Author	Topic:   Founder Testimonials
Dr. Esco Buff (Moderator)	posted 2/2/06 7:23 PM
Loree Doering (Moderator)	posted 2/2/06 11:59 PM       Thank You Esco!!! The Book is wonderful!! Horse owners, this makes the perfect gift for your farrier.. He/She will love it! I have had mine a week & have used it several times!!!
Bob Smith, CF (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:04 AM       “Managing a foundered horse has been a nightmare emotionally and financially for the horse owner. The treatment and the prognosis for the founder have been a subjective matter for the Farrier and Veterinarian. The Veterinarian and Farrier based their decisions on non-tangible signs such as the horse’s demeanor, its attitude and their level of experience in the treatment of foundered horses. The owner was left at the mercy of the Farrier and Veterinarian’s “best guess” as to their horse’s progress. Esco Buff has presented the horse owner, Veterinarian and Farrier with a very specific methodology for determining the severity of the founder, and more importantly, a methodology for determining progress. Through a series of specific measurements the horse owner, Veterinarian and Farrier can make an intelligent factual decision on the treatment of the foundered horse and its chances for recovery.” Bob Smith, CF, Owner of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School, Sacramento, California
Jeanne Phillips (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:07 AM       “To All Horse Lovers, I may not be the most knowledgeable person when it comes to horses (unlike Esco), but I do love them! In 2001 we had quite a time with our horse, Leo, a sweet paint quarter horse…. We purchased Leo in July, and in August we took a terrible fall. Leo seemed stiff a week or so later, and the barn Veterinarian diagnosed arthritis, and prescribed stall rest and Joint Supplements. Leo was also a bit overweight at the time. We kept him in his stall, and tried to walk him on a lead for a little exercise a few times each week. Needless to say, Leo gained more weight. We had the Veterinarian check his progress again as Leo just never seemed to recover. In addition, Leo started to develop vices like biting. The Veterinarian prescribed bute for the discomfort. After 3 months we called a new Veterinarian in because Leo was no better. We walked Leo out of his stall and the Veterinarian stopped us almost immediately, telling us, “The horse has very sore feet.” Following a series or radiographs and lab test, the Veterinarian diagnosed founder and recommended we call in Esco Buff as the Farrier. Esco was so wonderful. First he educated us in proper hoof care, diet, and stall conditions for Leo, and then he gave us tons of literature to help us understand founder. We were shocked to learn that Leo was in a great deal of pain with every step. Just standing caused him terrible pain. It was no longer a mystery why Leo was off. We were so upset, thinking that our stupidity caused Leo to be worse, but Esco pointed out that others had also missed the diagnosis up to now. Due to the length of time of not being treated, more damage to the foot had occurred. Esco had to trim Leo’s feet, and then fit him with heart bar shoes that would help to relieve some of the pain. The Veterinarian suggested bute, but changed his mind after talking with Esco about the ill effects of foundered horses on bute. I have never seen anyone like Esco who seems to understand what the horses want, think and feel. He communicates with them in a gentle and compassionate manner, and it’s quite wonderful to see. Our horse responds to him so well. Esco followed up with us via e-mail to inquire how Leo was doing, and kept a regular schedule of treatment. Just as he predicted, we were riding a sound Leo a year later. Once again, Leo is pain free, thanks entirely to Dr. Esco Buff. I think I see Leo smile when he sees Esco coming…I know we do.” Jeanne Phillips, Chronic Type I Foundered Horse Owner, Canandaigua, New York
Dr. Rachel Shuster, DVM (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:09 AM     “Finally, a clear, concise and easy to use set of directions to evaluate the onset of founder, the progression of individual cases, and a precise language that allows Veterinarians, Farriers and owners to communicate accurately regarding particular cases. These forms have allowed Farriers and I to objectively discuss treatment plans and prognosis in regards to this devastating condition.” Rachel Shuster, DVM Bordentown, New Jersey
Linda Schreiver (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:10 AM       “I honestly believe that if I hadn’t found Esco Buff when I did, my horse, Blue would not be here with me now. I only wish I had found Esco sooner so we could have prevented the founder from getting as bad as it was.” Linda Schreiver, Sinker Horse Owner, Webster, New York
James Maroney (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:11 AM     “I wish to write this testimonial to extol the virtues of Dr. Esco Buff. I made his acquaintance after a major stallion at my farm was experiencing founder. The Veterinarians were very concerned about the radiographs and told us to get the best Farrier to help us, a “Master Farrier.” After one very professional visit from Esco, the Veterinarians were tremendously impressed with the improvement in the horse’s feet. Even more importantly for me, the horse absolutely trusted Esco. Esco made sure to take the time to make sure that was so. My stallion was treated with heart bar shoes and in just 6 months was back to being bare footed. To this day, the horse is sound and completely recovered. Esco is an articulate, knowledgeable and professional Farrier who arrives on time and has a very humane demeanor.” James Maroney, Ennistymon Farm, Sinker Horse Owner, Oswego, New York
