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  • Nerves and Bloodflow – Keeping the Hoof Alive

    By Carole Herder Need some scientific jargon to back up your barefoot theories? I came across a great article by Dr. Robert Bowker recently, entitled ‘Nerves, Nerves, Nerves: Why Are They So Important To The Horse?’ The article gives an in-depth descriptive narrative on the different types of nerves in the hoof, how horses feel…

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  • Hoof Moisture Balance – A Natural Approach

    By Carole Herder Do you oil or condition?? Did you know that 90% of the moisture required for the hoof wall comes from within the blood and lymph vessels?  Moisture balance is extremely important to healthy hooves. It is the moisture, made up of water and salts and electrolytes, which ensures that the tubules (hollow…

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  • The Face of Pain

    By Carole Herder The French born fashion designer Coco Channel is one of my most respected business women. She was listed in Time Magazine as one of the top 100 most influential people of the 20th century. One of her fabulous quotes comes to mind when I have a good look at various faces. She…

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  • Patting or Scratching?

    By Carole Herder Finally! One of my pet peeves has been analyzed through scientific study and the right answer has come about! Do horses prefer to be scratched or patted? In the grand scheme of things it is probably not a life-changing question, but it bothers me immensely when riders, particular top competitors on their…

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  • Max’s Simple Boots

      I want to share my horse story with you. I am 40 yrs old and got my first horse a year and a half ago (after wanting one since I was 6). I got a 13 year old Appaloosa gelding who is the best horse in the world. His name is Max. The previous…

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  • Liberated Horsemanship

    By Carole Herder Looking for something good to sink your teeth into? I’m not talking about a slice of chocolate cake! I’ve mentioned before that knowledge is power, and the best way to gain this is through reading, talking and experiencing. It’s often hard to know what books to buy or magazines to subscribe to…

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  • Fixing Problems With Saddle Fit

    By Carole Herder I came across two very different backs on horses recently. The first was an old gentleman who had lived a rough life being ridden three times a week for many years, had worn shoes all his life and probably an ill-fitting saddle too. He stood at 17hh (68cm) but did not look…

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  • White Line Disease

    By Carole Herder A friend of mine rang me in a panic recently and said she had a photo to send of her horse’s hoof and could I take a look. See below. ‘Looks like White Line Disease’, I messaged her back. She was horrified. Not only did she keep her horse barefoot, but he…

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