Barefoot News Archive 2000-2004

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August 2004

Dr. Hiltrud Strasser's book, A Lifetime of Soundness, has been translated into the Tschechian language. This book is now available in these languages: English, German, Norwegian, French, Tschechian, and coming soon -- Spanish.


July 2004

Congratulations to the newest graduates of the 2004 Strasser Certification Course, now official SHP's!

North America:
Amy Dickson, Sechelt, BC, Canada
Shelly Fehn, Deland, MN
Claudia Garner, Hopkins, SC
Susan Hedenberg, Fredericksburg, VA
Chris McDonald, Willis, TX
Judy Tomey, Revelstoke, BC, Canada
Virginia Towles, Austin, TX

New Zealand:
Penny Gifford
Anna Hardwick-Smith
Thorsten Kaiser
Megan Quinn
Teresa Ramsey
Robin Stewart
Lyn Williams


May 2004

Horse Illustrated Magazine Features Article about the Strasser Method

The May 2004 issue of Horse Illustrated, the largest equine publication in America, features a 5 page article, "Controversy Afoot—Shod vs. Strasser Method" by Marcia King. Don't miss reading this article! Thumbs up to Horse Illustrated, as they did a great job of neutrally presenting such a controversial subject. To order a copy or subscribe, contact Horse Illustrated.


March 2004

In March, 2004, The Horse magazine released a special supplement to their regular magazine. Titled “AAEP Convention Wrap-up 2003,” this supplement covered the 2003 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in November, 2003. There were 6,200 people that attended, mainly vets and vet students.
Page 28 of the supplement features an article about their “Podiatry Forum” that took place at the convention.

“About 65 veterinarians and farriers filled a room to discuss diagnostic analgesia, pads, Strasser trimming, ultrasound, and much more during the Podiatry Forum at the 2003 Convention.

“Moderators Gayle Trotter, DVM, MS, professor in clinical sciences at Colorado State University, and [Ric] Redden [DVM] facilitated the lively discussion.”

This was their sub-headline, printed in bold:

The Strasser Method—A particularly hot topic was the Strasser trim, which has met with a lot of skepticism among veterinarians and farriers. Many take issues with the principles espoused by German veterinarian Hiltrud Strasser. One veterinarian who had attended a three-day Strasser clinic described the differences between Strasser’s methods and those traditional taught to farriers.

“‘People say using this method produces a lot of soreness,’ he commented. ‘They say this is expected as the hoof becomes more “normal,” which can take up to eight months. Some people have had good success with a modified, less severe version of this trim. You have to divide this method as it applies to pathological problems and normal feet.’

“Trotter commented that if veterinarians and farriers don’t do a good enough job, there is always room for new fads in hoof care.”


March 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 12, 2004
CONTACT:
N. Stephens, nshorizons@att.net
Florida Alliance for Animal Owners Rights
FLORIDA VETERINARY BOARD GRABS MARKET SHARE
Tallahassee— On March 2, 2004, the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine made a decision that the following animal health care services are the practice of veterinary medicine under current law.

This decision illustrates the need for changes in Florida law so that these services and others may be provided for animals by people who are not veterinarians. It also illustrates the need for animal owners in Florida to join together to show veterinarians and legislators there is a need for updating the law to reflect modern day business practices. Finally, if there are veterinarians who disagree with the Board’s decision, they should advise the Veterinary Board or the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.


November 2003

2003 International Conference for Strasser Hoofcare, Tuebingen, Germany, November 4th to November 8th, 2003

What an Experience! Imagine 200 horse people from all over the world, brimming with enthusiasm for barefooted horses and natural horse care, gathering together with such great dynamic energy, in an event that can only be described as truly inspirational. Click here for the rest of the story...


September 2003

New Title for Strasser Certified
New for 2004! The Official Strasser title will be changing to Strasser Hoofcare Professional (SHP). This title replaces the previous one of Certified Strasser Hoofcare Specialist (CSHS). The new title is shorter and easier to say, and removes any implication that this could be a veterinary title. The new title is being gradually phased in, so you may see many references to “CSHS/SHP” as we try to introduce the public used to the new name.
New Organization-We are currently developing a North American organization for Strasser Hoofcare Professionals. Plans are to set up this organization will as a non-profit corporation, and the purpose will be to provide insurance benefits and other resources and support for SHP members. Similar organizations are also being set up in Australia, United Kingdom, and Europe.