Craig and Cindy Schwartz (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:13 AM     “When our horse foundered, it was so bad that our Veterinarian recommended we put our horse, Amanda, down. When we said, "we at least wanted to try and save Amanda," our Veterinarian said "to call Esco Buff." Not only did Esco save Amanda's life, Amanda was sound and able to be ridden after only one year.” Craig and Cindy Schwartz, Chronic Type I Foundered Horse Owner, Marion, New York
Marilyn Aldrich (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:15 AM       “How does your horse feel about your Farrier? I have come to realize that horses are much smarter than we are, and they know people better than we do. I had my share of incompetent Farriers with my wonderful gelding that foundered because of a thyroid condition. I was unlucky enough to lose my beloved equine friend. I wish I had Esco Buff as my Farrier during the time my gelding was being treated for founder - an insidious disease that few Farriers know much about, even though they profess to. Luckily for my mare I found Esco through a good friend. Esco has been my mare’s Farrier for a number of years now, and she loves him. She was founder prone with a heavy crest, overweight and also suffering from a thyroid condition. When the dosage was changed, my horse foundered. I thank my lucky stars that Esco was here. He gave us the options and decided on heart bar shoes immediately. The shoes went on and her relief was immediate. What a change from what I had been through with my other horse. Her prognosis is good and it is all because of Esco Buff and the heart bar shoe. Not only does Esco consider the comfort of the animal first, he knows what he is doing and teaches you at the same time. In a world where people act superior with knowledge, here is a man who really has the knowledge and the skill and shares that knowledge and teaches others without hesitation. And how does your horse feel about your Farrier? One day when Esco arrived as I was cleaning my mare’s stall, I told her “Esco is here, you better get ready.“ She immediately walked over on the mats in the isle waited for him. As I finished the stall he did his work on her as she stood there without a bridle or being cross-tied. That’s how my horse feels about her Farrier! I’m one of the lucky ones to have Esco as my Farrier.” Marilyn Aldrich, Limb Disparity Foundered Horse Owner, Chronic Type I (left fore) and Chronic Type II (right fore), Mendon, New York
Sue Schoen (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:16 AM     “We first met Esco in August 2001 when he was called by our Veterinarian to consult on radiographs taken of our horse who had foundered secondary to a viral infection. Esco took the time to thoroughly examine the radiographs, take measurements, etc. and provide us with the different options available to us in the treatment of our horse. His knowledge of laminitis and founder were extensive and he gave us an honest assessment of our horse’s condition and potential final outcome. Given this information, we wanted to proceed. Knowing that time was of the essence if we were to save this horse, Esco cleared his schedule and spent the entire evening precisely forming and applying heart bar shoes on all four feet of my horse. Esco encouraged us to educate ourselves as much as we could on the treatment of foundered horses, providing us with the names of books that would give us a wealth of correct information on the subject. He was familiar with all the different treatments and shoeing methods that are advocated for the treatment of founder and the advantages and pitfalls of them all. Having researched these methods and the statistics on the final outcomes, Esco firmly believes in the use of the heart bar shoes and based on the radiographs, knows how to precisely set them. Esco encouraged us to ask any and all questions at our initial meeting and further encourages us to contact him with any other questions that arose as time went on (and there were plenty!). Esco laid out an extensive treatment plan that we should follow to optimize our horse’s chances of recovery. He offered encouragement and support as we worked through the initial shock of having something so catastrophic happen to our horse. He remained involved in our horse’s care, requiring weekly updates on his condition and answering any further questions we had. He relayed all treatment information to our Veterinarian promptly, advocating a team approach to our horse’s treatment. We are 3 months into the healing process and Esco has been there every step of the way, trimming our horse’s feet and resetting his shoes on a regular basis, answering questions and continuing to monitor our horse. Follow up radiographs show that the heart bar shoe has worked, as evidenced by no further dropping or rotation. Just as important, our horse’s pain relief with the application of the shoes was almost immediate and he has remained comfortable. Progress had been excellent to date. Having researched information through many sources, I have found that generally there are as many theories on the treatment of founder as there are causes. The prognosis given is often variable, and it seems that many people are unfortunate enough not to have access to excellent equine Veterinary care and a skilled Farrier. With Esco’s extensive knowledge of laminitis and founder and his skill in the use of the heart bar shoes, horse owners in our area are fortunate to have this resource available should their horse founder.” Sue Schoen, Sinker (front) and Acute (hind) Foundered Horse Owner, Macedon, New York
