Ensure a Healthy, Functional Hoof
I seeks to de-mystify the trimming and shoeing process by measuring to achieve a flat and balanced hoof. Be assured, it is not my opinion that matters. Instead, only the horse can tell whether everything is right or not. I will show you how the work is done and how the horse speaks to us.
Farrier Career
As your consultant, I will be with you, your farrier, in person or online, demonstrating how to measure a hoof for perfect balance. How do we do this online? You will have the Patton Ruler and place your phone on video to show me the farrier as he works on the hoof in real-time. I can tell him where to place the ruler, mark the hoof, and how to trim to the marks. To achieve a perfect fifty fifty balance you have to measure. The eye will lie; numbers don’t. After the perfect trim, let your horse stand on that foot. Your horse will drop his head, lick and chew, ears forward, eyes soft. We then measure and trim the other front foot, he will drop his head, lick and chew, ears forward, eyes soft, and then walk away with a relaxed and flowing body and stride. This is his language, his opinion, and he will tell you if it is right or not. It is the only opinion that matters.
Awards and Recognitions
In 2008, Ada received the Edward Martin Humanitarian Award at the American Farrier’s Association Convention in Lexington, KY. She is also a proud member of the International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame and a farrier consultant for the Monty Roberts’ Equus Online University, one of the best horse training resources.
Initial consultation is free.
Actual work with the horse: $60 per horse and $38 for the ruler kit.
Available for Clinics or Group Instruction.
Available in person: Pomona California (50 mile radius), additional charge for longer distance, and globally via FaceTime and WhatsApp
Photography Joel Baldwin
Your Trusted Hoof Care Provider
In 1978, I became the first woman farrier licensed to shoe Thoroughbred racehorses in the United States and Canada. This unique status gave me great opportunities, including guest appearances on Late Night with David Letterman, What‘s My Line, To Tell The Truth, and The Today Show. My dedication to the industry has led to many years of service, including farrier liaison for the 1984 Olympic Games, official horseshoe inspector for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, President of the California Thoroughbred Foundation Board of Directors, and member of the farrier committee for the World Equestrian Games. In 2008, I received the Edward Martin Humanitarian Award at the American Farrier’s Association Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, and is a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame. Ada is the farrier consultant for the Online University of horse trainer Monty Roberts.
High-Quality Horseshoeing Products for Your Horse
Patton Hoof Ruler
There are many recommendations in magazines and from vets, farriers, clinicians, and trainers on the best product for the horse’s hoof. To settle the differences in opinions, I proposes a safe, measurable, efficient, and consistent way to look at the hoof and establish a process of assessing your horse’s needs. The Patton Hoof Ruler is an effective tool for measuring your horse’s foot and ensuring that its hoof is consistently trimmed and balanced correctly.
My experience as journeyman farrier is available to you by phone and text (626-327-3650) or email (adagates1@gmail.com). I can work with you locally in-person and globally through FaceTime or WhatsApp to help your horse to be happy and comfortable.
The Patton Hoof Ruler and instructions are available at the Monty Roberts Shop at (805) 688-6288 and at Harry Patton Horseshoeing Supplies at (626) 359-8018.
Other Essential Products
Many horses have nutritional needs beyond the scope of a farrier’s hands-on care. We highly recommend the dietary products by Life Data Labs, Inc. in Cherokee, AL. The far-ranging product line covers the hoof and many other issues of the body affecting the hoof and the horse’s overall well-being. These include scientifically based formulas such as Lamina, Adrenal, Insulin, Joint, Hoof, Forage Balancers, and Topical, to name only a few. Ada’s favorite is Farrier’s Formula Double Strength Plus Joint. Please check out Life Data Labs, Inc. for more information.
Client Testimonial
“We truly respect your incredible experience and the extensive knowledge in just 2 sessions with you. After our trim today on Buddy, he just strode out, put his head down and sniffed all the way to ground as he walked rather fast, which tells me he is sure footed, comfortable and is not limping at all or he would have his head up to counter balance.
I let him go ahead to the end of his lead, he politely walked ears forward, ready to head to the far pasture. He was so forward positive in his movement and soo happy and didn’t want to come home or turn around (opposite of barn sour).
Normally by now he would be sore and you could tell on a turn at the very least. He walked straight on the way back, pivoting with NO LIMPING. Every time he stops, he stands with his front feet under him squarely at the same line!
This brings tears to my eyes.”
– Brad and Margie Subers, Owners of Buddy in Palmer, AK
Shoe too small 
A horror 
Measuring the hoof before 
The finished perfectly balanced measured foot 
Perfectly balanced, pastern/hoof angle, perfectly aligned 
Right front lame pointing, non-weight bearing 
Properly measured, balanced foot sound, weight bearing 
An example of marking measurements
