Equiterra provides professional hoof care focused upon progressive techniques, performance based results, and biomechanically sound principles.
Our Story
Founded in 1982 by Lance Sloman in Calgary, Alberta, Equiterra has established itself as a trusted provider of professional farrier services for over 40 years. Since Lance’s sudden passing in 2022, his son Connor has proudly carried on his equine legacy alongside his wife Ashley.
With a focus on performance, at Equiterra we specialize in serving the unique needs amongst a variety of disciplines. Including, but not limited to hunter/jumpers, eventing, endurance and dressage.
Our past long time association with Spruce Meadows, renowned for its world-class equestrian events, allowed us to collaborate with some of the best professionals in the industry. The trust our clients place in us and the ultimate performance of their horses remain our utmost priority, driving us to continuously strive for excellence.
Our commitment to continuous education and staying up-to-date with evolving industry standards is ongoing. We provide a current and comprehensive range of services aimed at optimizing the health, comfort and performance of your equine partner.
From routine trimming and shoeing to gait analysis and specialized corrective or therapeutic shoeing, as well as applications of modern synthetic materials, we are dedicated to ensuring that each horse receives the personalized attention and care it deserves.
With a meticulous attention to detail, we strive to always promote proper balance, boney column alignment, and caudal support, enabling our equine partners to excel in their respective disciplines, while maintaining and improving the health of their feet.
You can trust Equiterra Farrier Services to keep your horse sound and performing at their best whether shod or barefoot!
farrier@equiterra.ca
403-861-9621
Our Guidelines
Prioritizing Hoofcare and Client Satisfaction
At Equiterra, we not only prioritize the well-being of our clients' horses above all else, but we also understand the significance of prompt communication and effective problem resolution for the peace of mind of our clients.
Our objective is to provide an extra satisfactory experience by applying the principles of scientific-based techniques in our hoof care, so that both clients and horses are sound and happy.
Swift and Responsive Communication
Clear, timely communication and sharing of knowledge is at the heart of our approach. We recognize that horse owners may have inquiries or concerns that require immediate attention. Equiterra vows to promptly respond to any communication—be it through phone calls, emails, or other channels. Our clients' questions and concerns will always be met with attentiveness, as we prioritize their needs and ensure that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.
Resolving Issues with Scientific Precision
Equiterra takes pride in employing current scientific-based techniques to address any hoofcare issues that may arise, or to bring compromised feet back into alignment and health. We are highly trained professionals who enjoy learning and keeing up-to-date with the latest advancements and research in our field. By utilizing proven methods and keeping a keen eye on industry developments, our team is equipped to resolve any problems that may surface.
We firmly believe that the effectiveness of our techniques lies in their scientific foundation. We enjoy meticulously assessing each situation, taking into account factors such as biomechanics, equine anatomy, and hoof dynamics and morphologies. This ensures that our interventions are not only comprehensive but also tailored to the specific needs and conditions of each horse.
Smooth Process, Satisfactory Experience
At Equiterra, streamlining processes is a top priority. We understand that our clients value their time, and we are committed to providing a seamless experience from start to finish. From scheduling appointments to arriving on site and conducting thorough assessments, we aim to eliminate any unnecessary delays or inconveniences.
We work diligently to diagnose and resolve hoof care issues efficiently and effectively.
Equiterra aims to employ the most appropriate and beneficial techniques, considering the well-being and performance of the horse as the ultimate goal. Our team upholds the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring that clients are fully informed and involved throughout the decision-making process.
Trust and Dedication
Above all, Equiterra values the trust our clients place in us. We understand the deep connection between horse owners and their animals, which compels us to provide exceptional care.
Our dedication to maintaining open lines of communication, promptly addressing concerns, and utilizing scientific-based techniques underscores our commitment to a satisfactory experience for both the horse and the owner.
About Our Team
Connor Sloman
Connor Sloman started his Farrier career in 2001 when he began working and apprenticing under his father, a highly skilled and experienced journeyman farrier. Connor's passion and dedication to the craft were evident from the very beginning, as he learned the ropes and honed his skills under his father's guidance. As the years went by, Connor's expertise grew, and he eventually took on the leadership responsibilities of running Equiterra Farrier Services.
Since taking over the business, Connor has dedicated himself to continued learning and seeking ways to improve his knowledge and techniques. He recognizes the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field of horseshoeing, as it enables him to provide exceptional care for his clients' beloved horses. Connor is a member of many hoof care organizations such as the International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF), Western Canadian Farriers Association (WCFA), American Farrier's Association (AFA), and National Alliance of Equine Practitioners (NAEP).
Connor's commitment to ongoing education is reflected in his attendance at various conferences and summits dedicated to the art and science of hoof care. In 2019, 2020 and 2023, he had the opportunity to participate in the highly regarded American Farrier’s Journal Annual International Hoof Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio. This prestigious event has not only exposed him to cutting-edge research and practices, but also provided a platform for networking with fellow farriers, veterinarians, and industry experts.
One noteworthy achievement for Connor was being invited, alongside Lance, to participate in the AFJ 2020 Hunter/Jumper Performance Horse Hoof-Care Classroom. This particular event allowed him to showcase his expertise and interact with professionals in the specialized field of hunter/jumper performance horses.
Over the years Connor has taken immense pride in being able to contribute both his knowledge and skills, benefitting the equine community at Spruce Meadows, a place where he has been well-known and respected for over 20 years.