King Lamadora (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:18 AM       “I have been following the suggested founder materials of information dictated by Dr. Esco Buff. In regards to founder, my clients have immediately noticed the escalation of my success. By shoeing to the numbers and following the Founder Data Collection And Analysis Forms, I get the necessary information to correctly fit and place the heart bar shoe. The materials presented in this book, should offer the reader and the equine professional along with the owner, hope and a successful outcome. It is my opinion that Dr. Esco Buff has real solutions to a complex problem.” King A. Lamadora, Farrier specializing in Proper Balance Movement (PBM II), Daly City, California
Kimberly Doebel (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:20 AM     This is a story of thanks……………………. My story begins of course, with my beautiful Saddlebred mare, Heart. I had discovered that my horse had foundered in early summer of 2002. I was devastated to say the least. I had no experience with founder, not to mention recovery of founder. I was at the beginning of my wild goose chase of many suggestions. At first, My Veterinarian diagnosed her lameness as a bad nail from a previous Farrier. So we removed the shoes and applied a glue on plastic shoe. Two weeks later, she was still lame. My Veterinarian, after my suggestion and urging, returned to radiograph my horse feet. This is when we discovered that she had foundered! I was instructed to confine her in a stream of water to remove any heat in her feet, or dig a pond for her to stand in. To confine her in a stream somewhere was just not an option, considering there wasn’t any water on our property. To make matters worse, we have the driest soil on earth. It’s all sand and rocks (bank run soil). So to dig a pond and expect it to hold water was impossible. Keep in mind; this is a horse with a lot of issues. The main issue is her confinement issue! Her second one is major anxiety! Heart is the leader of my small herd of horses. She is an outstanding kind animal with people, but has major control and separation issues. To make it even more interesting, she is a very hard keeper and a finicky eater. So now my husband and I are at the point of digging a pond in the paddock so she can still be near the herd. We used a very strong thick pool liner to hold the water and stall mats on top so she wouldn’t tear the liner. I took apart my round pen so we could confine her in this 12’ x 12’ water stall we had made. After a few hours in the sun, it got to hot for her, so we built a temporary roof over it. She went into the water stall without a problem what so ever. It seemed at first that it was a relief for her. By morning, she had jumped out of the water stall to join the herd! We found her lying in the sand because she was in so much pain. This was the worst thing she could have done for her feet. Now my Veterinarian suggest that I tranquilize her so she will stay in the stall, and to bute her for the pain. Bute is a big NO-NO with foundered horses (I didn’t know this at that time). My Veterinarian did give me one piece of good advise. That was to find a new Farrier who shod foundered horses. I had already decided that on my own already. As the days rolled on, my horse got worse. Several people had said I should put her to sleep. I was beginning to wonder if that would be the fair thing to do for my friend. I was absolutely beside myself! After spending a few days on the computer, and my face in several magazines, I came across one little ad for videotape on shoeing foundered horses by Dr. Doug Butler. He is a Certified Journeyman Farrier, teacher, author, publisher and speaker on hoof care. I called the 1-800-728-3826 telephone number right away to order the videotape. Carla Repke answered the call and she was great! Carla had told me that the first thing I need to do is find a good certified Farrier that could do this procedure that Dr. Doug Butler talks about. I had already been looking for a new Farrier, but hadn’t found anyone that would take on this problem. Carla recommended Esco Buff and said that he had attended Doug Butler’s seminars for several years and was using this method to shoe foundered horses. I called Esco and left a desperate massage. He called back almost right away. I explained everything I could to him and told him about my horse, and what I had been told to do for her. Esco took the time to educate me a little about getting a horse to recover from founder. Everything he said to me made complete sense. He seemed very kind and well educated. I was anxious to meet with him and have him evaluate my horse. I am so glad I did! I had traveled over six hours with my horse to the clinic that Esco works out of. At the first visit, radiographs were taken; Esco looked over my horse, and then put her in a stall to rest. He spent the next half an hour educating me on the procedure he was about to do on my horse. Then he got busy making measurement from the radiographs and went to work making special shoes for her. My horse was very relaxed and at ease with him. Esco has a very calm way about him that horses seem to be comfortable with. He is very soft spoken and confident, that is welcoming. Believe me, I’ve had my fair share of cocky and uneducated Farriers. Esco is just the opposite of that. He was very concerned about getting my horse and myself more comfortable, and he did just that. I had never seen a horse trimmed and shod in this way before. Just in the first visit, my horse was much more comfortable. My horse has been visiting with Esco on a regular basis since then. It is now the beginning of March 2003, less than a year since my meeting with Esco, and my horse is completely sound again! She now has a regular shoe on and I am working her again. She is a much happier horse at this point and I am so glad I didn’t put her down. That would have been a crime. All I can say is Thank you for all you have done for both of us. Thank you for the hospitality of you and your wife, Christine, for letting me bunk at your house during the harsh winter months, instead of my trailer. The best thing I have to say is I have a new title for you now! You are truly what I call, “ The Hoof Whisperer!” Kimberly Doebel, Limb Disparity Foundered Horse Owner, Sinker (left fore) and Acute (right fore), Accord, New York
