After doing some searching on the net about hoof care and having an understanding of anatomy and physiology from my role as a paramedic it became obvious that traditional shoeing practices were not in the best interests of a horse. This led me to search for an alternative.
Anyway to cut a long story short, while at my local horse store I found a flyer for your Barefoot Maintenance Workshop. The rest is history. I have been to a number of clinics over the years and I have to say yours would have to be the most professional I have attended. This is not only with the actual presentation on the day but the prompt responses during the application stage.
The day itself was well run at an easy pace. There was a good balance of theory and practice and the presenters demonstrated expert knowledge of the course content. The teaching aids and workbook very much contributed to understanding what barefoot trimming is all about.
Enough time was allowed for questions and the practice of newly acquired hands-on skills. Andrew and Nicky were very approachable and keen to assist us tounderstand and master new skills.
“Alf the Wonder Horse” and myself would like to thank you and we are looking forward to the advanced course in April 2010. - Geoff, Townsville ______________________________________________________________________
I wanted to congratulate you on your workshop run recently at Murwillumbah. I am sooo glad I went. I think you have put together a really great package of information and delivered it very well.
I think I have been on the right track with my home trimming but attending your workshop has given me more confidence and several giant leaps forward with things that might have taken me years to discover or find out on my own. I'm sure my horses would thank you too. I hope to improve my trimming and continue to learn as I go. - Desley, Murwillumbah ______________________________________________________________________
I absolutely loved the workshop!
When I first saw the flyer at the endurance ride I thought I would
attend simply to be able to learn how to trim for myself. I'd always had
other people around me who were perfectly capable and therefore I never
had a need to learn so it was on this basis that I decided to come
along.
I did not know anything about barefoot before I got to the workshop, I
must admit I only came to learn how to trim and maintain a horses hoof,
and WOW I got so much more!!
The pace was perfect for me. Not too fast and not dragged
out like some "training sessions" I've endured through work etc. I
learned a lot from the cadaver and maybe the only thing that would have
really re-enforced what we were learning is if there was time for Andrew
or Nicky to critique a few more of the students work in a group
situation, perhaps explaining his view of what was wrong with the foot
and whether or not the student had trimmed enough or too much and really
hammered home the heal levels, whether the quarters were passive enough etc.
What I really came away with is WHY, why would I put shoes on my horse,
the dynamics of the hoof are amazing and these dynamics should really be
enhanced rather than hindered. I will trim according to my new found
knowledge, brush up on it by re-watching the DVD a few times and look at
buying boots when my horse is ready to do some serious work.
Please advise me if you are holding another workshop - you can consider
me a firm booking. - Sue,
Cairns
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I just wanted to write you a quick note to thank you all so much for organising to come to S.A. for the clinic. Everyone was really happy and seemed to have all their questions and queries answered. Plus for a lot of us (including myself) it de-mystified a lot of propaganda and got back to the basics of what's best for the horse in it's particular situation! We had such a great day and all the students thanked me after for organising such a great comprehensive clinic as it was just what they were after.
Andrew is truly an amazing horse professional and trimmer and we felt lucky to have him teach us! The trim he did on my appaloosa was amazing and I noticed how differently he moved afterwards. Plus that particular horse has never stood that still for anyone. As a Parelli Natural Horsemanship student this speaks for itself in my opinion! I know a lot of people today were quite happy to hear Andrew's incorparation of very "natural" horse handling skills into trimming. It was truly a breathe of fresh air. It was a great experience to draw from Andrew's wealth of knowledge and I (and many other students) hope to be able to do it again.
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Christine - (Co odinator & Very Happy Student) ______________________________________________________________________
Barefoot? Several years of doubt based on many, many stories of horses made awfuly sore or quite lame by 'barefoot trimmers' (i.e long toes and low heels which just do not look right to my eyes). I have close friends who after years of commitment to barefoot finally gave their lamed horses shoes again. A commonly heard statement is that there have never been so many lame horses around since barefoot trimming began.
Your workshop has converted me. I thought the first day was great and I learned a lot. The scientific info using cadavers and hoof examples was wonderful. I liked the model of attention to natural balance of the hoof and the foot print. Likewise the second day was really good for someone like me. The info on different diseases was thorough and very informative. Also having so many horses with all types of feet gave excellent examples of applying the barefoot trim. Just great! I now have trimmed two of my three horses with confidence. - Jill, Woodend, Vic.
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I just want to thank you again for the opportunity to attend the workshop on Saturday. I learned a significant amount and I am really thrilled at the change I have seen in Diff since Saturday. I know he has a long way to go, particularly with his hindquarters, but this morning, for the first time in two months, he trotted of his own accord (granted it was to get food, but he hasn't done this since shortly after he first arrived). I can only imagine the relief he must be feeling! I was already a "believer" in barefoot, but the change in him since Saturday has exceeded what I had hoped was possible for him. -
Leanne, Central Coast
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I really enjoyed the workshop. I thought it was extremely professional and at the same time friendly and approachable. I am truly convinced that barefoot is the way to go and I would like to learn further in the future. Thankyou both for all your time, knowledge and dedication. - Tory ______________________________________________________________________
Just wanted to say thanks for a great,
laid back, and very informative day at the clinic in Canberra. With all the
effort it takes to organise an event and the time for you to travel, I think
everyone really got a great deal out of it and the professionalism that was
displayed from you both provided for a very relaxed learning environment.I
will not stop spreading the barefoot word and will be recommending to all
interested what a great, informative, and eye opening day it can be learning
what this barefoot thing is all about.will see you at Equitana and hopefully
on the diploma course next year.
