Since this month’s articles have been a series on natural hoof care, I thought it would be fitting to do our monthly review on Pete Ramey’s “Tools of the Trade” DVD set.
Although this is not a new release (released in 2008), I thought it would be a nice addition to our product review series for 2010.
I feel the more aware people become of different products the more they will spread the word about the great ones, so this is one of my contributions.
Note: If you are interested, a compiled list of our other reviews can be found here: Soulful Equine’s Product and Service Review Series 2010
Overview
Tools of the Trade is not intended to be a natural hoof care trimming video but rather a wonderful guide that can save you both time and money when selecting the necessary tools for trimming and rehabilitation methods.
Keep in mind that although this is a “trimming tools” video, it is important that you have previously studied the DVD set, “Under the Horse” with Pete Ramey in order to have a more in-depth understanding of natural hoof care.
Even if you are not someone who actually trims horses, I feel that the information provided in this DVD set is valuable to every horse owner who is interested in natural hoof care. It provides details of some new rehabilitation methods that are important to be aware of for anyone who has horses. It can at least expose you to new options for rehabilitation as an alternative to conventional methods.
For the advanced student, it is best that you keep a “beginners open mind“. There is always something new you can pick up. I believe this is with anything and especially if you are learning from a “master” such as Pete Ramey who, in my humble opinion, takes hoof care to an art form.
What I Like About This DVD Set
First of all, I have always liked Pete’s teaching style. If you have never had the opportunity to see him live in one of his natural hoof care clinics, it is unfortunate, because his captivating, no non-nonsense teaching style keeps most anyone interested. His DVD sets are no different.
I have had many great instructors in my lifetime and Pete is right up there with them. He takes hoof care to a whole new level of understanding and he is always striving to improve “his best”.
That is the type of individual I love to learn from and that is why I study everything he puts out.
Although this DVD set is marketed more to natural hoof care professionals, it is also full of valuable information that applies to both the beginner and the seasoned hoof care professional. It will help all levels advance their skills in different ways. I really like that. That in itself is an art… being able to put something out that will appeal to both beginners and advanced students.
Pete provides wonderful details and lots of great examples in these DVD’s. They are packed full of excellent information that all owners and hoof care professionals should be informed about.
Pete’s Goo
Pete talks in detail about the mixture he has found that is effective for deep frog sulcus infections. It is easy as well as cost effective. It is also something a horse owner may be more willing to use consistently when an infection is present. Note: See link at end of this article for more information on Pete’s Goo.
Hoof Rehabilitation Methods
Although this DVD set was released back in 2008, it is still a great introduction on some of the natural hoof care new rehabilitation methods that are now being used successfully. Some of the methods covered are glue-on boots, hoof casting, impression material, epoxy work and padding. Pete gives detailed demonstrations using both cadaver hooves and live horses.
An introduction to hoof casts and glue-on boots is provided at the end of disk one. Disk two covers it in detail.
What I Didn’t Like
This is something minor but a little annoying. Once you insert one of the disks into your DVD player and the menu comes up, the audio is fine. Once you hit play, however, be ready to turn the volume up due to the differences in the audio consistency. This is not that big of a deal since the value in the content of this DVD set far outweighs this annoyance.
Buy Or Don’t Buy
I highly recommend Tools Of The Trade with Pete Ramey. However, keep in mind that the prerequisite to this is “Under the Horse” with Pete Ramey. This would be a great addition to any professional hoof care provider’s educational library.
If you are a horse owner and not a natural hoof care trimmer, I would still highly recommend that you at least watch it to be introduced to the rehabilitation methods available that are alternatives to more conventional methods.
I personally own this set. It was on my Christmas list in 2008 and I could not wait to get it when it came out.
It was nice revisiting the information in Tools Of The Trade by Pete Ramey for this review and I hope this information helps add another wonderful tool to your educational tool bag.
Keep it soulful,
Stephanie Krahl
Where To Find More Information
- Pete Ramey’s DVD Sets & Giddy Up Flix – If you would first like to watch Pete’s DVD series before buying I would highly recommend first renting them at Giddy Up Flix
- Purchase Tools Of The Trade + Video Trailer
- Tools of the Trade Outline
- Purchase Under The Horse
- Equine Thrush Treatment Tips and Pete’s Goo
- Pete Ramey’s Web Site
