Spirit Horse Collective

After diving deeper into barefoot trimming this year, especially with my own insulin-sensitive horse, I've learned more about how subtle or recurring laminitic changes can be, even in horses that aren't obviously lame. This was such an interesting study to come across.

I've started paying more attention than ever to what the hoof might be telling us between trims. If I see red in the white line, for example, I'm much less willing to simply accept "bruising" as the explanation and move on. I want to know why it's there and what else might be happening with that horse.

That's what I find so valuable about research like this. The University of Kentucky researchers found that restrictive grazing strategies, including dry lots and grazing muzzles, were effective at reducing insulin levels in insulin-dysregulated horses.

The more we learn to recognize these quieter changes before they become an obvious soundness problem, the more opportunity we have to support the horse through appropriate diet, movement, turnout and lifestyle management.

To me, that's where hoof care gets really interesting. The hoof isn't just something we trim every few weeks. It's information about the horse standing above it.

Examining Restrictive Grazing Methods for Insulin-Dysregulated Horses Researchers at the University of Kentucky assessed the efficacy of dry lots and grazing muzzles for managing and reducing insulin levels in ID horses.

We're hitting the road 🚗🚗

Rebecca Farm Bodywork Sessions | July 14 & 15

Bringing your horse across the country is an incredible accomplishment, but long hours in a trailer can leave the body feeling stiff, guarded, and compensating before competition even begins.

I’ll be at Rebecca Farm on July 14 & 15 offering Integrated Equine Bodywork designed to help your horse settle into their body before they step into the ring.

Whether you’ve hauled from the next state over or across the country, these sessions are focused on:
• Releasing tension from travel
• Improving mobility and comfort
• Supporting nervous system regulation
• Identifying compensation patterns before they become performance limitations
• Helping your horse feel their best going into competition

Every horse is different. Some need help unwinding after the haul. Others simply benefit from a tune up before asking their bodies to perform at their highest level.

If you’re competing at Rebecca Farm and would like to get on the schedule, send me a DM. Availability is limited.