Cheers
- Daniel,Coolamon NSW
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"For those interested, I recently
attended an equine barefoot hoof trimming workshop with Andrew & Nicky
Bowe aka "The Barefoot Blacksmith". If you keep horses, I'd encourage you
to research and set down the path of keeping your horses 'barefoot'." - Benjamin
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"I would just like to thank you all once again for a thoroughly enjoyable
and informative workshop last weekend. The significance of what you do cannot
be overstated. Together you are making a difference for so many horses, and
I only hope this will continue exponentially into the future. Amanda and I
were both impressed and amazed at your thorough knowledge of the correct anatomy
and physiology of the horses' foot, which to our minds, is unfortunately uncommon
in many professionals involved in the horse industry. You all shared your
knowledge so openly and generously, and were most encouraging of our efforts."
"Undoubtedly, the highlight of the weekend was to see my dear old 'Gideon'
striding out with his boots on, looking more comfortable than I have seen
him in ages. Your care and attention in ensuring the ideal fit for his boots
and pads is most appreciated, as is Chris's advice regarding massage. Hopefully
we will move forward with him now, and I will certainly update you in the
future as to his progress." - Kelly
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"I just want to thank you for Saturday. I found the experience fun and think
that every horse owner should have knowledge of trimming hooves. The one day
course also gave new confidence in practical horse knowledge. It is
a shame that more adult riding clubs are not into theory sessions, as I would
find this to be a valuable club experience." - Denise
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"Had a great day yesterday. I learnt a lot and have come home and started
on the other two ponies." - Deb
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"I look forward to having a go with the skills I learned
today. Than you for the course, I found the pace and delivery suited
my learning style. Well done. I would be interested in attending
an advanced workshop when I have gained some experience at this level."
- Tony
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"Thanks to you both for a very insightful and instructive
workshop. You have given me hope that Blue will successfully make
the transition from shod to bare as an endurance horse." - Wendy
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"Andrew's ability to explain concepts clearly to "lay people" is fantastic
and made the information accessible. I was able to join the dots!
It was great to get the bigger picture, I found the early part of the powerpoint
really helped to set the scene and put the whole day in context. The
pace and timing was just spot on."
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"I really enjoyed the course and have enormous respect for what and how
you teach it. I couldn't commend you highly enough." -
Kelly
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"More than met my expectations. I will recommend it to others."
- Lisa
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"Thanks Andrew and Nicky - you are both exceptionally talented people.
I hope I can learn more from you both very soon." - Philippa
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"Andrew and Nicky. I got so much out of the weekend. It has
made me very confident in practicing b/f trimming - let me know when an
advanced course is on next year." - Chris
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"It far exceeded my expectations. Thank you for a very inspirational
and enjoyable day." - Leeanne
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"Thankyou for the opportunity and please keep me advised on your next revision
course in my area. I am looking forward to helping my darling horse
have lovely natural feet. Natural is best with all of life has to
offer!" - Rebecca
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"Just wanted to
say thanks again for the Forbes Trimming Clinic. Had a great time and learned
heaps. I was surprised how logical and easy to understand the technique
was. I really didn't think it was something I would be able to do myself
when I arrived. It was a great day and you two are a wealth of knowledge, thanks again."
- Kim
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"After attending your barefoot beginner workshop, I feel like I never want to put shoes on my horse again! I learnt all about the workings of a foot and how both shoeing and bad maintenence can attribute to the breaking down and shortening the working life of our horses.
I was fascinated by the intricacies and engineering brilliance of a horses leg and now understand practically, why the frog needs to be in balance and in contact with the ground.
It also shed light on such degenerative diseases, like navicular and ringbone... which I thought were just wear and tear!
I can now understand how such problems develop in the first place.
Thankyou for this knowledge.
Don't know why I didn't do it sooner."
- Gillian
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"I had a great time at the clinic at Wandin and really wanted to let you know what improvement I have seen in my horse's performance in such a short time.
He used to jack and spin - not anymore. He moves forward freely and is happy to go about his business. I am sure some of this is due to his own maturing however it would not have happened without the help I got from you.
I am so excited that hoof care is moving in this direction. I am excited that there are people like you out there promoting it in such a sensible marketable fashion. What you taught really makes sense.
Again, thank you. Your approach has re-inspired me to keep on with my horses. I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to meeting you again." - Kate
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"Having spent the day with you I feel I have the last few pieces I needed to maintain my horses feet, I would like to learn more in time to be able to diagnose and correct foot problems in conjunction with body rehabilitation using my own horse and his posture issues."
- Mark
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"I have never experienced before such energy in conducting a workshop.
The extreme effort involved in having the cadavers and sawn leg demo at the end must have been enormous though these two sections of the day made it all make sense for me.
The entire clinic was astounding.
Thank you very, very much. Probably one of the top five days of my life."
- Mardi
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"I have much more confidence in trimming now and hope to further my education with your advanced workshop and hopefully the Diploma. I am hooked. No going back to shoes.
The more I learn, the more I realise I have yet to learn -- and I really want my young fella to be succeessful on 4 bare feet.
And finally - Crikey did I need a a new rasp! The save edge is blissful!" - Fleur
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"I would just like to say everything that Andrew said is so true, we are addicted. I need to say put the foot down and walk away to myself all the time now."
- Kirsty
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"I would just like to echo Kirsty's thank you. We are just so grateful to now have this knowledge and feel empowered to take charge and deal with our horses feet by ourselves. As Kirsty says, and as Andrew said at the clinic - it is so addictive, and we find ourselves looking at their hooves before anything else now!"
- Rosalyn
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