November/December, 2008 - part three

No One Can Tell it Better than a Child!
Novato, CA -- Author, producer and trainers’ coach Leslie Desmond is sponsoring a contest for young
artists and writers who want to share stories and pictures of their favorite horse, pony, mule or donkey.
Winners and runners up will have their stories and art or photographs featured on the Young Writers
section of www.lesliedesmond.com and receive a copy of her popular 3-volume DVD series “American
Horsemanship for Young & Old” by Leslie and her students from Novato, CA.
As a young girl growing up in Western Massachusetts in the
early 1960s, Leslie was given a retired Thoroughbred named
Brown Jug. The13-year old former race horse was owned by
family friends whose daughter had gone off to college. She
could no longer care for her beloved best friend, and Leslie
was desperate to bring him home. “My own parents did not
know much about horses in those days, so I relied on the kindness of others to teach me how to ride and take care of him.
At first, he went way too fast and was not easy to steer, but it
wasn’t long before we understood and loved each other anyway. Although I know she meant well, the woman who tried to
help us often yanked on his mouth and whipped him if she
thought he didn’t do the right thing. I did not know what the
right thing was either, but we got along very well so I was certain he knew how to do some things in a good
way. Brown Jug’s worry and confusion about all this soon turned to sadness and I could not bear to see this,
so I began to correspond regularly with some well known authors who published stories for children about
horses and other animals. As it turned out, they were happy to hear from me. I asked if there was a better way
to communicate with Brown Jug. To my great relief there was. I wrote often, and they wrote right back, usually with some good advice and warm words of encouragement.”
Margurite Henry, who penned “Misty of Chincoteague” and many other books, wrote to Leslie in 1964-1966
and sent her pictures of the famous foal taken at night with an early flash camera. C.W. Anderson, who wrote
and illustrated “Heads Up, Heel Down” and a over dozen other titles, urged Leslie to stay calm about things,
and keep old Brown Jug clean and in good shape. “He also suggested that I pay close attention to the way others rode, and to see if the horses looked pleased with the situation,” she said. Joy Adamson, author of the famous trilogy (“Born Free”, “Living Free”, and “Forever Free”) about an African lioness named Elsa and
other members of the pride, wrote to Leslie about taming the wild lions, and the damaging effects of man on
the delicate habitats that all animals depend on to survive.
“Those authors provided support when I needed it the most. Years ago, they were my inspiration to ride well,
and keep my horse clean and fit. Later, they inspired me to become a free-lance photographer and journalist.
Today, they inspire me to say . . ‘Now, come on, all you kids! Go find a pen and some paper, or a lap top and
set down your story!’ I don’t think anyone can tell a better tale about a horse or pony they love than a child.”
Desmond, co-authored and published the best-seller “True Horsemanship Through Feel” with the legendary
horseman, Bill Dorrance (1906 – 1999) of Salinas, CA. In 2006, she produced the unique, 102 track 10-CD
audio book called “Horse Handling and Riding Through Feel”.
Entries will be accepted through Leslie’s website www.lesliedesmond.com , and at: Young Writers’
Contest / Leslie Desmond International School of Horsemanship / P.O. Box 2642 / Novato, CA 94948
USA. Each submission must be received no later than February 15th, and be accompanied by a letter from a
legal guardian or parent to authorize publication of the story and art work on the internet. ***
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Dressage, Naturally
with Karen Rohlf
Creating healthy biomechanics and stronger partnerships through combining
natural horsemanship principles with the art of dressage...
photo: Dana Rasmussen
never underestimate the potential for harmony & lightness to improve in ways you cannot yet imagine
Welcome back to the
Temenos...
Temenos is an ancient Greek word. It refers to a
sacred space that has no limits, where special rules
apply and extra-ordinary events are free to occur.
Clinic schedule: CLICK HERE
This Month:
Upcoming Clinics:
• I’m sorry that I missed last month’s
Newsletter... but am happy to tell you
about everything that has gone on
this month!
Temenos Fields, FL
contact: K2
• Holiday Savings at the web shop: Q: When is seeing the number
Temenos Fields, FL
I have another discount
you! See Page 2.
Dec. 13 Open Format Workshop
code for 2 a good thing?
• Dressage Naturally T-Shirts
are here! See page 2.
• 2009 Clinic structure described
• Student ‘s Q & A
Jan 10 Open Format Workshop
contact: K2
A: When it means that the secJan 25-30
ond DVD in the Results in
6 days at Temenos Fields
Harmony Video Series is
(Full)
available! See page 2 for details.
1
New Items and Special Discounts!
