But…
How often do we hear, or use, this word when talking about horses? Often in the context of knowing something is actually better for the horse but my horse can’t because of all sorts of carefully created and formulated excuses. I know that roughage is best for horses but my horse needs extra cubes/mix/nuggets etc because… Barefoot is […]
New Developments TWH Regulation
According to Fran Jurga’s Hoofblog, there are developments in the regulation of soring and other associated practices applied to Tennessee Walking Horses to initiate the so-called “Big Lick” The article speculates on the intentions behind a new member’s bill in the American house. You can read the article here.
Boots
People often ask me which hoof boots I would recommend, usually as a cautionary precursor to riding barefoot outdoors. My answer is very simple – but not always satisfactory! I do not recommend any make of hoof boot. Among the various reasons why horses should not be shod, is also the question of physics and […]
Transhumance d’Automne 2013
In less than four weeks we will have begun the 2013 edition of the “Transhumance d’automne”. Twice a year, a herd of ±70 horses, of which 15 are ridden, are led over the Pyrenees from Porta, in de Vallée de Carol to Denis in the Aude. This journey takes four days in the late autumn […]
What does the vet know?
It’s worrying, but how often do vets actually know what they are talking about when it comes to hoofs and feed? Most veterinary colleges are geared up to small animal and/or livestock work these days and the specific equine knowledge is still rooted firmly in the late 19th / early 20th century. True, we have […]
Subscriptions
A little later than promised, but here they are, the details of the subscriptions: Currently on offer are subscriptions for 6 and 8 weeks – covering any 48 week period, so they can start at any time. For a 6 weekly subscription, the fee is €285. This is a saving of over 10%. For an […]
The Planning – 2013
For Sabots Libres, 2013 should prove an exciting year; rolling out at least two new concepts and expanding horizons. The concept of Subscription Trimming is in itself not new – not unlike a season ticket, it entitles you to a set number of trims within a given period for a fixed price. More information about […]
Barefoot is Not Negotiable…
All horses’ hooves are healthier without shoes, and barefoot horses are healthier than shod horses. They live longer, happier, less painful lives. Barefoot is a requirement for health and should be accepted as a condition for keeping a horse. Humane management is not just preferable, it is nonnegotiable. The foot evolved to function unshod. Nature […]
Hoofing to Nature!
We often eulogize about “The Wonders of Nature” but only when we are actually confronted with them do we realize just how amazing they can be. A few weeks ago I was called out to one of my customers who had just bought an 8 year old horse. The general condition of the horse was […]
Warning Shot
Unbelievable how a bit of sharp criticism can change things even when the criticism isn’t believed! I recently pointed out to a horse owner that his farrier was doing a very bad job of looking after the horse’s hoofs – and explained exactly why. The upshot was an owner that told me I was talking […]