September 2003

Congratulations to the 2003 North American graduates of the Strasser Hoofcare Specialist Course:

North America:
Carrie Christiansen, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Dianne Coogias, Lincoln, California
Patty Crawford, Western Oregon
Bob Creel, Morriston, Florida
Carrie Ellingson, Agassiz, B.C., Canada
Suzanne Foster, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Daniel Hofford, Ormond Beach, Florida
Melinda Honga, Langley, B.C., Canada
Nancy Johnson, DVM, Eugene, Oregon
Christina Kusznir, New York, New York
Ken Larsen, Mt. Charleston, Nevada
Calan Leyendecker, South Florida
Christina Martin, Savona, B.C., Canada
Cynthia Niemela, Duluth, Minnesota
Tracy Raffaele, Palmdale, California
Stephanie Sawicki, Ormond Beach, Florida
Jerry Schmidt, Port Angeles, Washington
Amy Rose Schneider, Willernie, Minnesota
Steve Skinner, DVM, Sherwood, Oregon
John Tucker, Lincoln, California
Tim Wensel, Antigo, Wisconsin
Kim Wilson, Dittmer, Missouri

Please see their full contact information here.


July 2003 Endurance rules changing worldwide

Endurance Changes in Great Britain

A recent set of proposals were presented at the Endurance GB AGM with the following approved: That the basic rule about the horse's " shoeing" is changed to say that horses may be ridden shod, barefoot or in hoofboots. That all requirements for special vet's or farrier's letters for those wishing to ride barefoot or booted are removed from the rules. That barefoot, booted and shod horses are all assessed for soundness/ lameness in the same way, by trotting up as they are ridden i.e. shod, booted or barefoot.

Australia to Legalize Barefoot Endurance

In February 2003, the Australian Endurance Riders’ Association (AERA) voted in favor of a rule change to allow unshod horses to be ridden in endurance competition. The amended AERA rule (Rule 13.1) reads:- “Horses may be ridden with or without shoes, but in all cases the shoes and hooves must be in a suitable condition for the competition…” It goes on to state that “Boots and pads are allowed.” AERA protocol requires that the new rule be voted on a second time. If it is—as fully expected—passed again, it will come into effect from 1st January 2004. (Courtesy of Ysabelle Dean)


July 18, 2003

Congratulation to the July 2003 graduates of the Strasser Hoofcare Specialist Course, now all offical CSHS:

Europe
Liv Fjerdingrein, Lillehammer, Norway
Esther Reiss, Oslo, Norway
Cecilia Augustsson Sand, Gemla, Sweden
Maria Stewen, Tenala, Finland
Jacqueline Stensrod, France

United States
Cynthia Niemela, Duluth, Minnesota
Suzanne Foster, Waukesha, Wisconsin


June 9, 2003

Australian CSHS!

A giant congratulations to Australia's very first Certified Strasser Hoofcare Specialists!! The last exams were conducted over 7-8th June. Congratulations to students Carola Adolf, Kris Adrian, Sean Hodgkin, Julie Leitl and Reshad Oberlander, now all official CSHS.


June 9, 2003

The Australian Equine Barefoot Movement (AEBM) Inc. is working away to educate horse owners about the benefits of a natural barefoot lifestyle. This newly formed organisation aims to provide a friendly support group for like-minded people, to facilitate research, and to develop a political voice with regard to equine health and welfare issues. It has also set up a Panel of Experts to assist horse owners. This includes Sabine Kells, CSHS Instructor from Canada; Dr Mark Curtis, BVSc (Hons), MACVSc from Australia with a particular expertise in Homoeopathy; Dr W. Cook, Professor Emeritus of Tufts University, USA, who also developed the Bitless Bridle after decades of research; and Manolo Mendez, Professor of Classical Dressage and previously Head Rider at the Royal Spanish Riding School in Jerez, Spain. The AEBM also has two fully qualified CSHS on its organising committee.

The AEBM is still in the throes of setting up for the enormous task ahead of it, and its website at www.aebm.org.au is only the rough beginnings. For membership enquiries, contact the Public Officer, Julie Leitl, at oleitel@vtown.com.au, or phone 61-3-5944 3270.


April 3, 2003

Congratulations to the CSHS North American students who have passed their midterms for the Strasser Course 2003:

North America
Carrie Christiansen, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Dianne Coogias, Lincoln, California
Patty Crawford, Oakland, Oregon
Carrie Ellingson, Agassiz, B.C., Canada
Suzanne Foster, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Lisa Frenette, Kelowna, B.C., Canada
Daniel Hofford, Ormond Beach, Florida
Melinda Honga, Langley, B.C., Canada
Nancy Johnson, DVM, Eugene, Oregon
Christina Kusznir, New York, New York
Ken Larsen, Mt. Charleston, Nevada
Calan Leyendecker, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Debbra Lupien, Brooklyn, New York
Christina Martin, Savona, B.C., Canada
Cynthia Niemela, Duluth, Minnesota
Tracy Raffaele, Palmdale, California
Stephanie Sawicki, Ormond Beach, Florida
Jerry Schmidt, Port Angeles, Washington
Amy Rose Schneider, Willernie, Minnesota
Steve Skinner, DVM, Sherwood, Oregon
Jan Taylor, Washougal, Washington
John Tucker, Lincoln, California
Tim Wensel, Antigo, Wisconsin
Kim Wilson, Dittmer, Missouri