Organic Cotton T-Shirts
available in Women’s style in Chocolate and Black
Unisex style in Black
Front (all shirts): the horse illustration that is on the book
cover plus “Dressage Naturally... results in harmony”
Back (all shirts): these words: --->
They come packaged in
their own 100% recycled paper
Women’s
Unisex
bags (no plastic!)
Results In Harmony Volume 2: Developing Mobility
Ovation continues to develop his gymnastic skills! Here Karen shows the
intermediary steps between basic foundational yields and mobility exercises (lateral work) both on-line and riding.
This DVD is 50 minutes (20 minutes longer than the last one...) at the same
price!
Special Package
The Book/DVD plus volume 1 & 2 in the Results in Harmony
DVD series at a special savings (10% off)
PLUS: A DISCOUNT CODE -- HLDY08
for an additional 10% off everything on my website, just for you, my newsletter subscribers.
This code is good through JAN. 31, 2009. The code is: HLDY08 (as in Holiday ’08)
And yes, it takes an additional 10% off even the Special Package shown above!
Remember, in order to get the discount, you need to enter the code when prompted by the web
store!
PLUS: for the month of December, only, all
orders over $100 will get a complimentary
Introduction to Dressage, Naturally DVD!
2
Visit the web shop at dressagenaturally.net
Copyright 2008 Temenos Fields, Inc Nov/Dec
There is going to be a new structure for next years clinics. Instead of having clinics for ‘new comers’ and clinics
for ‘people who have ridden with Karen before’, there will be 2 curriculums. Students should decide which one to
take, based on what is appropriate for them/their horse.
Please take a look at the information below. There are links to videos showing the prerequisites. This information can also be found now on my website in a link from the Clinic Schedule page.
Relaxation, energy and balance in the horse and human
The focus of this clinic will be to learn:
• Basic theory, principles of Dressage,
Naturally
• How to develop an eye for healthy biomechanics, including the ‘let loose’
posture.
• The Athletic Rider: How to improve your
own relaxation, energy and balance
• How to develop and expand your ability
to communicate about relaxation, energy and balance
• To use these conversations in order to
find the ‘sweet spot’... the best way of
going for your horse in order to help
them be the best they can be.
• The basic theory and techniques for riding in connection with the reins
Format can be a mixture of any combination of:
• Theory, discussion
• Simulation
• Large groups online, riding
• Small groups online, riding
• Individual sessions
• Demonstration
Prerequisites (all of the below):
• Independent seat. Able to ride freestyle
(without reins) and walk, trot and canter
• Impulsive, emotional issues resolved, or
able to be handled independently without interrupting the group, or putting
yourself or others in the group in danger.
• All basic yields (forehand, hindquarters,
sideways, back up) understood at a
light (no more that ‘Phase 2’) possible
It is very possible that the first session of
the clinic will be a group session where
participants will be asked to show her the
above prerequisites in order for Karen to
make the best plan for the rest of the
clinic.
• Large groups online, riding
• Small groups online, riding
• Individual sessions
• Demonstration
First session assessment skills:
• (The same prerequisites for the Sweet
Spot course)
• Have taken the Finding the Sweet Spot
course or any 3+ day course with
Karen
• Have a range of conversations about
relaxation, energy and balance at walk,
trot and canter
• Can demonstrate a positive soft touch
(can take the slack out of the reins and
nothing negative happens with horse
or rider) at walk, trot, canter
• Can demonstrate a let loose posture,
(spinal stretch) on line/riding at walk
and trot
• Show a circle game online with transitions, walk, trot, canter and back up.
• Ride all basic yields freestyle from a
stand still
• Ride a circle, or use whole arena showing walk, trot, canter with long reins
(freestyle) and with the slack taken out
of the reins (soft touch).
Click Here to see a video of the minimum
prerequisites for this clinic
Exercises for Flexibility,
Mobility & Collectibility
It is very possible that the first session of
the clinic will be a group session where
participants will be asked to show her the
above prerequisites in order for Karen to
make the best plan for the rest of the
clinic.
The focus of this clinic will be to learn:
First session assessment skills:
• How to take the ‘sweet spot’ of healthy
biomechanics forward, and gymnastically develop your horse.
• Theory, principles of gymnastic development
• Continued refinement of rider’s athletic
seat
• How to use patterns and the arena to
benefit your training in a way that
makes sense to your horse.
• How to diagnose and apply specific exercises for Flexibility, Mobility and Collectibility
• How to ride so the connection with the
reins is positive and beneficial
• (All those for the Sweet Spot course:)
• On-line, show how you use conversations about relaxation, energy and balance to find a sweet spot and be able
to describe what you are doing.
• Riding, show how you use conversations
about relaxation, energy and balance
to find a sweet spot for your horse and
be able to describe what you are doing.
• Show transitions flowing from walk to
basic yields.
