and we hope he'll be with us for awhile longer.  Anyway, I really appreciate the dedication that Ida has shown for Mikey and would highly recommend her for anyone with horses that have problem feet.  Please feel free to call me at the above numbers for any further information.  

Sincerely, Julie Christian

 

 

(about a foundered cushings mare)

Thanks again,

Mary

 

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