Barefoot Stories


Above: Catherine Chandler earns her USDF Bronze medal (1st, 2nd and 3rd levels of dressage) riding her barefoot Mustang mare.

Horseowners all around the world are creating healthier, happier horses by applying the simple, common sense methods of barefoot hoof and horse care. With a bit of expert help in learning and applying a barefoot trim, many owners are finding success beyond their wildest dreams. Here, some of them share their stories with us:


Missing Coffin Bone Tip: A Horse Named Destin by Ute Philippi (2014)

Two Gaited Horses (and a Morgan) Go Barefoot by Carol J. Peat (2014)

"Surviving a Coffin Bone Rotation... at 28!" by Jen McGeehan (2014)
Includes Jen's handy chart: "Help at a Glance for IR/Cushing’s Horses"
and: "Smoke: From the Farrier’s Perspective..." by Susanella Noble

Better Horse Care...for Better Horsemanship by Jill Owens (2012)

Dressage Superstars, Hermes and Sally by Catherine Chandler (2009)

Spreading the Barefoot Word with Joe Camp from THH Issue 28 (pdf file)

Discover the Barefoot Magic with Cynthia & Tony Royal from THH Issue 31 (pdf file)

Organic Horse Care with “Discover The Magic” - Cynthia Royal from THH Issue 32 (pdf file

City of Houston Police Horses Go Barefoot—Part 1
by Greg Sokoloski, Police Officer
Houston Police Department Mounted Unit—Barefoot Program (2005)

City of Houston Police Horses Go Barefoot—Part 2
by Greg Sokoloski, Police Officer
Houston Police Department Mounted Unit—Barefoot Program (2005)

Saucy Night Makes UK Racing History by Winning Barefoot
Ysabelle Dean interviews Eamonn Wilmont (2005)

Short Success Stories from many horseowners
Please submit your barefoot hoofcare short success story right here and now! All stories are welcome, as long as barefoot methods were used. Let the world know that barefoot hoofcare really does work! Send stories to editor@thehorseshoof.com

Success Stories on Gretchen's website: http://www.naturalhorsetrim.com/success_stories.htm

Founder - A Life or Death Matter (PDF file)
by Barb Fenwick
A Tennessee Walking Horse named Spirit gets a new lease on life. (2008)

The Long Road Back to Soundness
by Linda Fragale
Dressage trainer turns to barefoot to save her superstar. (2006)

Tory
by Angela Hawthorne
Hoof-neglected Arabian mare finds out how good a proper trim can feel. (2005)

My Journey through Barefoot
by Denise Dorrell
A horseowner's difficult, yet successful, introduction to barefoot. (2005)

Every Day is a Good Day!
by Linda M. James
North Carolina horseowner discovers the joys of barefoot. (2005)

Laurie's Barefoot Horse Story
by Laurie Marshall
Barefoot is the key for this rider's improved relationship with her horse. (2005)

Gina's Barefoot Horse Story
by Gina Jennette
A Kentucky horseowner's favorite gelding is saved from grain founder, the barefoot way. (2005)

"Chance" Gets a New Chance
by Chuck Mills
A good trim turns a lame horse around. (2005)

Trimming my Horses
by Sandy Jenner
Horseowner in Nova Scotia, Canada, trims her own horse's feet. (2005)

My Haflinger Geldings
by Carol Petrie
Happy barefoot horses in Snowflake, Arizona. (2005)

Michele's Barefoot Story
by Michele Spencer
A horseowner's second year of going shoeless. (2005)

Hotrod's Story
by Rebeca Haas
A new stallion owner decides to take over trimming, with great results. (2005)

Gioconda, the Barefoot Christmas Horse
by Karen Drost
Barefoot horse, recovered from navicular, carries Saint Nicolas! (2005)

Back to the Future with Barefoot Endurance
by Shari Cartee
Horseowner discovers the joys of endurance riding barefoot! (2005)

Beau, A “Navicular” Story
by Julia McInnis
A 14 year old girl's horse recovers from navicular. (2005)

City of Houston Police Horses Go Barefoot—Part 1
by Greg Sokoloski, Police Officer
Houston Police Department Mounted Unit—Barefoot Program (2005)

City of Houston Police Horses Go Barefoot—Part 2
by Greg Sokoloski, Police Officer
Houston Police Department Mounted Unit—Barefoot Program (2005)

Saucy Night Makes UK Racing History by Winning Barefoot
Ysabelle Dean interviews Eamonn Wilmont (2005)

Leading by Example: Barefoot Endurance in New Zealand
by Sheryl Campbell
Sheryl decided to try barefoot with her Arab, Pendell Solma, after a serious trip on an Endurance ride—and thus began a major learning curve in her life! (2005)

A Horse Named Fred
by "Tree" Anne Coley
A summer camp horse gets a new lease on life. (2003)

Success Stories from the UK
by Anne Kempton (2003)

A Buckskin Named Doc
by Claire Cox-Wilson
A beloved family horse recovers from navicular.
(2001, Update 2003)

Turn Around in Australia
by Karen Eden
Horseowner learns to trim and improve her new horse's hooves (2002)

Success in Oregon
by Sharon Williams
Her Peruvian horses are now all barefoot and sound. (2002)

My Adventures
by Scott Kroeger
Scott's barefoot horse wins "Best Horse of the Year" Trophy after a grueling and glorious ride in the high country of Australia's Snowy Mountains. Unfortunately, Scott also comes home with something not so pleasant... (2002)

The Natural Trim for My Working Horses
by Debra Singleton
Debra's success with barefooting her 26 horses. (2002)


Send stories for this page to editor@thehorseshoof.com


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