Format can be a mixture of any combination of:
• Theory, discussion
• Simulation
copyright 2008 Temenos Fields, Inc May
Prerequisites (all of the below):
Click Here to see a video of the prerequisites for this clinic
Q
&
A
Question about Pictures and Postures
From Denise Sergeant
Hello Karen,
I have a few questions and one discussion opener. 1-What size is the round pen in your
newest dvd?
2-Which horse/rider combination
(past or present) would you name as
an ideal image of dressage perfection. Also, maybe you could name a particular rider and a particular horse which
are ideal images as well, even if one
side of the equation isn't ideal. i want
to implant in my mind some examples
of dressage perfection (in a zen-like
fashion). 3-I've had a concept develop in my
mind lately. My current coach is very
focused on my inner body awareness
(seat bones, individual back muscles,
stomach 'on the bit' etc). I've actually
been with her a couple years and I suddenly had an 'aha' moment this summer. 'Perfect posture' is an integral part of
riding in connection with your horse. We
all hear: sit straight and heels down, but
my big 'aha' has to do with our 'cores'. I
audited your clinic in the Guelph area last
fall ('07), the one where Zettl came to
watch as well. It would be my observation that both of you have excellent
posture. Is that natural to you? or is it
something you work(ed) at?? I think the general population (myself
incl) have an awful tendency to roll our
shoulders in and slouch our tummies forward, this sort of leads to the fetal position when riding. In all my study of horses/trainers etc i've
never heard much about this (maybe sally
swift).... Yet until i focus on keeping my
'core' in (i.e. tummy sucked in) anything
i'm trying to do in a session with my horse
is undermined. Anyway, I just don't think this is talked
enough about in the current available riding literature etc. Yet, going back to my
2nd question, i have a feeling the riders
you mention will be ones who stand erect
in even the most informal situations.....
The beauty of this realization i've had is
that i now practice riding at virtually every
waking moment. i have gotten into a
habit of constantly checking my shoulder
position, my core position. The interest4
ing thing too, is that when i hold what i
deem as excellent posture and walk, the
impetus for the movement comes from
my butt and thighs (my 'hind'
end.....exactly how we hope our horses
will move when they are practicing 'perfect posture'. Anyhoo, I was hoping you would dialogue some on this topic if it connects
with you in some way as well. Thanks, Denise Sergeant. denisesergeant@yahoo.ca
Hi Denise, Thanks for letting me answer this in the newsletter. Here are
some answers...
1. My round-pen is 75’. Small enough
to keep things focused and I don’t
have to run around too much, big
enough to allow the big horses and
horses with big bubbles to have
some freedom.
2.Oof, what a question! But I do always emphasize the value of having
a good ‘picture’, so I like how you
are thinking! In my mind I am always aware that no one person or
horse can embody everything... and
we can never duplicate it because
every horse, person and horse/
person combo is different... I like to
have qualities floating in my brain
and allow them to fall into place as
is appropriate... if that makes
sense... so I may have many different ideal pictures for different horses
and moments... (Karen-Land can be
a blissfully confusing place!).
But taking into account your question number 3, and the specific field
of dressage, today I think I will give
you the picture of Mr. Philippe Karl.
He has a video series that is difficult
to find in the USA, but you can go to
this website: www.pferdia.de and look
for them, they do come in an English translation... the process is interesting, but the real gold for me is
the videos of him riding his older
horse, Odin, (who he had 13 years
at the Cadre Noir... to me a picture
of classical dressage with ease and
graceful power). Also a man with a
strong, easy posture.... also check
out these you tube videos below...
but the Odin footage on the DVDs is
simple elegance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPBET2
Nb5Pk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g63g9r9_
N3Q&feature=related
(continued on next page...)
copyright 2008 tmenos fields, inc Nov/Dec
Q
&
A
“Quality is not a thing, it is an event.”
~Robert M. Pirsig
But as I said, that is just one picture...
And take from it the qualities that you like,
without getting so stuck on it that you stop
seeing equally valuable qualities in even
a seemingly opposite picture...No one
thing is every thing. Is that zen enough for
you? ;-)
3. I love how you are thinking (and thank
you for the compliment on my posture).
Is my posture natural? Well yes and
no... Genetically I come from a posturally average family. But I do have some
strange twists in my spine and crookednesses... I once had an X-ray of my
spine at a chiropractor’s, and he ran
next door to get the other chiropractors
saying: “you’ve got to see this!” Without
going into the details, lets just say I am
not the most symmetrical person out
there, and growing tall quickly caused
me to tend to slouch.