February 28, 2003

Congratulations to the CSHS Europe students who have passed their midterms for the Strasser Course 2003:

Europe
Liv Fjerdingrein, Lillehammer, Norway
Esther Reiss, Oslo, Norway
Cecilia Augustsson Sand, Gemla, Sweden
Maria Stewen, Tenala, Finland


February 12, 2003

Congratulations to the CSHS Australian/New Zealand students who have passed their midterms for the Strasser Course 2003:

Australia/NZ
Carola Sabine Adolf, Bass, Victoria, AU
Kris Adrian, Perth, WA, AU
Sean Hodgkin, Perth, WA, AU
Rev. C. Scott Kroeger, Kensington, Victoria, AU
Julie Annette Leitl, Upper Beaconsfield, Vict., AU
Reshad Oberlander, Garibaldi, Victoria, AU


January 2003

DATE CHANGE! Conference is now one day earlier:

November 4th (Tuesday) to November 8th (Saturday), 2003

World Barefoot Conference
Tuebingen, Germany
Conference attendance is FREE to North Americans (and Australians, etc., anyone flying in from overseas)!
*Free if you register 4 months in advance (by July 1, 2003)

The first World Conference on Strasser Hoofcare and holistic horse husbandry and treatment will be held in Tuebingen, Germany from November 4th-8th, 2003. This is going to be "the" event to attend in 2003, for lectures & seminars, and meeting CSHS and students from around the world. Attendees are expected from all over the world, including Australia, USA, Canada, and Europe.

Would you like to attend this conference? It is open to everyone: horse owners, vets, farriers, and hoofcare specialists. For the CSHS, participation is free, and hotel will be provided by Dr. Strasser. For all foreign (non-German) participants, the conference is free, and hotels will run about 80 Euro per night. You MUST register 4 months in advance (by July 1, 2003), Conference Registration Forms to come, I'll let you know asap.

Hotel Form: I have a form available from the Tourist Office Tuebingen, so that you can request hotel arrangements from them. The Conference will take place from Tuesday, Nov 4th, through Saturday, Nov 8th, 2003. Click here for the Hotel Reservation Form. Tuebingen is a small town, so make your hotel reservations early! Conference registration forms to come.

Conference Schedule:

World Conference for Strasser Hoofcare and Natural Horse Treatment
Tuebingen, Germany, Nov. 4th-8th, 2003.

Overview & Program: (subject to change)

Day 1: Arrival, orientation, visit hoof clinic.

Day 2: Introduction of the national groups. The world committee will be founded.

Day 3: Scientific lectures.

Day 4: Scientific lectures, case studies,
evening event.

Day 5: Sightseeing tours to different famous
places (Castles, the Black Forest...)

After conference: Visit Tuebingen, bus travels.

Day 3 Lectures (November 6, 2003):
• Influence of Ammonia and Water on the Horn Structure of the Hoof (Dr. Holmberg, Sweden)
• Biophysical Basics for Meridians and Acupuncture (Dr. Roesti, Switzerland)
• Equine Nutrition & Nutritional Problems in Domestic Horses (Dr. Meyer, Germany)
• Stifle Operations in Horses (Prof. Dr. Kirker-Head, USA)
• Chiropractic in Horses (Dr. Killmartin, Australia)
• Effect of the Bit (Prof. Cook, USA)
• Connections between Hoof Form and the Whole Organism (Dr. Strasser, Germany)

Day 4 Lectures (November 7, 2003):
• Tooth-Jaw Connection and Coffin Bone Suspension - A Parallel (Prof. Koerber, Germ)
• Restriction of Foot Movement in Humans, and Consequences (Dr. S. Herzog, Germany)
• Effects of painkillers in the organism (Dr. Holmberg, Sweden)
• Immunology of the Horse (Dr. Mac Barksdale, USA)
• Necessity for an Animated Computer Hoof Model (G. Ramsey, New Zealand)
• Race Track Accidents with Shod Horses, Statistics (M. Klein, Germany)
• Presentation of Case Studies

Note: To offset the cost of airfare/travel to Europe from North America, etc., cost for seminar participation for non-Europeans is FREE! (register by July 1, 2003, forms to come) Tuebingen is a small town, so make your hotel arrangements early! Tourist Office Tuebingen form (PDF), to request hotel reservations:
http://www.thehorseshoof.com/HotelForm.pdf


October, 2002

In memory of Kurt Schlegel, CSHS
who passed away in a car accident on Sept. 22, 2002
He will be so very missed, by humans and horses alike.
Our greatest condolences to all his friends and family.

