FAQs

Unsure about something?
Hopefully this can answer some of those frequent ones.

Still unsure? Ask away!

General Service & Availability

  • I’m based on the North and South Carolina boarder, on the western side of the state. Presently I travel as far East as Charlotte, NC / Lancaster, SC and as far west as Travelers Rest, SC - but I’m always open to expanding my route for new clients!

    Areas I frequent include:

    • Clover

    • York

    • Gastonia

    • Shelby

    • King’s Mountain

    • Dallas

  • Travel-to-you hoofcare, training, lessons, and rehab services are offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays based on availability on a route / in the schedule.

    On-site services are offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in Blacksburg, SC. Please note, on-site services are by appointment only - it is a private farm and residence.

    • Invoices for recurring clients are sent on or before the first day of each month for services in the following month (programmes) or services rendered in the prior month (singular services).

    • One-time services are due at the time of service. For programme clients, recurring hoofcare is added to the month's invoice.

    • Invoices are due by the 4th of any given month.

    • Invoices paid on the 5th or later of a given month will be subject to a $10/day late fee.

    • Clients habitually incurring a late status will be ineligible for programme discounts and priority scheduling.

  • We try to keep pricing fair and consistent. Depending on how far a given location is from my home farm, visits may incur a distance fee - however this will be discussed prior to service booking.

    Training prices may reflect distance fees, ring fees, or other overhead that is agreed upon with the host stable.

  • NO.

    In specific instances, video permission may be given for personal use only - with no permissions given to use, share, reproduce, sell or post the content.

    For those taking lessons, use of recording devices to review the ride is of course permitted - and encouraged! No media permissions are given for content containing the voice or image of Catherine Sauer / Articulate Equestrian personnel and posting of any content containing these will be pursued as violation of this policy.

    Failure to follow this policy will result in immediate removal from any service programme, and may result in legal action.

Hoofcare Services

  • I focus on the barefoot sporthorse, with a specialty in the OTTB, but am happy to work with any breed of horse, as well as donkeys or mules.

    I do not have stocks or the setup for difficult drafts, but will certainly work with a large horse who does not require stocks.

    Additionally I offer composite shoes using glue, not nails, for horses who need that support.

  • Ideally a clean, dry, covered area to work on the horse is preferred. For clients without a barn or hard-floor shelter, the ground / earth is fine, provided it’s dry. In those cases, I ask clients remain flexible around the weather, as working in the mud is not ideal for myself or the horse for numerous reasons.

  • During an initial hoofcare visit, plan to be available to hold your horse, discuss their hoof history, and identify current concerns or observations. These visits usually are close to an hour per horse, though subsequent visits tend to be a bit shorter.

    Before we get started, we take a walk evaluation video to benchmark our starting point and the horse’s present way of moving. Over time and consistent trimming, the goal is to see a heel-first landing in their travel, and progress towards that will be continuously monitored across trims.

  • Trim cycles vary by client and their needs, but I see 99% of my clients on a recurring 4 - 6 week cycle.

  • I offer abscess services for clients and non-clients alike. Please contact me for availability.

  • Nutrition intake provides the building blocks for building good horn and lamina connection. If your horse is deficient in minerals, or intaking sugar spikes or a constant high amount it makes progressing their hooves that much more of a process with less of a guarantee of a return.

Training & Lessons

  • Your lesson begins at the time scheduled. For example, if your lesson is scheduled for 4 PM, the rider and horse are expected to be tacked up and ready to begin working in the arena at exactly 4 PM. This ensures we maximize your training time.

  • Training programmes are designed for the horse or rider with goals for serious progression.

    These programmes are billed at the beginning of each month and my schedule is built around those horses or students on a priority basis in the calendar.

    Typically programmes provide a discount to the overall costs of training but clients must remain current on invoice payments to remain eligible for programme savings.

    Training sessions do NOT roll over month to month, and there are no refunds offered on training packages for missed days or rides.

    Every attempt will be made to reschedule rides based on sudden life changes and calendar shifts (see more under cancellation / rescheduling policy).

  • It is advisable that all horses in active work and geared towards competition are insured. Injuries can happen at any time, even in the most experienced hands - insurance helps make the next steps easier for you and your beloved equine.

  • As unfortunate as an injured horse is, monthly programmes do not offer refunds.

    In these situations, please reach out as soon as possible to discuss options. Another horse may be suitable for continued lessons for the rider, or training sessions can be converted to rehab sessions to aid your horse’s recovery.