But thank goodness for dressage because it really caused me to figure out
how to function symmetrically. And that
is the key. The ‘proper’ riding position is
based on healthy functioning. That is
why I don’t really teach about getting in
a particular position until we are getting
down to details... it is too static... what is
important is that you find a position that
functions well. Specific maneuvers,
From: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
transitions, lateral work, etc will be challenging enough to require you to be
balanced and athletic. Functioning well
also should be healthy; meaning it will
prove itself by less chronic tension and
soreness in your body.
human and that will always benefit riding. Perhaps some sports may tighten
muscles that we need to be long, etc...
but the martial arts, ballroom dancing,
yoga, tai chi, pilates.... are all good examples.
And yes, the muscles that are designed
to be postural muscles are the big ones
that are deep in your core, aligning your
spine (instead of holding legs back
through tension in your legs, or holding
shoulders back by tensing shoulder
muscles, which will only tire quickly and
then contortion will creep in). All of this
will interfere with optimum total body
functioning, for sure.
And you mentioned one of my favorite
hobbies, which is thinking about my
posture when not riding... You can become symmetrically neurotic like me,
too! Notice how you stand in line at the
grocery check out, how you sit on the
couch, how you walk... Just training
yourself to be aware is huge progress.
And the hardest time to think about posture is when you are having to think
about anything else... so don’t wait until
you are having to concentrate on your
horse. Your horse will love it if you
practice it away from him so you are
better with him.
Also I have done many other experiences such as ballroom dancing, Tai
Chi, yoga, rock climbing... and I noticed
that there were many benefits (I always
find something valuable for riding in just
about everything I do!) They all talked
about certain pelvic and spinal alignments, balancing the spine, toning the
core in order to free the limbs.
By the umpteenth time I hear the same
thing coming from a different source I
figured I better pay attention! So actually, there are many many ways to practice being a balanced, centered, athletic
Then, you can practice switching your
attention while you ride: think about
you, then think about your horse. When
the horse is in a nice moment, immediately think about you again. When you
are good, then think about your horse...
until you train your brain to keep a floating awareness of everything.
There actually are some books on yoga
for riders, pilates for riders, tai chi for
riders, a google search should give you
a good start.
Also stay tuned, I was just outlining a
new DVD on just this subject with some
interesting exercises for this!
Thanks, Denise for some
wonderful things to think
about!
Students at Temenos Fields
experimenting with different movement patterns!
Photo: Dana Rasmussen
copyright 2009 Temenos Fields, Inc Nov/Dec
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A
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“They always say ‘time changes things’,
but you actually have to change them yourself.”
~Andy Warhol
photo: dana rasmussen
We are approaching the shortest day of the year... The sunset of 2008 will lead to the bringing of more
light into 2009. It must happen this way, right? Well, as Mr Warhol said above, only if you actually make it so. Otherwise the
days go by, and so do the years and we easily find ourselves in the same old place. Why is it we so often wait until absolutely
necessary to make the changes we need to make? Does our brain tell us we can’t? Do we think there always will be time later?
So what is this essay about? Well... it is about fire: the kind that gets lit under your butt, or in your heart... or where ever you may
need it! This day pictured above isn’t going to go out with a whimper, but with a full blaze that somehow says: ‘you think I’m
done? You ain’t seen nothing yet!”
This month I had a fire lit under my feet, and I’m not just talking about my resurrected trail running discipline... I walked on 2000
degree red hot coals. I’m not mentioning it to brag (although I am rather impressed with myself!), but instead to just share the experience of it... the knowing that the impossible is often more possible than we think. Now, I was not surprised that I did it... I
was excited to do it and I’ve pushed myself before by doing limit-expanding activities, but what my little scientific brain was
amazed by was: although it could understand blocking out pain and fear, it couldn’t understand how it prevented my flesh from
actually burning. My tender little bare feet were on coals that can melt steal and vaporize paper... it made no sense.
I guess my brain is not so smart after all!
light your own fire inside you, and let it give
you warmth, peace, motivation...
what ever you most desire!
I will never look at a fire the same way again. It will remind me of Just how much
power I have. Ok, and maybe I will also look at it as the gateway between me and the
perfect S’more, something to cuddle in front of, something to be grateful for on a cold
night in the woods. I guess it can be what ever I want it to be... just like anything in
life, I suppose. So for some of you , this time of year means many cold days with limited chances to play with your horses... OR, it could be a motivation to study and practice other parts of your horsemanship. Can you keep your fire lit?
I had a student in my clinic who just finished a round of chemo and radiation, but she
participated fully... she has a fire in her heart that makes my hot coals seem like a bed
of cool moss.
No more waiting for time... what will you change now? What fire will you light?
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Copyright 2008 Temenos Fields, Inc. Nov/Dec
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Claudia... You totally rock!
It was such an inspiration to have
you fully participating in the 6 Days
at Temenos Fields this November
You accepted the diagnosis, but not
the verdict...