Lorrie Scalia (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:23 AM     “ I just wanted to say thanks one more time for all you’ve done. After nearly 19 years of owning a horse, I finally met another person with such integrity, empathy and a gift for understanding horses and horse people in general. Not only did you do wonders for Raajah, but you were very helpful to me during one of the worst days of my life…even though I only knew you one short year, you’ve been or rather have had a great impact on my life. You’re an incredible person - don’t ever change - your children have a wonderful role model. I wish you great things.” Lorrie Scalia, Limb Disparity Foundered Horse Owner, Chronic Type I (left fore) and Sinker (right fore), Marlton, New Jersey
Alice and Cindy Reed (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:24 AM     “How do you turn a devastating situation into a better one? The answer is take a beloved equine champion, factor in foundered, then bring in a person at the top of their field. That is what happened to my much loved show mare Hustle To The Limit, aka - Emmy. In June of 2002, our Veterinarian had us walk and soak her feet for almost two weeks. Our Veterinarian was called out again to re-examine my mare because she steadily had become increasingly lame over the two week time period. The Veterinarian and our “then” Farrier, both felt that it was an abscess and with that, continued to pare at the sole of her feet. After not finding an abscess during this time, x-rays were finally taken. I will never forget that afternoon when my mom, after speaking with the Veterinarian, told me the devastating news that Emmy had foundered. It was a blow and a shock to us that was beyond belief. When you say the work “Founder,” everything that I learned in my years of owning and showing equines and even through my years at college for equines, meant that, “if” the horse lived they would be crippled or worthless. This is so far from the truth when you have Esco Buff in your barn, working with a horse that is willing and able to fight for what could very well be her life. Esco arrived mid-evening in June to work with Emmy and to also work with us. He explained everything that had happened to Emmy, through the use of her x-rays and his own created Farrier data forms. He pulled books upon books from his trailers bookshelf, in order to give us visuals and knowledge. Esco explained that by looking at Emmy’s feet and radiographs, he could tell that she had been foundering for the last five to six months. I learned that Esco shoes about 60 new foundered cases a year and by taking certain measurements from the x-rays, can give the horse owner a fairly accurate prognosis of survival and use. Esco gave Emmy a 98% chance of survival and about a 50 % chance of returning to her original soundness state. Esco then went on to explain the work that would need to be done. And work he did. Esco supported Emmy through heart bar shoes and at some moments, held all of her 16 hands worth of weight on his shoulders just to make it easier on her. It’s been a long way from that June in 2002 to the present (2004). Months of care and corrective shoeing by Esco has brought my mare from what our Veterinarian referred to as a “guarded” condition, to what you see today, a mare on a mission. She runs full out across our arena, bucking, kicking and even gives a little something extra to Esco when he tosses a snowball at her as she plays. As it stands, Emmy and I will be pairing up to ride again this spring due to Esco. Esco has given my family so many important things, knowledge, compassion, understanding, friendship and most of all, my horse’s life back. He is truly a gift to know, not only professionally, but also personally. We would like to publicly thank Esco from the bottom of all our hearts. As my mom would like to point out, Esco’s business card could not describe him and his business any better; “Providing service that is dependable, caring, ethical and professional.” How right she is. Alice and Cindy Reed Limb Disparity Foundered Horse Owner, Chronic Type II (left fore) and sinker (right fore), Wolcott, New York
Dwayne Crossland (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:26 AM       “The seminar I attended that was given by Esco Buff, was the most in-depth training in a seminar devoted to the understanding of founder. Esco provides self-instructional detailed learning about Founder, which every Farrier needs to know. Esco is Highly respected. His experienced methods and clinically proven documentation derived from his detailed data forms, offers the Farrier the opportunity to help diagnose the degree of founder and treat this condition. As a professional Farrier, I’m highly excited to recommend Dr. Esco Buff’s new founder book.” Dwayne Crossland, Farrier, Delhi, California