A memorial has been established for Kurt which will benefit the Natural Hoofcare training program. Please send contributions, if you wish, to:
Kurt Schlegel Memorial fund
16901-22nd Ave S.W.
Burien, WA 98166-3317

or deposit directly into Kurt's memorial fund at any Washington Mutual Bank, on their list of "benevolent accounts" as "For the benefit of Kurtis A. Schlegel"
account number: 488-155122-4

Sincere Thanks for the wonderful feedback to Kurt's family on your association and remembrances of Kurt. They have been very encouraging and greatly appreciated.
The Schlegel & Blanchard families.


09/27/02

In Memory of Kurt Schlegel

Kurt Schlegel, CSHS class of 2002, tragically passed away in a fatal car accident on Sept. 22, 2002. He will be so greatly missed by humans and horses alike. His girlfriend, Karen Standefer, survived that accident, and our heart goes out to her and to Kurt’s parents. Kurt was a very special person who will never be forgotten.

A fund is being set up in Kurt's name by his family, friends and work associates for some type of scholarship in his memory. If you are interested in donating to the fund in lieu of flowers, please contact: Bill Schlegal (Kurt's dad) email: waslee@earthlink.net
The Horse’s Hoof, Zen Equine, Strasser Hoofcare, and all of the CSHS would like to offer his family and friends our sincerest condolences


07/28/02

The Official English language Strasser website has now been launched!
www.strasserhoofcare.org


07/12/02

New CSHS Courses downunder
The Australian Barefoot Equine Movement Inc
. announces that the Strasser Hoofcare Specialist Certification Course will commence in Australia in September of this year. Dr. Strasser has made concessions for those countries far away from Germany and the USA by setting up the course to meet the needs of Oceania. Details and costs of the course can be see on The Naked Hoof website at: http://www.thenakedhoof.com.au/html/CSHSinfo.htm This course of study can only happen if we can get a minimum of EIGHT students to undertake the training. If you would like to join us, or know someone who would like to participate, please pass along this
information. First Practicum is in October.

Schedules of the seventeen different Strasser Clinics can be seen at:
http://www.thenakedhoof.com.au/html/clinics.htm


07/08/02

NEW Strasser Clinics in Australia
You will be pleased to know of the formation of the Australian Barefoot Equine Movement Inc. (ABEM) which will replace the Strasser Clinics Organising Committee in Australia. We are incorporating with the government and this group will someday become a member group of the new international body when it is formed.

The ABEM announces that the Strasser Clinics Registration is now open on The Naked Hoof Website. There are a total of 17 clinics/talks available covering New Zealand and Australia. All registrations are on a first come, first served basis. You need to read all the information carefully and register, download an insurance waiver to sign and send in as well.
http://www.thenakedhoof.com.au/html/clinics.htm
Scott Kroeger, email: skroeger@bigpond.net.au


06/25/02

Nine new CSHS in the United Kingdom have now graduated from Dr. Strasser's 2002 Hoofcare Specialist Course. Congratulations to the June 2002 UK graduates:

Kathy Clark
Fiona Dean
Jillie Gardiner
David Jones
Tracey Kelly
Anne Kempton
Erica Lynall
Melanie Eileen Richards
Mary Walker

For a complete listing of all CSHS, click here.


Strasser Seminar Report by Martina Peiper

The April 20-24, 2002 Strasser clinic in Niagara Falls on barefooted hoofcare and natural living conditions for horses was hosted by Breck Foerstner and Martina Peiper of HorseWorld Emporium. It drew a record crowd of 23 participants for the Basic 3 day course and almost as many for the following Advanced 2 day portion.

Horseowners, stable operators, veterinarians and several farriers from all over Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Ohio, New York and Georgia attended in the name of bettering the life of their horses. The theoretical part took place in the Port Robinson community hall, the practical part at Breck’s and Martina’s farm east of Cooks Mills, which is set up as a natural horsecare facility on 80 acres of grassland, bush and swamp with an all year open run-in barn. Dr. Strasser presented a superbly crafted lecture with graphs, pictures and videos, demonstrating every important phase of natural hooftrimming for sound horses, as well as curative trims for founder and navicular and in depth discussions about the causes of these dreaded conditions. What was particularly appreciated by the students were the explanations of what effects shoeing and certain ways of trimming have on the bone structure, nerves and blood supply inside the foot, thus also affecting the entire body. How the natural alignments and balance of all foot/hoof components are affected by man’s interference. She showed many case studies from her vast collection of files, collected during over 20 years of treating hoof problems in her clinic in Germany.

