Your Cavallo Team
Changing the world…one horse at a time.
Carole Herder | Cavallo President
I am Carole Herder, President of Cavallo. I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
As a lifelong lover of horses, my journey into the world of equine well-being began with curiosity and a fresh perspective. Unlike many who grew up around horses, I had no childhood exposure to these magnificent creatures. It wasn’t until adulthood, with children of my own, that I embarked on this remarkable path.
My lack of preconceived notions allowed me to approach horse riding with an open mind. What I observed intrigued me: riders struggled to consistently maintain their horses’ soundness. How could such perfectly designed beings—evolving over 50 million years—be plagued by issues like navicular disease, laminitis, and other lameness?
My first beloved horse, Rocky’s untimely death, made me determined to find a better solution.
My research led to a startling revelation: nailing metal into hooves was causing harm. It was impeding shock absorption, blood circulation, and natural hoof function. The very hooves that were meant to support a hefty 1000 pounds of prey animal in flight were being destroyed by an archaic tradition. People were suffering losses without recourse, and the industry was clinging to unquestioned belief.
With this understanding, I initiated the ‘Barefoot Movement’ towards a more educated, compassionate and humane approach to horse hoof care. The problem was that, unlike their wild counterparts, domesticated horses carry the additional weight of riders, which pushes the sole further into the ground. They are confined to small spaces, and the hoof would not condition to varied terrain. It would be unkind to suggest simply removing the metal shoes. Some form of hoof protection would be required, but not metal and not at the cost of their well-being. I invested my resources not only to educate the horse community but also to offer a viable solution for their horses’ comfort and hoof protection: Cavallo Hoof Boots.
Our journey doesn’t stop with creating the best horse hoof boots on the market. We are now producing the state-of-the-art “Smart Hoof Boot.” This groundbreaking product results from a fruitful partnership with the renowned Hannover company Continental. This hoof boot contains advanced hoof sensors that transmit data capable of diagnosing balance, ground force reaction, acceleration, and other critical metrics for earliest detection and prevention. Continental recognized Cavallo as the leading and most trusted hoof boot provider worldwide, leading to the development of the Consteed System.
I am immensely proud to have spearheaded this movement to provide natural hoof care for both barefoot and shod horses worldwide. I am also proud of our dedicated Cavallo Team, changing the world. We have a deep drive to help and care for our beautiful equine friends and have recently announced the donation of 1000 pairs of free Cavallo Hoof Boots to horse rescues, therapy initiatives, natural disaster, and abandoned victims. This act of generosity is a testament to our commitment to helping horses and their people. We seek new ways to assist those in need with unwavering assurance of their well-being.
The emergence of other hoof boot companies validates Cavallo’s impact. Where there was once one competitor, upwards of 15 other hoof boots now exist. Some are simple copies, and others offer different designs. Overall, horse owners now have more choices, independence, and validation that the world has changed for horses.
I continue with my work, although I am thrilled to see many others taking up teaching and educating. In addition to my best-selling books, There Are No Horseshoes in Heaven and Hoof Prints on The Journey, I continue communicating through videos, podcasts, social media channels, and collaborations with influencers. Benefiting both horses and their caretakers, the Cavallo alternative to nailing metal into live tissue answers horses’ many problems.
My husband, Greg, and I run Cavallo from our acreage in Roberts Creek, BC. Together with our team of super-star employees and accompanied by our horses and dogs, we are the champions of change towards a more compassionate, holistic, and life-saving treatment of horses’ feet.
Greg Giles | Cavallo Chief Executive Officer
Greg Giles, CEO of Cavallo Horse & Rider Inc., made the significant move from Australia to Canada to join The Cavallo Team, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in design, production, and the business of footwear. Greg’s extensive background in these areas has shaped his understanding of the critical importance of high-quality products for ensuring both longevity and customer satisfaction. His dedication to maintaining uncompromising standards has been a driving force behind Cavallo’s success in the field of barefoot hoof care.