Lidia Ivanovna Sawortotnow (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:29 AM     “If we wonder often, the gift of knowledge will come.” (Arapaho proverb)“ In October, 2003, I attended two clinics in California that featured clinician Esco Buff, PhD, CF. Esco’s experience working with many respected members of our industry on laminitis/founder cases has resulted in a plethora of knowledge, which he enthusiastically passes onto others. There is a staggering need for correct information to be conveyed to both the Farrier and Veterinary communities. Esco stresses the importance of a good Veterinarian/Farrier relationship. The goal is a successful return to the horse’s state of useful soundness and comfort. The heart bar shoe has been proven to have the greatest success. The problem is, there are more wrong ways than right ways to apply the heart bar shoe. It must be constructed, fit and applied with accuracy. The clinics proved to be well worth the effort and time to attend. As a Farrier, we depend on our tools for making a living. Upgrading them is a natural progression as our skills improve. Remember, the most important tool is you. Education is an investment in ourselves. No two individuals carry the same combination of talents or challenges. We all have something to gain from the wisdom and experiences of others. Thank you Esco and all those who hosted the clinics.” “To look at something as though we had never seen it before requires great courage.” (Henri Matisse) Lidia Ivanovna Sawortotnow, Farrier, Salinas, California
Fern Hilsinger (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:32 AM       “If you’re a horse person, one of the worst things you can hear from your Veterinarian are the words, “it’s founder.” The day I heard them, I was called to the barn for what I thought was going to be a sprain or muscle strain in my 15-year-old Morgan, Flash. What I encountered was my Veterinarian on the stall floor feeling my horse’s pulses. His first words to me were “I’m sorry Fern, Flash has foundered.” From that moment, nothing in my life was ever going to be the same again. The first few weeks were the hardest because I knew a lot less about founder than I thought. I was scared. Things were happening too fast and I was getting more conflicting opinions and advice than I could handle. As I recall those terrible days, I unfortunately did more panic driven and detrimental things than were wise. Sorting through the advice was the hardest task because I was always sure of one thing - saving my beloved companion from incurring more pain and suffering. I was not prepared for the mental and emotional pain and suffering I too would have to endure. The next year and a half proved to be a roller coaster of rough and rougher moments. In that time, Flash foundered three more times, abscessed in both feet simultaneously, rotated more and dropped 100 pounds. People I knew chastised and abused me verbally for seeking solutions and not opting for euthanasia. My Veterinarian of 10 years “threw in the towel” and told me to prepare for my horse to die, as there was nothing left that he could do. Translation: there was nothing else he knew how to do. When the entire lateral wall of the right front hoof fell off with a brand new shoe attached, my Farrier of 20 years refused to return because my horse’s condition was too poor. Translation: he did not have a clue what he was doing much less what he could do for my horse. And so, the first month in a brand new barn 26 miles from my home I found myself with a foundered horse with no right foot, no Farrier and no Veterinarian. That was a gift! Once I recovered from the shock of it all, my mind opened and the solutions dropped in front of me. First, I became educated in and utilized every feasible treatment complimentary medicine had to offer. I employed several Veterinarians who were amenable to integrative care including Homeopathy, Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, REIKI, and Jin Shin Jyutsu. Second and most important, I found the right Farrier (thanks to Marilyn Aldrich), who is an expert in the hoof care of foundered horses. Without this kind and compassionate expert, our story would have ended much differently. There is no one person I can think of who has had a more intense and positive impact on the survival and well being of my horse than Esco Buff. Through every moment of stress and fear, Esco has proven his dedication, knowledge and professionalism and enduring friendship to me. To Flash he has proven his compassion and kindness. Throughout the last few years, many people have called me about their foundered horses, as I once called others about mine. My advice is simple. 1. Learn everything you can about laminitis/founder and never make a hasty decision because everyone else thinks it’s right, because it’s the conventional treatment or you are feeling pressured. When in doubt, wait and think about the decision until after you get more information. 2. Educate yourself about what’s available, what each treatment is and which practitioners are available to you. Do not be dissuaded by others lack of knowledge. There is no reason why any competent and confident Veterinarian or Farrier should be intimidated or insulted by legitimate use of well orchestrated integrative care. 3. Find the right Farrier. That means someone who is AFA Certified, will actually look at and understand your horse’s radiographs and who has expertise in the area of founder. Ask them if they will work with your Veterinarian. If they refuse, keep looking. If you’re lucky enough to live in the surrounding Rochester, New York area, don’t walk, RUN to the telephone and call Esco. 4. Take care of yourself because this is a long hard journey, not for the weak or faint of heart. Call people who have lived through the battle of surviving founder. Develop a support system and be willing to offer the same to others when they need you. 5. Offer your horse all the tenderness and comfort you can afford. That may mean some sacrifices on your part. Remember, this is not their fault. You chose this majestic and faithful companion when they were well; they didn’t get to choose you. Think about what it would be like to have this happen to you. What would you want done? 6. Expect the unexpected, as it will occur. 