You embody determination and
inner fire.
We look forward to seeing you and
DuelN in the next clinic
Claudia Milton and DuelN
CMilton@dadeschools.net
copyright 2008 temenos fields, inc nov/dec
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Wishing you all a free and
easy Holiday Season,
full of spirit, laughter
and peace.
Photos: Dana Rasmussen
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copyright 2008 temenos fields, inc nov/dec
®
Barehoofcare Update
www.barehoofcare.com
our email address has changed to :
info@barehoofcare.com
(the old one will still work for a while, then will disappear into the
ether of cyberspace)
INTRODUCTION
EDITION 3………November 2008
CONTENTS:
Introduction ..................................Page1-2
What’s happening at Mayfield ......Page 3
Mayfield rehab case Bridget ........Page 3
Welcome to edition 3 of the barefoot update. It has been an incredibly
busy time with everything ramping up in preparation for Equitana.
Feature article- seedy toe ............Page 4
We have been very busy developing our new online shop which is
more streamlined and easier to navigate (as well as getting the
postage right!). You can access it via www.thebarefootblacksmith.com
or you can still get into it through our current and original
www.barehoofcare.com website.
Feature: Jason McInnes…………Page 6
Easycare Down Under .................Page 5
Readers story …………………… Page 7
Diploma News………………….…Page 7
Classifieds………………………...Page 8
Teleseminar………………………Page 9
Our range of trimming tools and supplies continues to expand,
especially with our unique hoof stands that are proving to be very
effective and popular (come and see the whole range at Equitana ).
For those people who have already been on our website, please be remember to press ‘refresh’ on your computer before
you check out our new site!
1
INTRODUCTION continued
We are having a stall at Equitana and we will have our full range of trimming tools and equipment for anyone who wants to
buy or have a look at, or even if you would like to just drop by and say hello!
Mike and Chrisann from Easycare Downunder will also be present in our stall and they will be launching and displaying the
new hoof boot models from Easycare.
I am going to be demonstrating hoof trimming Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 2.00pm in the hoof care arena, using horses
from Richard Weis, Samaria Creek Morgans and the Victorian Brumby Association.
I will also be lecturing about the role of barefoot rehabilitation for chronic lameness on Thursday 20th at 5.00 pm in demo
arena 3. Hopefully no stage fright!
www.victorianbrumbyassociation.org
www.samariacreekmorgans.com.au
www.richardweis.co
m
And then there have been the workshops! We have been fortunate enough to run quite a number of our one day workshops
this year, covering most of eastern Australia. We have met and worked with so many people, both two legged and four! A
big thank you to those who have been workshop co-ordinators and helped to make some very successful days.
Thanks also to everybody who has provided us with the useful feedback – we are constantly evolving and hopefully
improving in our endeavours to produce an effective learning experience.
Next year we hope to begin presenting a series of advanced workshops for those who would like to take their skills and
knowledge (and hopefully their barefooting experiences!) to a higher level. Anyone interested in hosting any future
workshops please contact us.
Finally, if anyone is interested, I am planning to partake in a HRCAV sponsored teleseminar on December 4 ( it maybe the
first of a regular thing if one can handle the technology). I believe it is a bit like a talkback radio session via computer (see
details in this newsletter).
Joke of the month
On the first day, God created the dog and said: 'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in
or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'
The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'
So God agreed.
On the second day, God created the monkey and said: 'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll
give you a twenty-year life span.'
The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time
to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?' And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said: 'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer
under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.'
The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the
other forty?' And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created man and said: 'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty
years.'
But man said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the
forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten
the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'
'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'
So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy
ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our
family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the
grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark
at everyone. L i f e h a s n o w b e e n e x p l a i n e d t o y o u !
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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MAYFIELD ?
The roses and iris are flowering and I can actually see them from my office ! I have moved the office from a large sized cupboard with no
windows to our large second lounge room looking out onto my lovely garden. It is so much better.
The horses are growing fat with the very sweet drought stressed pasture. I have all of them on restricted paddocks. We were unable to
cut hay this year again due to our very low rainfall. Therefore we have to reduce stocking numbers again. Anyone looking for a horse
please contact me, I might just have one for you.
I am still looking for the right person to help me out in the office as things are getting busier and I would like to spend some time with my
family and horses.
Pictured below: Bridget (free to right home) left front and the two mares behind Sassy (6yo unbroken broodmare) and Crystal (5yo
Started) are all looking for homes.
Mayfield Barehoofcare Centre – Rehabilitation case “Bridget looking for a new home.