During the first day of the practical sessions we experienced snow and cold temperatures, that penetrated the warmest clothing, even though we were inside the barn, albeit a fairly open structure. Sitting on straw bales the group carved and shaped 110 cadaver feet and trimmed 10 live horses under the watchful eye and directions of Dr.Strasser. Come lunchtime, Dick and Marge Hotte, neighbors and participants generously offered their large basement party room and served a hot lunch and hot apple cider, so everybody could thaw out, warm up and be ready for the afternoon session. That hour in the warmth of the house was really appreciated by all.

Day 2 and 3 of the carving sessions were blessed with sunny and much warmer weather and everybody moved their strawbales out into the sunshine in front of the barn, where both cadaver feet and live horses were studied and trimmed, dead feet were sawed open for closer inspection of the changes to the inside structures of deformed feet, compared to sound or quasi sound feet.

The group was highly motivated and enthusiastic, eager to learn and from their comments about the clinic, we must conclude, that everybody felt, that this had been indeed a highly successful study session, worth every penny of the course fee and every mile traveled. About half of them were repeat participants from previous years, who wanted to refresh and upgrade. One person in particular has to be mentioned: our own highly skilled farrier Kate Romanenko took part in the course and has now changed her practice to high performance barefootedness. She is much sought after in our area now, as we never had any trained farrier with knowledge about the Strasser method to answer the many requests for help, that we have had in the past .

The most often asked question to Dr.Strasser was: "When are you coming back for another clinic?" Well, we are working on it, but it may have to be next year, as she is extremely busy with a worldwide schedule of seminars and lectures. From here she flew to Vancouver to meet with several of her Hoof Care Specialists and then on to Tufts University, where she was invited to speak at a conference for farriers and veterinarians. Dr.Strasser conducts several clinics in North America every year, was in Australia in January 2002 and is working on a tour to South Africa in the near future. She is the author of two books on the subject and a large manual on hoofcare, that is used during her year-long study course for Certified Hoof Care Professionals. The equine community is fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced person as Dr.vet.med.H.Strasser to bring the concept of high performance barefootedness, natural hoofcare and horse health to a large number of horse owners and professionals.

Footnote:
Obtaining and then storing cadaver feet for the seminars is often an arduous task and requires separate freezer space of significant proportions. This year we tried a different method of preserving the feet. We pickled them!

We had about 8 big garbage cans, that we filled about 3/4 full of water with a 1/4 bag of road or water softener salt, stirred till desolved, added about 12-14 feet, closed the lid and voila........ you’re set for many days of freshness. The salt dissolves better in warm water, which we found out the hard way.

2 days later, we started carving odorless feet, which were easy to clean of the dirt, which was well soaked and soft. At the final disposal of the feet about 2 weeks later, they had been out of the brine for more than 10 days and were still without major stink.

If you would like to have more information or would like to be advised about the next clinic please give us a call at 905-682-2545 or 1888-497-3333, Email: peiper@netcom.ca


05/17/02

Seventeen new CSHS have just graduated from Dr. Strasser's 2002 Hoofcare Specialist Course. CSHS is a title that stands for "Certified Strasser Hoofcare Specialist." The final exams took place on May 16, 2002 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Three of the new graduates are from B.C., one is from the United Kingdom, and the remaining 13 are from the United States. Another group in the United Kingdom will be taking their finals in June 2002.

The Strasser Hoofcare Specialist Course is a 9 month program consisting of intensive course study, mostly through correspondence, with an 800 page textbook, three hands-on "Practicums," midterms and final exams. The course begins yearly in September and continues through May. Graduates of this program are authorized by Dr. Strasser to provide hoof care in the Strasser method. To retain the title of CSHS, graduates must be re-certified by Dr. Strasser every year. For more info on this course, please email: registration@zenequine.com

May 2002 graduates:

Miel Bernstein
Rachel Coggins
Anne W. Daimler
Cindy Edwards
Dave Fitton
Frances Guthrie
Jane Kempton
Patricia Kustra
Ann Marie Larson
Joni Libert
Denise McLain
Elizabeth Ann Merritt
Ross Neder
Kurt Schlegel
Lynn Spaan
Meg Stewart
Star Taira

For a complete listing of all CSHS, click here.


05/08/02

HOOFCARE FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM- Exploring the Strasser Method
This groundbreaking conference took place on May 4 & 5, 2002, at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Massachusetts. According to Tufts literature, the goal of this conference was to enhance understanding of the controversial bare foot hoofcare methods proposed by the German veterinarian Dr. Hiltrud Strasser and to provide a public forum for their fair but vigorous review by a panel of expert veterinarians and farriers.

