56 / Sport and Trail Magazine
BAREFOOT
BOOTED
&
By Carole Herder
President of Cavallo Horse & Rider
The Trusted Authority in barefoot and booting
How would you like to be standing in front of seventy people about to speak on the subject of caring for the horses we love and be confronted with the argumentative question “where did you get your information”?
“What information?” I answered.
“How to trim horse’s feet?” replied the crossed-arms antagonistic farrier.
I took a breath and replied that he was welcome to apply to speak at this event himself, I would be happy to discuss his issues afterward and he should kindly be respectful of everyone here in the audience who came to hear me speak. It was an interesting moment and it could have gone either way.
The thing is, we all care about horses or we wouldn’t be involved. It’s not as if a farrier says “I am going to nail metal shoes into horses’ feet, even if it damages them” No, they believe it is the best practice. Alternately, I believe that barefoot and booted is the best practice. Do we have to argue about it? Do we have to be polarized into “camps”?
Equine massage and chiropractic treatments can be excellent ways to prevent physical issues, as well as to catch issues early on before they find major problems. Ask other horse owners at your barn if they’d be interested in scheduling massage or chiropractic appointments on the same day to see if you can get a group rate.
Maximize Turnout Time
It’s one of the simplest changes you can make, but it’s also one of the most effective. Maximize your horse’s turnout time in order to improve his health. By allowing your horse to spend more time outside, you’ll be giving him the light exercise he needs to stay fit, avoid weight gain, alleviate the pain of arthritis, and more.
Buy Quality Feed
Always buy the best quality feed that you can afford. The better the ingredients that you are feeding your horse, the better your horse’s health will be. Quality feeds have a reduced risk of issues like spoilage and contaminants, and this quality can help to protect your horse’s health.
What changes have you made in your horse’s life in order to improve his health?
Alternately, I believe that barefoot and booted is the best practice. Do we have to argue about it? Do we have to be polarized into “camps”?
I carried on speaking with the intention of winning those four-front-row-farriers over. We are all in this together. Barefoot is not going away. Cavallo Horse Hoof Boots are not going away. Sincerity and friendliness is the best way to co-exist.
Amazingly, we did indeed become friends in the end. The audience, the people, the horse owners got to choose. There has always been conflicting opinion in our world. This bit, that bit, this feed, that vitamin, this farrier, that mineral, this vet, that blanket, this trainer, that saddle and then it all changes next season or in a different territory. It’s not always easy, but best to make the choice that makes sense to you. Listen to all points of view – all possibilities. It can be difficult to be independent and part of community at the same time. Be open. Keep learning and do your best. Sift through the right and wrong. You are the one your horse is depending on.
Protect your horse’s feet with Cavallo Hoof Boots.
Carole Herder has a genuine passion to help educate horse owners. She speaks on her belief that caring for horse’s hoofs naturally and keeping them barefoot is best. Carole designed and developed the range of Cavallo Boots to meet the needs of the world wide hoof boot market.
Carole's background is in holistic and alternative health care. She coauthored the book The Cavallo Barefoot Trim, and most recently authored the international best seller "There Are No Horseshoes in Heaven".
Learn more about Carole's book >>
Do we have to argue about it?
How would you like to be standing in front of seventy people about to speak on the subject of caring for the horses we love and be confronted with the argumentative question “where did you get your information”?
“What information?” I answered.
“How to trim horse’s feet?” replied the crossed-arms antagonistic farrier.
Equine massage and chiropractic treatments can be excellent ways to prevent physical issues, as well as to catch issues early on before they find major problems. Ask other horse owners at your barn if they’d be interested in scheduling massage or chiropractic appointments on the same day to see if you can get a group rate.
Maximize Turnout Time
It’s one of the simplest changes you can make, but it’s also one of the most effective. Maximize your horse’s turnout time in order to improve his health. By allowing your horse to spend more time outside, you’ll be giving him the light exercise he needs to stay fit, avoid weight gain, alleviate the pain of arthritis, and more.
Buy Quality Feed
Always buy the best quality feed that you can afford. The better the ingredients that you are feeding your horse, the better your horse’s health will be. Quality feeds have a reduced risk of issues like spoilage and contaminants, and this quality can help to protect your horse’s health.
What changes have you made in your horse’s life in order to improve his health?