7. When others offer their opinion, remember it’s theirs, not necessarily yours. Never allow anyone to chastise you for giving good care. Always have faith in what your horse is telling you. Your horse is the best and most truthful source of what is right to do. 8. Don’t give up until you are sure there are no more options. I was fortunate to be befriended by a beautiful, gentle, but very strong and courageous Morgan horse named Lynnmor News Flash. He came into my life when he was 4 years old and gave me unquestionable love and dedication of spirit. His tragedy at age 15 years old came about through human error - mine. His fate could have been different. Now 7 years later after that horrible day, Flash is still alive, medically healthy and comfortable. For that gift, we both owe a great deal of gratitude to Esco Buff and the heart bar shoe. Thank you.” “Nyah weh DaNaHo Swenio.” Rev. Fern Hilsinger, BSN, NST, RN, Chronic Type II Foundered Horse Owner, Rochester, New York
Michael DeLeonardo, CJF (Moderator)	posted 2/3/06 0:34 AM     “I have taken notice of Dr. Esco Buff for three years, through the Farrier Focus, presented by Dr. Doug Butler. I had the opportunity to have Dr. Buff give a clinic at the Farrier Center, in Salinas, California. His associate, King Lamadora, followed every detail in the Founder Data Collection and Analysis Form. They shod two chronic cases. In both instances, immediate relief was given to the sore feet. The radiographs and the proper fit and placement of the heart bar shoe made all the difference when treating this disease. All those who attended the clinic, left well informed and inspired. I want to thank Dr. Esco Buff for his time and his talent.” Michael DeLeonardo, CJF, Farrier, The Farrier Center, Harry Patton Horseshoeing Supply, Salinas, California
Eric and Adrienne Goffnett (Moderator)	posted 2/24/06 2:20 PM       The best portion of a good man’s life - his little nameless acts of kindness and love. William Wordsworth What is a Hero? Simply - someone you admire, respect and is a selfless person. Dr. Esco Buff is our Hero! He saved the life of our Belgium Draft, Markey. After many painful months of farriers, several different treatments, a change of veterinarians, sleepless nights and traumatic days (to say the least); Esco came to the rescue like a “True Knight” in shining armor. Markey did not have much time left as he was suffering from a Sinker Founder along with a Limb Length Disparity. Our hearts were breaking, the veterinarian at the time offered no hope or help, and told us to put Markey down. Markey has an amazing character, a big heart and eyes that would melt your soul. We couldn’t bare to euthanize him. Markey had endured months of painful treatments, yet we still had hope because Markey was a fighter. He was still alive and struggling to stay that way. Seeing you horse so lame everyday, consumes your thoughts. We new there had to be more that could be done for our beloved friend, but what? Markey needed round the clock care and what little was being done, fell apart last May (2005). Markey took a worse turn and was rushed to our new veterinarians clinic. Markey was stalled and waiting for Dr. Esco Buff to drive in from New York to Michigan. Our farrier had heard that Esco was the featured clinician for a founder clinic two hours from where we live, and that if anyone could save Markey, it would be him. Our farrier contacted Dr. Buff as he was driving to Michigan and they worked it out so Markey could be used in the clinic. Unfortunately, Markey couldn’t make the trip. We were now so very desperate. Graciously, Dr. Buff drove several hours off his trip plan to come to us. For all you horse owners who love and have loved their animals, you know the pain we were experiencing. Dr. Buff worked on Markey with such gentle kindness and love. Esco truly is the “horse whisperer.” Radiographs were taken immediately and read. Precision measurements were taken from the radiographs in order to design and place a heart bar shoe. Markey was immediately made comfortable with these correctly positioned and fitted heart bar shoes. I cannot STRESS proper placement. Other heart bars shoes had not worked. The key was they were not properly placed. Therefore, I cannot stress enough the importance of having good radiographs and a farrier who has the knowledge and skill in applying these precision shoes. As I stated before, Markey was immediately more comfortable, something that had never had occurred before. Our hearts were soaring. Before him - Dr. Buff had a very large draft with a devastating Sinker Founder. It was truly amazing to watch him work on and around our horse. Dr. Buff saved Markeys life. Dr Buff followed Markeys care and progress by working with our farrier and veterinarian. Last September (2005), Dr. Buff came back to Michigan to work on Markey. Due to Esco’s incredible knowledge and treatment, Markey came out of his heart bar shoes and into regular shoes. Markey was 98% sound. A miracle. Our horse was saved. Today, Markey runs and plays with his fellow pasture friends, and even pulls a wagon! Dr. Esco Buff is forever