Conference participants included Dr. Strasser; Dr. Carl Kirker-Head, MA,Vet MB,MRCVS, of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Judith Shoemaker, DVM, a practitioner in complementary veterinary medicine; Dr. Tia Nelson, DVM, both a farrier and veterinarian who developed her own barefoot techniques; Craig Trnka, President of the American Farrier's Association; Mike Wildenstein, AWCF, CJF, Farrier for Cornell University; Henry Heymering, CJF, RMF, President of the Guild of Professional Farriers.

Read more...


04/21/02

Congratulations to all the United Kingdom Strasser students, for passing your midterm exams!


03/15/02

Posted with the permission of Fran Jurga, Hoofcare & Lameness
from her website, http://www.hoofcare.com

H & L Online
News March, 2002

Tufts Conference Announced: Weekend Seminar Will Compare Risks and Benefits of Barefoot Hoofcare Methods

North Grafton, Massachusetts -- Tufts University's School of Veterinary Medicine's Hospital for Large Animals has joined forces with the Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy to prepare a forum that will be the first of its kind in the world: "HOOFCARE FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM: Exploring the Strasser Method." Medical, ethical, practical, and philosophical aspects of hoofcare choices will be examined.

On May 4-5, 2002, an expert panel of veterinarians and farriers, chaired by Dr. Carl Kirker-Head, will discuss and evaluate information presented at the symposium by Dr. Hiltrud Strasser, a German veterinarian, plus many other hoofcare researchers and practitioners. Farriers, veterinarians, researchers and hoofcare specialists will be invited to attend as audience participants.

By examining options, and participating in open discussions, the panel will strive to 'debunk the myths' of both traditional and alternative hoofcare, with special attention to navicular disease and laminitis.

The involvement of the Center for Animals and Public Policy will allow examination of the broader implications charging that Strasser's method may constitute animal abuse or cause unnecessary pain and suffering for some horses.

In England, concern about harm to horses by Strasser devotees has resulted in public warnings from the International League for the Protection of Horses, Farriers Registration Council, Worshipful Company of Farriers, Laminitis Trust, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Recently, a horse was euthanized by a veterinary surgeon there to relieve suffering caused by over-zealous "DIY" (do-it-yourself) hoof trimming by a Strasser follower.

On the other side of the issues, Strasser and other advocates claim that traditional hoofcare, horse management, and shoeing practices are damaging to horse health.

Tufts' Center for Animals and Public Policy is a leading institute for the study of animal welfare and has been involved in key studies related to the public's perceptions of cruelty to animals in different situations.

Note: More information on this conference will be posted on www.hoofcare.com as it becomes available. Expect further speakers to be announced in March 2002.

For registration information, visit http://www.tufts.edu/vet/continedu/HoofcareNavicular.html


02/22/02

News from Zen Equine:

Dr. Strasser to lecture at Tufts - May 2002
We congratulate Dr. Strasser on her invitation to talk at Tufts University.

Strasser Seminars
Zen Equine would like to thank the hosts of our recent seminars for helping make them the great success they were. We would like to thank Deb Harper in Mission BC and Miel Bernstein in Aggasiz , BC for hosting Seminars with Sabine Kells. Karen Alonso and Carla Daniel , and Darolyn Butler-Dial and Mark Butler for hosting a Seminar with Todd Merrell in Humble Texas. We appreciate being welcomed into your areas and thank all the participants for their many emails with positive feedback about the seminars.

Seminars down under
Dr. Strasser spent January 'Down under" to sold out seminars in Australia and New Zealand. Dr Strasser was very happy with the response there to her methods, and is already planning a return trip for herself or one of the Strasser instructors.

Strasser Hoofcare Students
Sabine Kells has been working with the next group of students who are well into their training to become hoofcare specialists. They have just completed their practicum 2 and midterm. We wish them all good luck with their studies. Zen Equine would like to thank Steve and Cheryl Skinner for their hospitality once again, in hosting the student practicum at their farm in Sherwood Oregon.

strasserhoofcare.com
We have finished designing the working site which we are fine tuning and will be up online shortly. We have been threatening to launch this site for a while and the time is almost here. We have been delayed because of the constantly evolving nature and growing demand which has meant revisions and rethinking of the site. You will be able to sign up online, as well as purchase products and get info. We will send out an email as soon as it is operational.

