Lyric DeMaio

Hello there! My name is Lyric DeMaio and I consider myself to be a life-long horse nerd. Ever since I took my first pony ride at the age of five, I found myself always hungry to learn more information about horses, how their body works, and why.

I first began my journey into what is now known as EquiLogic when I purchased my first horse, Pilot, a young OTTB with the classic TB feet. He had what is commonly known as high/low syndrome and couldn’t hold a shoe for more than two weeks. Everyone I had asked about these things just gave the answer of, “He’s a thoroughbred, they have bad feet” and “high/low syndrome is normal”. But it seemed when I was to ask why, there were no answers. If I asked if he could be barefoot, I was met with bewildered stares.

On my seemingly life-long quest to find answers to all the whys I asked, I dove headfirst into research. I read scientific articles, watched endless webinars, listen to podcasts, and finally decided, it was time for me to pull Pilot’s shoes. I made the call to the certified barefoot trimmer in my area, Jeannean Mercuri. We planned for her to come the very next day to remove his shoes.

From the moment Jeannean took off Pilot’s shoes, I saw it with my own eyes. Videos of heel first-landings he’s never had before, signs of comfort, licking, and chewing! I knew I had made the right choice, and now, I needed to know even more about natural hoof care. I asked endless amounts of questions, and I could tell Jeannean could see my inner horse nerd coming out.

It was this day that I was introduced to Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners (PHCP). That very night I signed up to begin my journey to becoming a certified hoof care practitioner. Very early on I discovered that horse soundness and comfort requires a whole-body approach and quickly realized this was my calling – Helping horses and their owners reach their full potential and live comfortable and happy lives! (Source)

Education: Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners (PHCP)

Geographic Area Serviced: Long Island, NY

Area of Expertise: Barefoot hoof care and rehabilitation, with a focus on the role of nutrition, movement, and environment in developing healthy, functional hooves.

Types of Horses: Horses of all breeds, shapes, and sizes, as well as donkeys, mules, and goats, with a special interest in OTTBs.