Rosco’s Hoofs

12/05/2026

The mission of the ECIR Group Inc. is to improve the welfare of equines with metabolic disorders. A primary objective of the ECIR Group Inc. is education through outreach (https://ecir.groups.io/g/main), the NO! Laminitis Conference (https://www.nolaminitis.org/), webinars, our website (https://www.ecirhorse.org/) and social media via Facebook and Instagram. We are an evidence-based organization, meaning that protocols, advice, and recommendations are rooted in science. We believe real-life clinical experience should drive research, both in generating hypotheses and in the evaluation of treatment. As a non-profit organization, donations are used to further science related to equine metabolic disorders and to support various media to advance the group mission. Free support is provided by vetted and trained volunteers.

Our posts on Facebook are increasingly being dominated by people linked to a group of hoof care providers that push an opinion that laminitis is due to hoof imbalances, claiming that “diet doesn’t cause laminitis.” This oversimplified and naïve statement is steeped in ignorance, highlighting a complete lack of understanding of the physiology behind equine metabolic disorders and effect on the foot. It is well established scientifically, clinically, and through the personal experience of literally thousands of ECIR members that hyperinsulinemia is the direct cause of endocrinopathic laminitis. Exercise and dietary control of hydrolyzable carbohydrates (simple sugars and starch) are the most effective methods to reduce insulin and thereby prevent laminitis. Trimming the hoof capsule correctly to realign the boney column and soft tissue structure is critical to facilitate recovery.

We promote scientific discussion and debate when there is equal sharing of evidence-based facts. When commenters deviate from discussion and use our site to advance their unproven and unsupported theories, especially those that may cause harm, it gives the appearance that the ECIR Group supports their position.

We do not.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that there will always be equine marketers who are not giving you the best information to guide you through your journey to help your equine. We hope followers continue to benefit from what ECIR members have learned from 25 years of experience with equine metabolic disorders.

Kathleen Gustafson, PhD
President and Research Advisor

Eleanor Kellon, VMD
Veterinary Advisor

Cindy McGinley
Vice-President

Nancy Collins
Executive Director

Jodie Jensen
Treasurer

Jannalee Smithey
Secretary

Fran Metzger
Director

Ulrike Gast
Director

Sherry Morse
Director

29/04/2026

The growth in the use of hoof boots has facilitated a new three-year title sponsorship of Endurance GB’s National Championships.

The Hoof Boot Shop will become Title Sponsor of the National Championships from 2026, in a partnership that highlights a noticeable shift in how endurance horses are managed and competed.

Discover more via link in comments.

14/04/2026

16/12/2025

31/01/2025

If I have to clean one more horse of mud before I trim it I might just pack in. I am not a groom and it’s crap having to work with forearms soaked to the skin because another hairy cob is up to their knees in soggy muddy feathers. HAVE YOUR HORSE IN AND CLEAN THEIR LEGS BEFORE I GET THERE. I havent got time to wait for you to go fetch him from the field, then wait for you to use one tiny hand towel to try to get all that mud off. Just be ready and clean up to the knees before your appointment please.

07/12/2024

The probable cause of grass sickness has been identified, in a major step in fighting this devastating disease

Read more via link below

25/11/2024

With Christmas just around the corner I wanted to finalise my diary for the year.

My last working day will be Friday 20th and I will be returning Friday 3rd for one of my fife route with everyone one else from Tuesday 6th.

I have limited availability between now and Christmas so if anyone needs an appointment please get in touch asap! I should be up to date with most people but if I have missed anyone do get in touch.

15/07/2024

Afternoon!

I should be up to date with all messages and appointments! If I’ve missed anyone please drop me another message and I’ll sort the appointment today.

Thanks

04/06/2024

❓ Do you have five minutes to help The British Horse Society?

📝 We all know how vital regular hoof care is to our horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. To futureproof this care, The BHS needs your help to assess the availability of qualified farriers in the UK and the Republic of Ireland via this quick survey 🔗 forms.office.com/e/QjLDuMJqk3

🐴 If you’re over 18, they’d love to hear about your routine hoof care and your experiences when accessing farriery and hoof care provider services for the animals in your care.

🤝 Your insight will allow the BHS to work in partnership with other equine welfare charities, and the industry, to make access to the farriery profession easier so that, together, we can futureproof horse care in the UK.