Thank-you for your continued support. Working daily with the method as we do, we are constantly reminded of the positive impact this method has on horses feet. Keep looking down! -- Zen Equine


02/20/02

North American Strasser Student Practicum 2
18 students attended and completed their midterm exams. Overall, scores were excellent with over 1/2 achieving 90% or better scores. The following students in the Strasser Hoofcare Specialist Certification Course have completed their first practicum and have passed, with 80% or better, an extensive written midterm exam; however, their actual levels of practical experience still vary widely. Certification will follow in several months, after another lengthy practicum and the passing of a written and practical final exam.

Miel Bernstein British Columbia
Rachael Coggins Carrizo Springs, Texas
Robert Creel Morriston, Florida
Anne Daimler DeLand, Florida
Cynthia Edwards Vero Beach, Florida
Frances Guthrie Manson's Landing, British Columbia, Canada
Sandi Jackson Wills Point, Texas (near Dallas)
Patricia Kustra Rockport, Massachusetts
Anne Marie Larson Alpha, Illinois
Joni Libert Kenai, Alaska
Denise McLain Centerburg, Ohio
Elizabeth (Betsy) Merritt Williamsburg, Massachusetts
Ross Neder Parks, Arizona
Lynn Spaan Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Margaret (Meg) Stewart Rockport, Massachusetts
Star Taira Camarillo, California


02/06/02

Our friend Dr. Robert Cook has once again nominated Dr. Strasser to the International Equine Veterinarian's Hall of Fame. Please read his entire nomination here:
Dr. Strasser's Nomination to the American Farrier's Journal Hall of Fame 2002
by Dr. W. Robert Cook

Letters of support for her nomination can be sent to:
American Farrier’s Journal
Attn: Hall of Fame
PO Box 624
Brookfield, WI 53008-0624


11-03-01

Radio News! Sabine Kells featured on Radio Show "The Horse Show with Rick Lamb"
Show Airs November 17, 2001
"The Horse Show with Rick Lamb" is the world's premier radio program on horses. Featured weekly on stations across the country, this program is also available to hear online right now at: http://www.thehorseshow.com/banner.html
11/17/01: Sabine Kells (how shoeing your horse shortens his life, the Strasser approach to barefooting)

Also, you can search for a local radio station in your area: http://207.19.3.108/cgi-bin/thsstations.pl


10-27-01

NEW! NOW AVAILABLE!
Dr. Strasser's long-awaited Textbook:
The Hoofcare Specialist's Handbook
Hoof Orthopedics and Holistic Lameness Rehabilitation
by Hiltrud Strasser, DVM & Sabine Kells


10-03-01

Educated Owners and Barefoot Horses, An Open Letter to Veterinarians by Dr. W. Robert Cook


8-29-01

The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) has invited Dr. Strasser to speak at their 27th International Congress in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This event takes place from September 26-29, 2001, and is open to veterinarians and vet students only. Dr. Strasser will be speaking on Thursday, September 27th, on the topic of ÒEffect of the hoof form on the meridians of the horse.Ó For more information, visit: http://www.ivas.org/congress.cfm

Sabine Kells will be speaking on behalf of Dr. Strasser at the IAATH Conference (International Alliance for Animal Therapy and Healing) that takes place Nov 1-4 in Beaverton, Oregon (near Portland). More information about this conference can be found at: http://www.IAATH.com/


7-25-01

Canadian Strasser Clinic A Real Huge Success

As announced in the June issue of the Rider, Horseworld hosted this year's only Canadian Strasser Hoof Care Clinic for pleasure and high performance "barefoot" horses.
Horse owners, one farrier and one renowned veterinarian from Michigan State University attended the 3 day seminar. They came from all parts of Ontario, Quebec, Ohio, California and as far away as Hawaii and a strong showing from our local area. They took part in 1 1/2 days of theory and 1 1/2 days of carving cadaver feet as well as trimming sound horses and corrective trimming on 6 problem horses under Dr. Strasser's and Sabine Kells' expert guidance. Participants had brought laminitic and navicular horses, that had been given up by their veterinarians.

The practical part took place at Breck's and Martina's (owner's of Horseworld) place. Where, seated on chairs and straw bales, the group carved, trimmed and rasped in the shade of a big old buckeye tree. One horse which could not stand on 3 legs to be trimmed was hung in a sling which Breck had rigged in his barn. Marge and Dick Hotte served mouthwatering lunches and snacks.

The idea to host this seminar came about when Breck attended last year's Strasser clinic in Columbus Ohio. Breck had been working his horses barefoot ever since his ranching/farming days in the late 60's. Never a lame horse regardless of terrain. Having learned the farrier's art in Germany at age 15, he moved away from shoeing because "it didn't make sense." The seminar reinforced his belief and explained in detail why the barefooted concept worked so well. The strasser seminar offered the perfect opportunity to share knowledge and skills with other concerned horses owners and professionals.