Connor's journey as a farrier has been defined by his commitment to continuous improvement and providing exceptional care to his clients' horses. Whether he is working on a competitive jumper or a beloved backyard companion, Connor's unwavering dedication and vast experience make him an invaluable asset to the Equiterra Farrier Services team.
Ashley Sloman
Ashley Sloman has been actively involved in the equine community since the age of seven, having fallen madly in love with horses after one fateful pony ride at the tender age of two. She never gave up on her dream to ride and own horses, despite not being born into a horsey family. Ashley now has over 33 years of riding and competing experience in the hunter/jumper arenas and various other disciplines. Ashley was blessed to be able to compete at such wonderful venues as Palgrave, CNE, Ottawa, Kentucky and many more. Throughout her time spent with horses, Ashley has developed and fostered a deep understanding of horses and horsemanship skills.
In 2019, under the guidance of Lance and Connor, Ashley embarked on a journey to learn the art of barefoot trimming. She began learning from our mixed herd of nine horses, with breeds ranging from Shetland to Warmblood, QH, Arabs, Andalusian and a donkey. Since then she has continued to independently trim our remaining six herd members, showcasing her dedication to mastering the craft, and ensuring their comfort.
Ashley's commitment to continuous learning is evident through her active participation in ongoing education. She regularly engages in viewing webinars by farriers and veterinarians worldwide, accumulating more than 100 hours of continuing education credits in a single year. Her expertise extends to equine biomechanics and the anatomy of the hoof and distal limb, ensuring a comprehensive approach to her work, always taking into account the internal structures and their function.
In 2021, Ashley expanded her horsemanship skills being blessed with the opportunity to work with and learn from Dr. Bill Calder, a local and well respected warmblood trainer and former veterinarian. She contributed to starting young horses, riding, groundwork, and teaching foals handling of feet for various clients. This multifaceted experience has enriched her skill set and further solidified her position as a versatile and knowledgeable trimmer and horsewoman.
Following Lance's passing in 2022, Ashley stepped up to help support the team full time through shows, working on summer series horses as well as looking after our trim clients as needed. Her role has expanded to full-time handling of all farrier tasks, except fitting and nailing shoes, with precision and dedication.
Ashley's commitment to excellence is underscored by her participation in various clinics and events, including Jonathan Field Horsemanship Clinics, attending the International Hoofcare Summit, and assisting Connor in hosting a Hoof Data assessment clinic at Burwash Equine. She has also participated in an educational day at University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine, instructing students on how to cut clinches and pull shoes using cadaver limbs.
In spring of 2023 Ashley had the wonderful opportunity to attend a two day hoof builders clinic with David Landreville, where she honed her trimming skills and learned how to encourage comfort and development in the caudal aspect of the hoof.
In the fall of 2023 Ashley participated in an equine kinesiology taping basics course, hosted by Whispering Equine Bodyworks and Hestaband tape. Ashley received a certificate after completing various therapeutic taping applications and passing a written test. Ashley and Connor also had the fantastic opportunity to attend a wonderful Whole Horse Soundness Conference in Regina in fall of 2023. It was hosted by the Canadian Equine Hoof Care Assosciation, and was attended by experts in their fields of equine anatomy, dentistry, hoof care, biomechanics and nutrition such as Dr. Thomas Teskey, DVM and Yogi Sharp, The Equine Documentalist.
In 2023, Ashley became a member of the Professional Hoof Care Practitioners (PHCP) for continuing education and certification, as well as the Canadian Equine Hoof Care Association (CEHCA) as a student member pursuing a Canadian bare foot trimming certification.
As Ashley continues to work full-time as a hoofcare provider and business partner, her unwavering dedication to the profession, extensive knowledge, and continuous pursuit of excellence define her as a valuable asset in the field of farriery. Her passion, combined with a wealth of experience and education, ensures the highest standards of care for the horses in her charge.
Lance Sloman
Lance Sloman is a very well-respected figure in the equine industry. He embarked on his farrier journey back in 1976 after attending Oklahoma Farriers College, Bud Beaston Horseshoeing school. Equipped with his newfound knowledge, Lance founded Equiterra Farrier Services in 1982, a decision that would shape his legacy for years to come.
Throughout his illustrious career, Lance's dedication to his craft was evident. He not only served as President of the WCFA in 1989-90 but also contributed significantly to the AFA as a member of their board of directors. This exemplary leadership showcased his commitment to advancing the field of farriery and fostering a sense of community among fellow professionals.
Lance's skills as a farrier were not confined to administrative duties and accolades, as he proved himself on the competitive stage as well. Partaking in the World Championship Blacksmithing competition held in Calgary during its inaugural years, Lance displayed his remarkable talents and earned the respect of his peers. He also had a particular talent for anvil tossing.
Lance's legacy has been deeply intertwined with Spruce Meadows. Since its inception over 40 years ago, Lance had been an integral part of this prestigious equestrian facility, contributing his expertise and leaving an indelible mark on its development. His presence and contributions were instrumental in shaping Spruce Meadows into the internationally renowned institution it is today, and his care of equine athletes throughout his many years there has been nothing short of exceptional.
Sadly, Lance Sloman's illustrious journey came to an end in March 2023, after his sudden passing. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of excellence, expertise and kindness to all. He lives on through his son, Connor Sloman, who has inherited his father's wealth of knowledge and continues the family tradition of craftsmanship and dedication within the equine community.
Lance's unwavering commitment to his craft, his leadership in professional organizations, and his profound impact on Spruce Meadows firmly established him as a pillar within the equine industry. His passing left a void that will truly be felt, yet his contributions and the knowledge he imparted will forever be cherished by all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with this amazing man.