The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 114 | Holistic + horse-first hoofcare with Kendra Skorstad

In this episode with farrier Kendra Skorstad, our conversation covers my many (and maybe yours too!) hoof-related questions from both the perspective of horse steward and body worker, including the interplay between horses’ posture, body, and the health of their feet, as well as specific inquiries surrounding navicular, high-low syndrome and heel first landings. It was so refreshing and affirming to hear how Kendra approaches hoofcare from a holistic and horse-first perspective, where making choices such as whether to go barefoot, wear metal shoes or use other tools such as composite shoes or boots are made based on the needs of each individual horse.

I hope you enjoy our conversation full of interesting tidbits as much as I did – the possibility for fascinating rabbit holes here was endless, so we covered a lot of ground and had some fun doing it.

Kendra Skorstad brings artistry, science, and her love for horses together in her life long career as a farrier and horsewoman. She is highly sought after in her community due to her experiences as a barefoot trimmer and farrier combined with proficiency using new technologies and alternative materials for hoof protection. In her teamwork approach, she embraces a balance between research based work and honoring the individuality of each horse. She has published articles, gives clinics and lectures in the US and has lectured internationally, is a guest speaker for the University of Guelph and has been featured in podcasts for The Plaid Horse and The Humble Hoof.

You can follow Kendra on her FB page Skorstad Farrier Service

Download podcast here or listen on iTunes

Episode 122 | Making the hardest choice with Diana Waters

Episode 122 | Making the hardest choice with Diana Waters

In this moving episode I am joined by horse trainer Diana Waters of Responsive Equine. We begin with an overview of some of Diana’s formative equestrian experiences, including her passion for training at the walk and its many benefits to the equine-human partnership, and then head into a vulnerable conversation about her journey rescuing a horse whom she diligently and compassionately attempted to rehabilitate, only to ultimately make the incredibly difficult choice to end his life.

Episode 119 | All about track systems for horses with Amy Dell

Episode 119 | All about track systems for horses with Amy Dell

The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 119 | All about track systems for horses with Amy Dell I was excited to be joined by Amy Dell of Abbotts View Livery for this episode, who wrote the book Horse Track Systems and runs her own track livery in England. What I...