Thank you Dr. Strasser, thank you Sabine Kells and thanks to all the participants who made the event such a memorable occasion.

Martina Peiper
Horseworld Emporium
St.Catharines, Ontario


5-22-01

Congratulations to our new Hoofcare Specialists!

I just received official word from Sabine Kells, all the students in the North American Strasser Course have passed with flying colors! This was no small feat either, and don't think that they were guaranteed to pass (2 German students failed in the last course given). In fact, Dr. Strasser was very nervous herself before the exams, with worry that some may not pass. The students were judged by a panel of top hoofcare specialists and vets, with no special favors being given. The panel was so impressed with the results they told Dr. Strasser this was one of the best prepared classes they had ever seen.

All the students, now officially Certified Strasser Hoofcare Specialists, deserve a big round of applause: Joan Adams, Connecticut; Heike Bean, Connecticut, Nancy Filbert, Wisconsin; Martha Olivo (traveling); Carol Schwetz, Alberta, Canada; Marjorie Smith, Rhode Island; Lisa Walker, Vermont; James Welz, Arizona; Ray Shammas, Rhode Island; Todd Merrell, Vancouver, Canada; Jane Berresford, England. The students also took classes in nutrition and homeopathy while they were in Germany, and it sounds like they will have some exciting new info to share with us all. There are so many fine details to the Strasser trim, and so many instances where it must be customized to the individual horse's exact circumstances, and the new Hoofcare Specialists will now be prepared to do these things correctly. Many horses will benefit from their new knowledge and experience.

It must be noted that the new Hoofcare Specialists are not yet allowed to give clinics or seminars. This may seem unfortunate, as they have so much new info to share. They need time to grow and develop, and trim many hooves, before they will be prepared to actually teach the information, which is a very different thing altogether. They are only now beginning to understand the complexities of it all, and need time to absorb all they have learned. The time frame given is approx.1-2 years, but that may vary according to their individual abilities. Eventually, after further evaluation by Dr. Strasser, they will be given permission to conduct Strasser Hoofcare Clinics. Regarding the clnics, Dr. Strasser is trying to work with Martha Olivo and make things possible on both their ends. From what I understand, she will be allowed to conduct her clinics without using Dr. Strasser's name, so that she can continue to make a living as she has been doing. In the future, with Dr. Strasser's permission, she will also be able to give Strasser Hoofcare Clinics. -- Yvonne Welz


03/2001

THH Rebuttal to the ILPH news release, March 2001

Press Release from Dr. Strasser

Press Release from Jane Harbidge of UK


1/17/2001

Dr. Robert Cook of Tufts University Nominates Dr. Strasser to the American Farrier's Journal Hall of Fame


9/13/2000

Dr. Strasser Court Ruling

An article about Dr. Strasser's method of hoofcare and her hoof clinic, which allows conventionally "incurable" horses to be restored to soundness, was published in a Swiss equestrian magazine. She was thereafter accused of "illegal advertising." She was acquitted of any charges, and the following was noted in the findings:

"It must be kept in mind that hoof care is not a typical veterinary activity; the veterinarian only then becomes active as a doctor when real hoof diseases, not normal wear and tear, are present.

"The basic tenor of the interview deals with the fact, known to the veterinary members of the Landesberufsgericht [court], that horses which, as a result of unskillful hoof treatment, excessive demands, or age, have acquired lameness problems, are even today more likely to be slaughtered than given humane treatment (which is costly both in time and money).

"The accused, committed to the prevention of cruelty to animals, has made it her mission to change this. This is why her profession of veterinarian is placed in the background in the interview, and the thoughts about the prevention of cruelty to animals are placed at the forefront. In so far that one can also see advertising in this information about the treatment methods of the accused, it is not advertising in a commercial sense, but rather advertising for the creature, in other words, an appeal to the horse owners and veterinarians to treat animals with sick hooves and legs according to her (differing from conventional) methods, and thus extend their lives.

"The Landesberufsgericht [court) is therefore convinced that the accused, as one committed to the prevention of cruelty to animals, did not pursue financial interests with this interview. The slightly exaggerated references to the still commonly practiced, hardly effective treatment methods in the area of the hoof, with the result that the animals in question are prematurely bound for slaughter, are in the eyes of this court not unprofessional, since they do not contradict the truth, and therefore can be presented in a somewhat more pointed manner, without degrading the veterinary colleagues and their methods..."

So, basically, the court ruled that Dr. Strasser's methods are humane and in the best interest of the animals and are, in fact, a means of preventing cruelty to animals (premature slaughter); plus, the lack of effectiveness of conventional methods in matters of the hoot is openly acknowledged.

Translated by Sabine Kells.


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