Bridget, Arabian mare 6yo has been here nearly 1 year, we are happy with her progress. See
her feet pictured below. We are looking for someone to take her on. Se is very sweet and
sensitive. She is unbroken but we have started getting her use to a saddle and bridle. We are
not sure if she will make a saddle horse, it’s a case of try and see. There is still ongoing body
work and regular maintenance trims. Please call me 03 57734306
Above: before
Below: after
3
FEATURE ARTICLE - Seedy Toe by Andrew Bowe
Seedy toe (also known as white line disease) is the invasion and subsequent destruction and
consumption of the inner hoof wall by various species of fungi or bacteria or a symbiosis of
both species. It has the appearance of black paste or crumbly grey/white cheese. The
resultant cavity is often jammed with grass seeds – hence the name.
Short term effects:
Seedy toe breaks the integrity of the hoof capsule, often resulting
in a vertical crack that travels up the hoof wall in tandem with the
spread of the pathogens.
If left untreated, such cracks may ultimately travel as far as the coronary band, thus making it a
permanent defect.
Seedy toe may also cause lameness by forming an abscess.
Long term effects:
Seedy toe can be more sinister in the long term if left untreated. Not only can it leave scar
tissue in the dermal laminae which becomes a permanent weakness in the hoof capsule’s
integrity, but the pathogens can penetrate the dermal layer and ultimately affect the pedal
bone itself, leading to bone infection and bone erosion. (picture, normal and eaten away)
Prevention
Preventing seedy toe is all about not giving the pathogens a chance to penetrate the fortress of the hoof capsule; in other
words maintaining the integrity and strength of the lamellar line by:
1. maintaining the length of the hoof wall so that hoof cracks are not created through mechanical forces.
2. maintaining the health of the laminar line by preventing laminitis.
3. providing relief from wet environments
Treatment
Seedy toe should be treated as soon as a breach of hoof wall integrity is noticed.
The first step is to trim with a more aggressive roll on the outer wall to remove any
mechanical forces. This may be enough for the infected wall to grow out.
If the seedy toe fails to show significant improvement after two or three trim cycles, it will
need to be resected and killed.
It is very important to remove all of the pathogen, which means resecting beyond the visible
seedy toe and a small way into the healthy inner wall to ensure removal of penetrating
spores.
If the resection goes beyond about half way up the hoof wall, a stabilizing patch should
probably be used.
Once resected, there is the need for topical treatment to kill any remaining ‘bugs’. There is
an endless possibility of treating agents, the important thing is to use something that is
strong enough to kill the pathogens, but not strong so that the dermal layer is damaged. It is
probably best to use a mixture of agents that when combined are effective against both
fungi and bacteria, such as: peroxide, copper sulfate, tea tree oil, diluted household bleach
etc.
It is important to treat every day for a week and probably about once a week after that until
the cavity has grown out, to ensure that any fresh arrivals of pathogens are killed off.
4
EASYARE DOWN UNDER NEWS
www.easycaredownunder.com.au
The interest in Boots continues at an incredible rate with more people looking for alternative hoofcare for their horses. Boots
are now being used in many different Equestrian disciplines, not just for the pleasure ride.
Easycare will shortly be releasing three more boots which will be available early next year. These boots will be; a low profile
glue on boot with the ability to attach a gaiter, the Easyboot Edge and a new Medical Therapy boot. More patterns and
designs are constantly in the works and consumers have a great range of choice in boots nowadays.
The new boots look really neat and have a different tread pattern to the Easyboot Epic and Bare. I am sure they will prove
very popular and arrangements are in hand to have some sent to us for show at Equitana.
With the introduction of these new boots it takes the range of Easycare boots to ten different styles. These being the Original
Old Mac (yes it is still available) , Old Mac G2, Boa, Easyboot, Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Bare, Easyboot Grip and the three
new releases. This gives horse owners a great choice in boots no matter what horse or discipline. Even those unusual size
feet can usually be fitted with a boot from the Easycare range. Easycare Downunder also has the Easyboot Soaker, Pads
and all boot accessories. In addition we have stowaway packs which are very lightweight and great for the Endurance or Trail
rider.
Correct fitting is the key to successful use of boots and some boots like the Epics, Bares and Grips have the advantage of
adjustments, whether inserting a pad or using smaller cables or inside straps etc to make a better fit. Boots should always be
a snug fit to ensure a correct fit and the feet should also be regularly trimmed.
I will be attending Equitana and anyone who has any questions on boot matters please drop by for a chat or alternatively visit
our web site www.easycaredownunder.com.au for detailed fitting/measuring guidelines and information about the Easycare
Range
Regards Mike Ware
EasycareDownunder
www.easycaredownunder.com.au
RE: INTERVIEW WITH WRANGLER JAYNE
Natural Horsemanship Instructor and Horse Behaviourist.