our friend and our horse Markey loves him. Esco is our Hero. God Bless people like Dr. Esco Buff and our veterinarian, Dr. Ron Hildebrandt. Eric and Adrienne Goffnett, Owner of a LLD with a Sinker Founder, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Dr. Barbara J. Bach, MD, FACEP (Moderator)	posted 1/8/07 4:47 PM       In April of 2006, one of my mares became extremely toxic, cause unknown, and needed in hospital treatment at one of the leading veterinary teaching hospitals. Fortunately, she overcame the toxic insult, but developed laminitis and foundered. She was shod there for anatomical correctness. The shoes stayed on for one month with increasing severity of her symptoms. Following the removal of this set of shoes, several other types of shoes and supports were used with out success. The vet was recommending that we think about euthanasia. I was referred to another farrier who specializes in foundered horses. He shod her. Again her symptoms intensified. I found Esco's book and phoned him. Within three days he was at my farm to evaluate my mare. By this time she was a bilateral sinker, barely standing, with multiple pressure sores. After evaluation, treatment and shoeing, she was standing and walking that first day. She has steadily progressed since that point growing sole and hoof wall. The pressure sores have healed. She happily is spending her days in the pasture with her best friend. I have gained added respect for you and your treatment plan in your evaluation and treatment of my performance horses. Your shoeing has enhanced their performance levels in quality, endurance, and comfort. As a Boarded Emergency Medicine Physician, I truly appreciate your comprehensive evaluation of the whole horse and its function in your treatment program. Your knowledge, understanding and respect for anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiolgy is remarkable. This coupled with your genuine love and compassion for each animal and it’s owner is a God given gift. My horses are healthier and their performance enhanced because of your treatment. I have gained a trusted friend and confidant. Thank you Esco. You are appreciated. Barbara J. Bach, MD, FACEP
Bob and Natalie Unger (Moderator)	posted 9/13/07 1:21 PM       My show mare, Patunia, foundered and was in trouble. She was a sinker and as time went on she was only getting worse. We had her shipped home in order to have her euthanized at home. As my mare was being scheduled for euthanizia, my local farrier interceded and informed us of a man that we should talk too before putting our horse down. Our farrier stated if anyone can save your mare, it will be him. We got on the phone and contacted Dr. Esco Buff. Two days later he was at our farm and working on our mare. Working with our local veterinarian, Dr. Esco Buff performed a resection, pared away an abscess, and applied heart bar shoes. The road to recovery has been slow but steady. A year later and our mare is in regular shoes, resection grown out, pain free,and is able to go our and play! Her future looks great. We thank God for Esco. Expect the unexpected. Be patient. Take care of yourself as it's long hours of care and sleepless nights worrying. You will have good days and some bad days. As time goes on the bad days are few and far between. Don't loose your faith! Thank you, Esco! The Unger Family and Petunia.
Jennifer Karl, DVM (Moderator)	posted 8/20/08 11:37 PM       Hello! I just wanted to take the time to thank you again for your time and effort. It's a huge relief to me to have a caring set of ears and an experienced mind on the other end of the phone for Petunia. I am thankful everyday that I have been given the opportunity to work with you on this type of case. I am hopeful that she continues to respond favorably to treatment but she has been a huge learning opportunity. Seeing cases as bad as Petunia was at the start of treatment gives me hope for laminitic horses...we can do something if we're given the opportunity. I hope you are having a good day! Thanks again! --Jen
Doreen Kula (Moderator)	posted 10/21/08 9:08 PM       Esco was my farrier for my one horse, Niels, about a year before my second horse, Black Jack, foundered. Esco took fantastic care of Niels. In fact, for the 3 years prior to finding Esco, Niels developed abscesses in his front left hoof every spring without fail. Since Esco has been taking care of him, Niels has not had an abscess. During that year, there were times when Esco would call because he was either running late or he had to reschedule because he had to take care of a foundered horse. That never bothered me. I always wished him, the horse, and the horse’s owner the best outcome possible. I always felt quite badly for the horse and the horse’s owner – I had never experienced my horse foundering but that was always one of my biggest worries as a horse owner. A week after I brought my two horses home, Black Jack came up lame. It was extremely mild to begin with but slowly kept getting worse. A week and a half and visits from Esco and the vet later, xrays showed that Jack was foundering. It was one of my worst nightmares come true. I called Esco to tell him what the x-rays showed. He was awesome – he immediately rescheduled a couple appointments to come out the very next day. He told me exactly what I needed to do to take care of Jack until he got there. Under his guidance, I created an emergency heart bar support out of gauze (using pictures from his website) and duct taped it to Jack’s front feet. After I got off the phone with Esco, I called a horse friend to tell her what was going on. As soon as I told her Jack was foundering, I promptly burst into tears. The