In 1999, as Managing Director of Old Macs, Greg began his journey into hoof boot education. During this time, he was instrumental in developing and introducing Old Mac Boots to the equine industry. His hands-on experience in creating effective, high-quality hoof boots laid the foundation for his future innovations. By 2006, Greg had expanded his expertise to Cavallo, where he applied his profound knowledge in sourcing, manufacturing, commerce, and marketing to enhance Cavallo Products and elevate the Cavallo Brand.
Under Greg’s leadership, Cavallo has focused on producing the best hoof boots available, with particular attention to those required for specific conditions such as Laminitis and Navicular Disease. His commitment to natural hoof care is evident in the design and functionality of Cavallo’s products, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of horses while promoting their overall well-being. Greg is passionate about educating horse owners on how to measure hoof boots accurately to achieve a perfect fit, which is essential for maximizing the effectiveness and comfort of the hoof boots.
Greg firmly believes that building strong relationships within the equine industry is crucial to running a successful business. This approach ensures timely delivery, eliminates backorders, maintains flawless distribution, and guarantees complete end-user satisfaction. His dedication to these principles ensures that Cavallo Hoof Boots are not only high in quality but also readily available in 25 countries worldwide. Tens of thousands of horses benefit annually from the superior comfort and protection provided by Cavallo Hoof Boots, which are designed to perform well on any terrain and at any speed.
Together with Carole Herder, Greg is deeply passionate about their work and lives. They have assembled a dedicated team of hoof boot experts who share their commitment to innovation and excellence. The Cavallo Team focuses on developing and delivering products that offer unmatched comfort, protection, safety, and support for both horses and riders. Through their combined efforts, Greg and Carole continue to advance the field of barefoot hoof care, ensuring that every horse receives the best possible care and support.
Patricia | Chief Financial Officer
Patricia grew up in Quebec, Canada and began riding at a young age. After moving to British Columbia she had 4 beautiful children who are now just as horse-crazy as she is. She now lives in Gibsons, BC with her children and 2 horses and works as Cavallo’s Chief Financial Officer. Patricia’s compassion and love of animals make her a perfect fit and a valuable member of the Cavallo Team.
Krystle Davies | Customer Experience Manager
Krystle’s love for horses started at a very young age and she began riding seriously at 10 years old. She joined the Cavallo team in 2009 as a customer service representative and has been with Cavallo ever since. Since then she has completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, married her wonderful partner Aaron, and has started her own hobby farm in beautiful Roberts Creek, B.C. She passionately shares Cavallo’s mission to develop and distribute innovative products of excellent quality that provide comfort, protection, support and value for money for both horse and rider.
Jennifer | Relations Coordinator
Jenny began working with Cavallo in 2015, left for a short time to pursue other interests but felt called back and resumed her position in 2017. Jenny handles social media, marketing and growing partnerships between Cavallo and other equine industry organizations. She spends a lot of time outdoors with her dogs, on the beach or in the beautiful BC forest. She grew up with horses but has not had her own horse as an adult, so her job at Cavallo works to fill that gap!
Jenny’s job at Cavallo is tied to her passion for helping animals. Everyone at Cavallo is bonded by a deep love for animals, and a drive to do whatever is in their power to help horses thrive and be understood – free of pain and discomfort.
Yvonne Welz | Customer Experience Expert
Yvonne is a lifelong horsewoman with over 30 years of equine management and training experience. Formerly a competitive dressage rider, she schooled many horses up to an advanced level and achieved national awards with them. Always focused on learning, she studied the art of classical horsemanship for over 25 years. Professionally, she was an Advertising Art Director, until fate intervened when her beloved champion dressage mare foundered in the summer of 1999. The journey to save that mare altered the course of her life, and from then on, Yvonne was completely devoted to the barefoot horse movement.
