About me...
How I became a hoofcare professional...
I have been trimming my own and other people's horses for quite a few years. I used to trim my foals but I always trusted my farrier to trim and shoe my horses from the time I was a teenager to my introduction to barefoot. I was first introduced to barefoot horse keeping and trimming to rehabilitate horses when my son's pony foundered. A friend told me about the Strasser books and after I read them, I was astounded! I have had horses all my life and thought that they needed shoes. I had no idea how shoes deform and damage the horses' feet. I started going to hoof care clinics and seminars and ended up spending a year enrolled in the Strasser Hoofcare Professionals course (SHP) in 2005 with practicums in Port Angeles, Washington.
The more I learned, the more I realized that I could help other owners understand how their horses feet function. By the training I received and through my experience trimming my horses and others, I have learned what works and what doesn't in barefoot hooves. I have experimented with various trimming "styles" and ultimately, you have to factor in everything from the owner's attitude, to the horse's history. I will be honest and tell clients up front whether or not trimming for rehabilitation is even worth the effort and pain. And I think we are all still learning. I know I am! The Barefoot Movement is still in its infancy and there are many things yet to learn. But one thing is for sure: natural horse-keeping methods and barefoot healthy horses are becoming more popular than just a few years ago.
With my background as a scientific illustrator, I have a way of explaining hoof form and function to others through art and models. I also have many cadaver feet showing examples of various pathologies. Please contact me for group or individual presentations about transitioning your horse to barefoot. I will consider new clients based on their individual needs and proximity to my home. I will also consult and help people who already trim their own horses.
I have ridden and worked with horses since I was a kid. But my true education came, not after years of dressage and jumping lessons. No my true horsemanship education started when i learned about Natural Horsemanship. I went to numerous clinics, both as a spectator and participant. I have to say that the best teachers were Dave Seay and Greg Eliel. Even though i did colt startings with Ray Hunt, Bryan Neubert and horsemanship clinics with many others, most of my study has been thru study, study study! To say I'm passionate about horses is probably an understatement!
For prices please call 336-698-0784 or 336-380-5543
email me at sandra.judy@att.net
The more I learned, the more I realized that I could help other owners understand how their horses feet function. By the training I received and through my experience trimming my horses and others, I have learned what works and what doesn't in barefoot hooves. I have experimented with various trimming "styles" and ultimately, you have to factor in everything from the owner's attitude, to the horse's history. I will be honest and tell clients up front whether or not trimming for rehabilitation is even worth the effort and pain. And I think we are all still learning. I know I am! The Barefoot Movement is still in its infancy and there are many things yet to learn. But one thing is for sure: natural horse-keeping methods and barefoot healthy horses are becoming more popular than just a few years ago.
With my background as a scientific illustrator, I have a way of explaining hoof form and function to others through art and models. I also have many cadaver feet showing examples of various pathologies. Please contact me for group or individual presentations about transitioning your horse to barefoot. I will consider new clients based on their individual needs and proximity to my home. I will also consult and help people who already trim their own horses.
I have ridden and worked with horses since I was a kid. But my true education came, not after years of dressage and jumping lessons. No my true horsemanship education started when i learned about Natural Horsemanship. I went to numerous clinics, both as a spectator and participant. I have to say that the best teachers were Dave Seay and Greg Eliel. Even though i did colt startings with Ray Hunt, Bryan Neubert and horsemanship clinics with many others, most of my study has been thru study, study study! To say I'm passionate about horses is probably an understatement!
For prices please call 336-698-0784 or 336-380-5543
email me at sandra.judy@att.net
I fox hunt and ride my mare bitless
This photo of me was taken at our opening hunt. Dewees won the "If and Buts" award which is an award given to the horse who has proven to be a well-mannered and desirable hunt horse. She is careful and calm but full of go when I need her to be. See her on My Horses page.
Trail Riding
This is me and Dewees crossing the Yadkin River..
In Wisconsin July 2010.
Cabana and Me
This is Dewees' mom, Cabana, and me when I was younger and thinner!.