realization of what was going on hit me like a ton of bricks. Esco came out the next day and spent almost two hours first explaining exactly what founder was and how heart bar shoes addresses it, then analyzing the xrays to determine exactly how to fit the heart bar shoes. The time he spent explaining what founder was was a huge help. I spent so much time reading about founder online but you find so much information and so much of it is contradictory, it’s hard to sort through it all. However, when you look at the numbers and Esco’s success after specializing in this for so many years, it was clear to me that heart bar shoes are the ONLY way to go. After Esco put on the first heart bar shoe, he had me feel the pulse in Jack’s foot and compare it to the pulse in the other foot which did not have the heart bar on yet. The pulse had already decreased! I was amazed. Esco put on the 2nd heart bar shoe and the pulse in that foot decreased as well. He had me walk Jack across the driveway and turn him in both directions to evaluate if the shoes were working. You could see a clear difference from how Jack was walking and turning from before and after Esco put the shoes on. Esco gave me directions on how to care for Jack and told me to contact him with any questions I might have. I think I ended up emailing or calling him almost every day for the first week after that because I would have a question. He got back to me so quickly every time and he never made me feel like my question was stupid although now I’m sure some of them were. It’s been about 2 months now and Jack is out in a dry lot paddock, walking around with no problem. In fact you would never know there was ever a problem by looking at him. In another few weeks, we expect to have him in regular shoes and we might even get the ok to go for a short ride! To sum it all up, Esco provided the very best support, in very different ways, to both Jack AND me. I will always be forever grateful that I have the best farrier in the world to take the best care of my “boys.” Esco – thank you from the bottom of my heart! -Doreen, Black Jack, and Niels Avon, NY
Sally Just	posted 12/20/09 1:54 PM       I truly believe that without Dr. Esco Buff we would have lost our pregnant mare, Karina, and her foal this fall. Our attending veterinarian diagnosed Karina with sinking founder and instructed us to give her Bute as treatment, saying that she’ll “either make it or she won’t. It’s all up to her ability to tolerate pain.” After consulting our farrier and a second vet, we decided that we wanted to take a more proactive approach to her treatment. The second vet recommended that we treat founder like any other emergency and that we call Esco immediately. He agreed to drive to our farm in south central Pennsylvania early the next morning. Esco was very patient with the mare, even though it took six hours in the damp cold to shoe her. He worked closely with our regular farrier, taking time to teach him the proper technique for using heartbar shoes to successfully treat founder. He also recommended taking her off all Bute. After the initial shoeing Esco called every day to answer questions and provide support and advice. His daily phone calls were a lifeline through the first difficult weeks of recovery. By the end of the first month, Karina was walking comfortably and was able to turn in both directions soundly. Esco returned to our farm four weeks after the first shoeing to assess her progress and teach our regular farrier to take over her future shoeing. We were able to start hand walking her daily to rebuild her muscles and tendons. Now after only 8 weeks she is able to walk and trot soundly! We are continuing to increase her time walking in hand. Without Dr. Esco Buff, Karina would not be sound and happy; I firmly believe that in another week her coffin bone would have punctured her sole, and we would have been forced to euthanize her. Instead we are happily looking forward to the birth of her foal in March and she will eventually be able to return to work as a talented dressage horse. Esco saved our horse and saved us tremendous grief and heart break.
Lynn Coleman	posted 11/17/10 1:27 AM       Our mare Calli Bey was overdue with her 2010 foal. She was showing some signs of lameness early in the month of Aug. when our vet diagnosed a possible abcess. (There was no bounding pulse and no heat) At the end of about three weeks Calli became worse and was very lame. To make a very long story short, Calli lost her foal and was taken to an equine hospital. She was diagnosed with a very bad uterine yeast infection and of course founder. I was told that her insulin resistance tests were negative. In the meantime I was told by a very good friend to contact Esco. After hesitation on the part of my vet but talking to Esco on the phone I decided to have him come out to treat Calli. I also faxed him the test results that we received from the hospital. Esco had access to an insulin calculator (on-line, available to all) and said that Calli is insulin resistant. Her yeast infection was not clearing up, so he spoke to my vet about a new med called Program. He then got her into the proper heart-bar shoes. (she was a sinker) By working with my vet, advising us on the proper diet for IR, and recommending the Program and of course making the correct shoes for her, Calli is now sound and on the road to recovery from her other issues. This has been such and emotional time for us and Esco has always been available to us for any questions and always calls for updates. I couldn't be happier for my precious mare. (BTW, my vet is now a believer!)

Dr. Esco Buff's Equine Educational Enterprises  | Post New Topic