Hi!  I'm Lisa Soete, a life-long resident of Kitsap County.  At the age of eight or nine, I rode a horse for the first time.  Needless to say I was hooked and grew up to be one of those horse crazy girls! 

I always wanted a career in the equine world but married my husband, Don, of 18 years, and started our family early, so a career with horses wasn't my focus.  I spent most of my career years working in sales and marketing, working from home to raise my young children.  As my children grew older and more independent, I kept thinking "what do I want to do when I grow up".  I knew I wanted to do something I felt passionate about, something I loved, something more than just a job to support my family.  Thankfully someone in the horse profession took a little time to brainstorm with me several equine careers.  Of course, when she said the horse community needed a good farrier, I just laughed!  A horseshoer!?  But the seed grew and I knew I wanted a career in the equine world.  The more I researched it, the more intrigued I became.  Never underestimate the power of suggestion, all it takes is one person to think you can!  It just felt right and no one ever told me girls can't shoe horses.

I am pleased to announce my farrier science certification received through Mission Farrier School.  Mission Farrier School uses natural balance based principles, with attention to traditional craftsmanship, as well as the most recent research in the treatment of lameness support.  For more information, you can visit www.missionfarrierschool.com.  Thank you Mark Plumblee for giving me a new skill and career!    

 
I offer good sound horseshoeing, with attention to craftsmanship, beautiful barefoot trims, and lameness support.  I have had the opportunity to participate in the care of many lameness issues; founder/ laminitis, navicular syndrome/ disease, ring bone, club feet and other hoof/ limb distortions, thrush, white line, ligament/ tendon support, dorsal wall grooving, abscesses, and many other lameness cases.  I am eager to work with your veterinarian's recommendations.  There is hope for your equine friend!

People ask me what's my opinion on shoes vs barefoot.  Barefoot is great, until it's not.  For example, each of my own horses is a different case.  Skittles came to me with all four shoes on.  After learning more about a barefoot horse, she is completely barefoot and doing great.  She will remain barefoot until she shows she is not doing well.  Jewel sat in a sometimes muddy backyard with no "job", barefoot her entire life, until coming to live with us.  I had hoped a change of environment and care might allow her to comfortably remain barefoot while having 'a job' but is all around more comfortable with all four shoes.  Dash came to us in July '08 lame.  He has had a few different support systems on, improving with each shoeing.  Thank you Don Ruff, Gene Sievers, and Joe Admire for your recommendations with Dash and continued education by allowing me to work with you.  UPDATE 8/09: Dash in currently in a regular shoe and is doing well.  I still have to be careful every shoeing as his feet are sensitive, but he consistenly is able to be ridden by my daughter, Alyssa.  His club foot is no longer as "clubby", now has a brisk walk on the trail, and runs and plays on his own when turned out.  He still struggles with tight turns at speed, but is currently sound when worked and his eyes are bright and attentive.

Unfortunately, the wet Pacific NW environment creates many hoof problems not seen in other areas of the country.  Crushed rock is recommended (not rounded pebbles)in "high traffic" areas of paddocks that become muddy to keep hooves drier and create a firm surface for the hoof to respond to.  Diet plays a huge part as well.  Plenty of good quality grass or timothy hay and a well rounded daily vitamin is all a horse really needs.  Over-nutrition, sweet feeds, and too many "hot carbs" can be blamed for many health and hoof issues.  Check with your vet if you have any questions or concerns on your horses diet.  For more info on how to create healthier hoofs in your horse, be sure to check out the "Encouraging Soundness" page.

I look forward to meeting you and caring for your horses!  It is because of YOU my business is a success and I appreciate your referrals.  Thank you!

Lisa's Family