Mani/Pedi with a Coif on the Side

Getting ready for the Champlain Valley Fair with hoof trimming for Shat Acres Raisin Pie who will be at McDonald’s Farm for 10 days with 10-week-old twins William and Wallace. This will be Shat Acres' 53rd Year sharing a Highland Cow and Calf with some of the millions of people Ray Shatney and his dad, Carroll introduced to this majestic breed during their 59 years of raising and breeding Highlands.

Shat Acres Raisin Brandy, NWSS Grand Champion Cow/Calf, and Shat Acres Crimson 2011 NWSS Grand Champion Cow/ Calf with momma Cinnamon Raisin and twin sister Clover traveled the four hours round trip with Raisin Pie for pedicures and a comb out. All three ladies are daughters of Shat Acres Cinnamon Raisin. We are blessed to be able to carry on and offer genetics of the 12X Grand Champion, 3X Supreme Champion, most winning Highland cow Cinnamon Raisin.

Trimming Highland feet is not for the faint of heart.

It takes a special cow to trust its owner enough to be led into the head gate and onto the tilt table, to have each foot chained securely for trimming, to be lifted by hydraulics off its feet and laid on its side.

It takes a special kind of breeder to halter cattle out in the field, lead them up to the barn, load and fill the trailer with 1500-1600 lb. Highlands, with horn spread up to 56” across. It takes less than 5 minutes before each girl is back on all four feet, but those five minutes are invaluable for the animal's health and comfort.

Most of all, it takes a special kind of skilled hoof trimmer, with the facility, courage, and willingness to work with Highland cattle. It never ceases to amaze us what Jason Marquis can do to clean, shape, and if need be, treat for bruises or infection those hoofs that have been carrying our Shat Acres cattle uphill and down--15 years for Crimson--and with Jason’s help, many years to come.

If you have someone who will skillfully trim your Highland cow's hoofs, treat them like the angel they are. They are few and far between.