Through founding The Horse’s Hoof Magazine and website in 2000, Yvonne was instrumental in helping to introduce the methods of natural barefoot horse care to the USA. That publication, which celebrates its 20th-anniversary issue this year, is devoted to barefoot hoof trimming, natural horse care, bitless riding, and ethical horse care topics (available as a collection of online back issues.)
Yvonne’s number one passion in life is helping horse owners and their horses stay healthy and happy – so joining the Cavallo Team was simply a “natural” for her! For years now, she has used Cavallo Hoof Boots on her own horses every single day, and can testify about the superior comfort and protection they provide on hard, rocky Arizona desert ground.
Yvonne lives in Queen Creek, Arizona with her husband, James (a barefoot hoof care professional since 2000), and their herd of 4 bay mares. She created a small riding school and enjoys giving lessons on her beautiful barefoot, Cavallo-booted, bitless school horses – teaching the next generation of horse people all about healthy horse care!
Brigitta Luettgue | Customer Experience Expert
Brigitta has always loved horses, and ALL animals, for that matter. And our customers tell us it shows!
She has gone through many recent life changes that led her to her niche here, at Cavallo. Brigitta and her life partner, Andrew, recently sold their iconic Sunshine Coast restaurant after ten years of creating incredible food. They also just purchased an acreage (for her two gorgeous horses) very near the Cavallo offices. Word got out that Brigitta was nearby and had some time on her hands, so Carole quickly reached out to invite her to become part of the Cavallo Customer Service Team.
Brigitta brings along 28 years of experience in dealing with every horsey matter known to man, after owning the SweetWater Ranch, a horse-riding business in Whistler, BC. She is happy to support products because she truly believes in Cavallo Boots and the comfort they offer her horses.
Heidi Melocco | Public Relations & Press
Heidi helps Cavallo spread the word about new products and equine wellness. She works in the horse magazine and equine publishing world—and has for over 20 years. Heidi authored Western Horseman’s Understanding Lameness, Western Horseman’s Legends 6 and 9, and Goodnight’s Guide to Great Horsemanship. She writes for several nationally-circulated horse magazines and holds first-prize awards from American Horse Publications for her writing and photography.
Heidi started riding Ponies of the Americas at age five at Smiley R Ranch in Hilliard, Ohio. In college, she was president and later assistant coach of the Ohio Wesleyan University Equestrian Team. Now, she’s a registered instructor with PATH International.
Melocco resides on her small-acreage horse property with her husband, Jared, daughter, Savannah, registered AQHA gelding named “Charlie,” a pony named “Romeo,” dogs “Lucy” and “Rosie,” four friendly hens, and three orange barn kitties.
Maren Yellowly | Customer Experience Expert
Maren is an avid equine enthusiast who is deeply passionate about horses, hooves, and holistic care. Inspired by her two beloved geldings, Moo and Oliver, she ventured into the world of hoof care after discovering the challenges Moo faced with his feet. This journey ignited a passion for equine podiatry and bodywork, leading her to found a boutique business specializing in hoof care, bodywork, and R+ training.
In addition to her business, Maren serves as a Customer Experience Expert at Cavallo. With years of firsthand experience using Cavallo Boots on her horses, she guides customers in discovering the benefits of booted and barefoot hoof care.
When she’s not busy tending to the needs of her four-legged clients or assisting customers at Cavallo, you can find Maren exploring the great outdoors with Moo, Oliver, and her faithful dog, Marigold.
Joeal Wolfe | Customer Experience Expert
Joeal’s lifelong passion for horses has evolved into a cherished family tradition. Now a devoted mom, she’s sharing her love for these majestic animals with her two horse-crazy daughters.
Joeal strongly advocates holistic care for people and animals, and she’s thrilled to be part of a company that mirrors her values. Recently, Joeal and her family traded the rugged landscapes of Northern BC for the sunny shores of the Sunshine Coast, where they’re fully embracing coastal life. When she’s not at the barn, you’ll likely find her and her family soaking up the ocean’s beauty.