Randy DeBord was born in Western North Carolina. He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps who loved and shod horses most of his life. Randy developed his own love for horses and has dedicated his energies to helping them achieve and maintain comfort, balance, and excellence. His “HoofSavvy” is an accumulation of knowledge, from outstanding mentors and practical experience to trial and error.

Randy’s Cherokee heritage has influenced his “native” approach to hoofcare. Native hoofcare holds justice in the forefront when contemplating the foundation. Justice encompasses many forms of fairness. Awareness of the environment and the interconnectedness of all things, are also forerunners in native hoofcare. Everything is affected by one’s environment. For example: the diet (affecting the teeth), terrain (affecting the musculoskeletal system), available medicine (affecting the type of veterinary care), climate (affecting the hooves moisture/dryness), altitude, geographical location, ect... are key components in Balanced Equine Wellness.

By using flexible techniques, Randy dials in a foundation that will support the horse through the many stages of his life. From birth, through development, and dynamic demands, this foundation supports skeletal alignment and muscle symmetry thus enhancing the quality of his life and his natural abilities. Randy’s analytical mind and eye for detail have honed his skill with equine hooves into a fine art. The combination of horsemanship, progressive learning, whole horse insight, and desire to educate, creates an awareness that equals justice for the horse and for the human.

For the horse, every aspect of his nature and his physique is considered with pure intention. Check the egos of the “experts” at the door, be it the farrier, the vet, the trainer, or the well meaning onlooker, and learn from the horse. After all, the horse is the best teacher for those who learn how to listen.
> For the human, communication, cooperation, and education combine to work for everyone involved. This equips humans with real insight which enables them to make truly informed choices.

It is all about balance and justice is true balance. If Randy could inspire only one thing, it would be, “serve the horse with justice”.

Randy now resides in Knoxville Tennessee with his lovely wife, Tina, and their children. In his leisure time he enjoys backpacking, hunting, fishing, riding, and spending time with his family.