Why I Created This Series

Twenty-plus years ago, I used to have my horses shod. At the time I never questioned why my horse should be barefoot. I was told his hooves were too sensitive without shoes and that was that! It wasn’t until I had stepped out of the equine world and then re-emerged more than ten years later that I began questioning everything; and, with that process, I began educating myself by means of hands-on experience.
 

I understand the overwhelming feeling my clients have when they begin reading and learning about different perspectives and opinions. It can be a daunting and often emotionally exhausting experience educating yourself in the equine world. We equestrians can be very opinionated and it seems every horse owner is an expert about everything.
 

If you are a new horse owner, or one that is searching for a new or better way for you and your horse, this is what I recommend along your educational journey:
 

• Ask questions.  Ask as many “experts” or professionals as you can and look for a common thread. Meaning, it’s one thing if one “expert” claims it to be right or true and another if many are saying the same thing. I am not saying that it’s always wise to follow the masses – I sure haven’t. Listen, learn, and then decide once you have education and experience to back your decision.
   

• I encourage you to keep probing, reading, and asking until the answer not only feels best, but it works best for you and your horse.
   

• Follow the expert or professional that “walks the walk,” not just “talks the talk.” There are many “talkers” or intellectuals out there and very few “doers.” I want to follow the doer – the one who has learned through experience and has a reputation to back it.