Connor Sloman, APF-I

Profile

About Connor Sloman, APF-I

Connor Sloman started his Farrier career in 2001 when he began working and apprenticing under his father, a highly skilled and experienced journeyman farrier. Connor’s passion and dedication to the craft were evident from the very beginning, as he learned the ropes and honed his skills under his father’s guidance. As the years went by, Connor’s expertise grew, and he eventually took on the leadership responsibilities of running Equiterra Farrier Services.

Since taking over the business, Connor has dedicated himself to continued learning and seeking ways to improve his knowledge and techniques. He recognizes the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field of horseshoeing, as it enables him to provide exceptional care for his clients’ beloved horses. Connor is a member of many hoof care organizations such as the International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF), Western Canadian Farriers Association (WCFA), American Farrier’s Association (AFA), and National Alliance of Equine Practitioners (NAEP).

Connor’s commitment to ongoing education is reflected in his attendance at various conferences and summits dedicated to the art and science of hoof care. In 2019, 2020 and 2023, he had the opportunity to participate in the highly regarded American Farrier’s Journal Annual International Hoof Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio. This prestigious event has not only exposed him to cutting-edge research and practices, but also provided a platform for networking with fellow farriers, veterinarians, and industry experts.

One noteworthy achievement for Connor was being invited, alongside Lance, to participate in the AFJ 2020 Hunter/Jumper Performance Horse Hoof-Care Classroom. This particular event allowed him to showcase his expertise and interact with professionals in the specialized field of hunter/jumper performance horses. Over the years Connor has taken immense pride in being able to contribute both his knowledge and skills, benefitting the equine community at Spruce Meadows, a place where he has been well-known and respected for over 20 years.

Connor’s journey as a farrier has been defined by his commitment to continuous improvement and providing exceptional care to his clients’ horses. Whether he is working on a competitive jumper or a beloved backyard companion, Connor’s unwavering dedication and vast experience make him an invaluable asset to the Equiterra Farrier Services team.

Certifications: APF-I

Geographic Area Serviced: Calgary and surrounding counties. Edmonton for select clientele.

Area of Expertise: Trimming Balanced trimming of the horse's hooves is a crucial aspect of equine care and wellness, in order to simulate natural wear. When performed with precision and expertise, this essential practice not only contributes to the horse's overall comfort and soundness but also plays a significant role in maintaining optimal hoof health and function. Shoeing Front Shoeing Trim of all four hooves and front feet shod with the most suitable and carefully selected shoe type, guaranteeing optimal support and comfort for the equine companion. Full Shoeing Trim of all four hooves and shod all around with the appropriate shoe type to provide support and protection for various activities and terrains, ensuring the horse's comfort and soundness. Hoof repair and therapeutic shoeing Equiterra's team of skilled professionals boasts extensive experience in handling a wide range of hoof and leg issues in horses. This includes effectively managing repairs like toe and quarter cracks, as well as conducting resections to address white line disease. Additionally, we specialize in providing therapeutic treatments for various conditions such as caudal failure, contracted heels, navicular, laminitis, founder, sidebone and ringbone. Our expertise also extends to aiding in the recovery process from soft tissue injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation. Gait Assessment Utilizing state of the art systems HoofBeat and Equigait we are able to analyze the movement of both the horses body as well as the stride of the horse. Glue On Shoes To ensure the horses’ comfort and safety, our skilled farriers meticulously glue on both traditional and synthetic horseshoes, employing a versatile approach to cater to the unique needs of each equine friend. Caulk Holes Primarily for our jumper clients, caulk holes are typically used for traction on grass surfaces. These provide the necessary grip for a smooth takeoff and landing, ensuring stability and confidence for both the rider and the horse. Pads Pads are essential accessories that not only provide vital protection and support but also contribute to proper hemodynamic function, caudal support, and the maintenance of proper bony column alignment. These attributes make pads an indispensable component for ensuring the overall well-being and performance of individuals during various shod activities. Packing Pour in products, such as gels, foams or cushion, offer versatile solutions that can effectively safeguard and bolster, either independently or alongside pads, to ensure comprehensive protection and added comfort and support. Snow Pads Anti-snow or snowball pads are designed to effectively prevent the accumulation of ice and snow under the horse's hooves, providing much-needed relief and preventing potential discomfort or injury for the animal. Traction Aids Carbide tungsten drive in pins or Borium matrix are both excellent choices for enhancing traction in winter conditions. These materials provide increased grip and stability, ensuring better control and safety when navigating icy or snowy terrain.

Types of Horses: With a focus on performance, at Equiterra we specialize in serving the unique needs amongst a variety of disciplines. Including, but not limited to show jumpers, hunters, eventing, endurance and dressage.

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