Our apologies to Jayne Glenn (www.wranglerjayne.com) for a small but
deadly typo in our last newsletter. Her phone number!!!
Jayne’s correct number is (03) 97391078
5
FEATURE: JASON MCINNES
Jason is a near nieghbour and we have seen him incredibly
dedicated for many years in order to master his trade. He
recently started our young welsh cob stallion and has him
balanced, light and well in hand.
There is a better way
An unstarted horse is like a blank canvas waiting to be
transformed into something more. The human's quest is for
a better relationship and clearer communication between
themselves and their horse in a kind and natural way. Like
any creative endeavour, the process is accumulatively
progressive; it involves a clear vision, patience, selfdiscipline and an ability to work through any number of
unforeseen obstacles with an open mind. This is my philosophy with horse education and I believe that horses and people
are never too old to learn new ways or change
old habits.
Horsemanship and what it means to me
Horsemanship was born out of a desire to help humans to communicate with horses. There's no science degree attached to
the skills needed to become good with horses and I would go as far to say it's not a Olympic discipline but it's a foundation
discipline. Today's horsemanship is about reinterpreting knowledge that's been around for centuries and adapting it to
modern day circumstances and eventually using it at your chosen discipline.
Being able to interpret horse's actions and reactions enables us to understand how the horse behaves. It's essential to bear
in mind that everything a horse does is dictated by its nature. It is untrue and unfair to say that a horse acts against its rider,
its simply acting according to its nature when it has not understood what is being asked from its human.
The horse has evolved over millions of years simply through the ability to defend itself against yesterday year predators like
the lion and tiger. Today's predator, the human, is trying to develop a partnership which isn't a natural one to the horse, and
therefore the communication
between horse and human needs to be presented in a way in which the horse understands, and it makes sense to them.
Once this understanding has been developed (set of guiding principals), anything can be achieved with your horse.
Starting young horses
The methods I use to educate a horse is so effective because I educate the horse's mind in a kind and progressive way, so
the horse ultimately has a clear understanding of life in a human's world. The benefits to you and your horse is a life long
relationship through an open channel of communication developed from day one. That's all that any horse or human is
looking for.
Performance Training
Performance training to me has two meanings. We all ultimately want our horse's to perform to their highest level for their
ability at the stage of their training and development. Most of us are focused on the end goal of performing an exercise, race
or test that's going to help us achieve our goals, such as a dressage test.
I first like to think of encouraging the horse to "perform" in incremental steps, such as moving off to the right of the round
yard. Getting the horse to move off is the performance part of the exercise. When the horse is capable of doing this in a
calm and relaxed manner I will ask the horse to "perform" the next step. When the horse can combine a series of steps in a
logical sequence you can then say their performance is being trained.
To find out more about Jason's training visit the website: www.jasonmcinnes.com.au
Or call him on Tel: (03) 5773 4236.
6
READERS STORY To The Barefoot Blacksmith for your next newsletter.
I want to advise that when I attended the bare foot clinic in Smythesdale ( near Ballarat ) two and a half months ago I was a little
sceptical if the bare foot system would assist or help my horse, Sunvalley Vandash ( Dash )
Over the past 34 years of riding, Pony Club, Malaysian Polo Club and in Melbourne, Equestrian Federation of Australia ( EFA
),Eventing, Show Jumping and Dressage to Pre St George Level. I have ridden many horses and gone with the traditional shoeing etc
every 6 – 8 weeks on my horses.
My old horse Gelderse Grenadier ( Gren ) a warmblood ( 28 years old ), 16.1 hands, I used ride and gained recognition in EFA,
Eventing and Dressage. Gren at the age of 12, became lame and the future looked very grim. I was devastated and tried many options
to bring Gren back up to riding. We tried bars, pads, rolled toes, but all efforts failed.
I then purchased another horse ( Dash ) which I broke in and have ridden and competed over the past 10 years or so… At the age of
12 Dash also became sore and lame and I had flash backs of all the problems I had had with Gren and the effort that I made to help
him but to no avail.
Through my vet who rides her own horses bare foot advised me to disregard the horse shoes and to let the hoof grow naturally. Dash
had been in shoes for the past 10 years and her hoof had squared across the front and the constant waring of shoes had changed the
shape of her hoof and restricted the natural growth.
I attended a clinic with Andrew and Nicky in Smythesdale where we were instructed, taught, and filed and trim horse’s feet to the
required method. Over the past 2 - 3 months of trimming each 2 weeks Dash has improved out of sight. Dash on her front feet wears
the Epic Boots, to protect and absorb the shock of riding and to protect her soft hoof that had normally been protected by the steel
shoes. Dash’s hoofs are getting harder & stronger & more rounded and have becoming more durable without having the steel shoes.
