"Natural Balance" refers to trimming and horse shoeing principles developed by farrier Gene Ovnicek after studying the hoof patterns of wild horses from a variety of environments. This opportunity to observe equine hoof biomechanics straight from Mother Nature suggested a need to reexamine some of our traditional trimming and shoeing guidelines. The resulting Natural Balance principles offer the farrier an understanding of certain characteristics or reference points in each individual hoof so he/she can trim and shoe accordingly. Using Natural Balance principles, the farrier's task is defined primarily on the basis of information gleaned from the horse itself.

The same Natural Balance principles which have enhanced the shoeing of the sound horse have led to exciting and successful methods of treating lameness. Scientific research recently completed and presently ongoing supports the wild horse observations and confirms the wisdom of following Mother Nature's design for optimum equine biomechanics.

Our Curriculum...
includes practical instruction in live shoeing, forging handmade shoes and modifying keg shoes, and classroom study of anatomy and physiology. Students gain hands-on experience with remedial shoeing techniques for treating lameness pathology of all types, including application of the Equine Digit Support System (EDSS).

Mission Farrier School is not a "factory" operation. We have only a few sessions a year, as well as a few special educational events. 

For more Curriculum information, please click here to visit our Student Registration page.  

A wide variety of horses with challenging feet are brought to the school, which provides a multitude of learning opportunities that accelerate the student's understanding of healthy foot function.  We simply look to mother nature to show us what is different about domestic feet.  Working on problematic feet allows students to see what it takes to optimize the healing process in a lame horse, and thus provides the tools to help keep healthy horses sound.

In addition to Natural Balance principles, students are familiarized with the standards of farriery endorsed by by the American Farriers Association and The Guild of Professional Farriers, which form the basis of both the AFA's and The Guild's certification programs.

Students gain working experience with the different materials used in handmade shoes, with a variety of manufactured specialty shoes, and with numerous accessory products such as pads, packing, and repair composites.

Applying Dental Impression Material as a means of support on a Severely Foundered Horse".

Applying a Therapeutic System to a
Horse afflicted with Ringbone

Purple Podiatry Pads have been used by veterinarians and farriers around the world to provide temporary support to many laminitic and foundered horses. 

Our Instructor...

is Mark J. Plumlee, a Certified Journeyman Farrier, Registered Journeyman Farrier, Certified Natural Balance Barefoot Trimmer, Certified Natural Balance Farrier, clinician and educator.

Mark is a past Vice President of the Guild of Professional Farriers, and certification examiner for the Western United States.

After maintaining a traditional shoeing practice for almost 20 years and as a third generation farrier, Mark gained exposure to Natural Balance theory in 1993 and has enthusiastically pursued its advancement since that time. Mark has successfully integrated Natural Balance farrier science with traditional craftsmanship to maintain a high level of soundness in his equine clientele.  His private practice deals primarily in equine lameness prevention, recovery and rehabilitation.