One of my Equine Podiatry specialist friends turned me on to the new Renegade Hoof Boots, in particular their Ice Boot which has studs for traction. I have had a tough time keeping Easyboots on, even the Bares and Epics, at a gallop, which we require while Skijoring. This past weekend, we had the opportunity to test them out at a race. They were fabulous. Manny was faster than he has been all season, the boots stayed on, did not accumulate snow or debris and did not rub or irritate his feet in any way. He wore them for about 7 hours and we had no traction issues at all. Love them and endorse the product completely. More info at http://www.renegadehoofboots.com/ . Manny pictured below, at a gallop, sporting his bright orange Ice Boots. I know the orange doesn’t fit our fashoin motif, but hey…they are tough to miss and quite a conversation piece.

About a year ago, I took on the care of my horse’s feet, myself. I pulled the shoes and started trimming. I read everything I could get my hands on and studied very hard. I finally hooked up with KC LaPierre and his HPT theory in June and have been studying his program exclusively since. The difference in my horses’ soundness has been huge and we are able to do more and more…shoeless. KC’s theory teaches us not only how to trim for balance but why stimulus is so important for the developement of great structure and therefore function. His new product Perfect Hoof Wear, is an amazing new concept in protective hoof wear in that it allows expansion of the hoof and therefore allows stimulus to affect the foot positively. More info is available at http://www.equinepodiatry.net . I elected to test drive this product on my OTTB, Canon. He has decent feet and no soundness issues currently, but he has pretty typical TB feet. He has a clubbed RF and his LF heels are …

I kept this big rock within my ‘paddock paradise’ track, as the horses just seem drawn to it. Its where they hang out, play, even take alittle snooze. Here Manny and Molly contemplate spring and the lower pasture, which will soon be green and lush!

Peanut had his second ride undersaddle yesterday. Very successful…..we played with connecting the direct rein to the front foot and the ‘go forward’ cue. He doesn’t really understand the concept of why I would ride him, I don’t think. Perhaps more purpose would be helpful next time. Hmmm….

Today was a beautiful, clear day and I was home early from work. I couldn’t resist doing some saddle work with Peanut. He stood quietly in the barn aisle (well, his feet weren’t moving…just his big mouth). He touched, tasted and stomped on both the saddle pad and my beloved Brainard saddle (ouch!). Its a good thing I don’t think this saddle will fit him for long! He accepted saddling on the first try. The cinch meant nothing to him… In all honesty, I did not expect this process to go so smoothly or so quickly…and since there was plenty of daylight, I continued on. First I set him out on our ‘track’ and had Doc take him for a run with his new appendage. He had a few very small bucks in him at the canter, but not much excitement…all in all. So…feeling lucky, I decided to press on. BTW, I love this horse….he makes my butt look small! Its a long way up there! Even with my ungraceful start, he was pretty interested …

Peanut is a Belgian Draft horse and my first baby. He was born in the driving rain on 6/6/6 about a 1/2 mile from my house and I happened to drive by his pasture about 10 minutes after he was born and stopped to watch him struggle to stand and then his first feeble steps. Soon he was running…I was starstruck. In my heart I claimed him for my own and a few weeks later sealed the deal with the dairy farmer who had no use for him. Pictured here at 3 months old. Never haltered or handled. He and I soon came to be ‘buds’. Halter trained and leading lessons behind us….sharing a morning cup of joe…at 4 months. December 2006…six months old and nearly rideable! The neighbors called constantly…’I think there is something wrong with your youngster!’ He loved to sleep…anywhere. Here he is with the crew…winter 2007…8 months old. Look at those legs! Nearly a yearling…hmmm..he’s getting big! After a few days spent with Mark Rashid in the spring of 2007, Peanut …