A few weeks ago was my first official lesson I had had with Dash since she was lame. I was so thrilled Dash was back bigger and
better than before and seemed very much at ease with her stride and there was no soreness at all, I am very grateful for the efforts of
Nicky and Andrew in assisting me in helping my horse get over her problems.
With the combination of bare foot trimming, epic boots and patience, I believe I have helped my horse to be able to continue to be
ridden and to ride with much pleasure again and no concern of any soreness. It is so good to be back on my horse and doing moves
that I thought I would never do again on my good friend Dash…
Enjoy your riding, Julie MacDonald
DIPLOMA NEWS:
National College of Traditional Medicine Diploma in Equine Podiotherapy
Twenty one students are well into the first diploma Course in Equine Podiotherapy and about to graduate at the end of the
year. When they commenced the course some were already highly skilled professional trimmers, some came from fields
associated with equine health and others just had a passion to take on hoof care as a career path.
Coming from as far away as WA and Qld they have formed a strong and supportive unit bonded by their deep interest in
equine rehabilitation and I am sure all will have successful businesses in the future and continue to network and support
each other in the future.
The initial course has been a great success and the National College who host the course have already had expressions of
interest from future Equine Podiotherapists wanting to enrol for next year’s course.
Many of the students in the course have already created a network of professional contacts and are working with
Veterinarians and using these cases for the case histories. The feed back the lecturers have received from Veterinarians
involved has been wonderful it is a credit to those students who are already presenting themselves in such a professional
manner and dealing with difficult cases so well.
The EPT course emphasises not only practical skills but also the development of an understanding of the orthopedics
involved in rehabilitative trimming. Skills grounded in sound knowledge of the entire Anatomy & Physiology of the equine
allow therapists to deal with the many pathologies that our domestic horses suffer and their secondary impacts on the entire
horse too.
The EPT course also covers the entire gamut of skills necessary for the running of a professional clinical practice plus horse
handling techniques, professionalism plus OH & S issues are also part of the curriculum.
For an information pack about the next course please contact the National College of Traditional Medicine. Their website is
www.nctm.com.au
7
CLASSIFIEDS: (all prices listed below plus p+h - to order please email info@barehoofcare.com)
Tool special: 15” Professional nippers were $150 Now $130 with feet getting rock hard for summer, you will love
the extra leverage that you get with these 15” professional nippers.
Hoof Boot Clearance - super special prices for new boots.
Old Mac G2 Size 5, 6 & 7 $160 (rrp $225)
Boa’s Size 00 $160 (rrp $225)
Hoof stands
Don’t be your horse’s leaning post! Let a hoof stand do that job!
A good hoof stand certainly helps to make the hard job of equine hoof
trimming easier; indeed it makes the job a physical
possibility for most people.
Here at Mayfield we have expanded our range of hoof stands to cater for all
trimmers.
Standard hoof stand $180 (plus p+h)
Still with the same robust build – whether you trim one horse or a hundred!
Now comes hot dip galvanised – no more chipped paint or rust (instead will
look good forever).
This stand also comes with a choice of shapes for the base:
Round – maximum stability and ease of use for those working on flat
surfaces.
Scalloped – for extra stability on uneven surfaces (the strength of a dish with the universal stability
of a tripod).
t still comes standard with our unique soft top sling.
Economy hoof stand $120 (plus p+h)
*all new *
Finally! A practical hoof stand at a very affordable price.
The economy stand is specially designed for the owner trimmer.
It is lightweight, yet stable and fully height adjustable for ease of use and is comfortable for the
horse.
Do you have an earlier model hoof stand?
Our hoof stands have evolved significantly, so If you have previously purchased one of our earlier
model hoof stands and would like to upgrade some of its components, please contact us and we
may be able to organise a special deal on components for you.
8
Quote of the month:
“Letting the cast out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back”
Newsletter produced by: The Barefoot Blacksmith ® Team
mayfieldf@bigpond.com ph: 03 57734306
The views expressed in this publication are that of the editor and contributors. The editor and
contributors shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to
any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly as a result of any
reliance on the information contained in this publication. If professional assistance is required,
such services should be sought by the appropriate practitioner.
Articles and photos in this publication are Copyright © Editors may re-print articles provided they
obtain the permission of the author
© Richard Browne
9
STEVE MOLNAR
COMMON SENSE HOOF CARE
EXPERIENCED FARRIER
ALL ASPECTS OF HOOF CARE
Kind & Respectful
Handling of Horse’s
COMMON SENSE HOOF CARE
31 Heaton Road
QUORROBOLONG NSW 2325
Phone 0415 258 399
Fax 02 49986 485
“We cannot change what Nature gave them, but we can
make some improvements.”
REDUCED TO $570,000