Hooves with Heart - Kathryn O'Bree

My name is Kathryn O'Bree and I am a Barefoot Trimmer from Torquay. I decided to learn how to trim after having the shoes pulled off my Thoroughbred Reggie... My initial motivation was to save some money. So I signed up for a weekend learn-to-trim course and little did I know that from that day on I would become a hoof junkie! I was simply fascinated by the complex and magnificent structure that is the horses hoof!

So I started trimming my own horse, and soon after I started spending time out in the field with Rebecca Scott (GoBarefoot). In the meantime I immersed myself in learning about hooves and the barefoot philosophy via books, courses, DVDs, articles, magazines (yes there are magazines dedicated purely to bare hooves!!) I was hooked... and my passion has only continued to grow.

I started working for Rebecca on weekends whilst I continued to teach Primary School kids during the week. I loved teaching but my heart was yearning to be with horses and hooves on a daily basis. I continued to learn whatever I could about barefoot whilst I plotted and planned how I could make the transition out of the classroom and into the paddock!

In the meantime, I acquired a gorgeous little miniature pony called Dora as a buddy for my TB. Little did I know that this young lady would be one of the biggest learning experiences of my career. Dora foundered after only 2 months in my care. I spent nearly 6 months rehabilitating her to soundness with many failures along the way. Every day is like walking a tight rope, ensuring that we have the right balance of diet and movement. Laminitis has become a huge passion of mine and I am continuously updating my knowledge in this area. It is such a huge killer of horses yet it can be prevented... and barefoot rehabilitation is possible.

To complicate things further I found myself another hoof project - the beautiful Daisy who is a TB with a club foot. When I met Daisy she was unsound on pasture. Her hoof issues fascinated yet frustrated me and of course, the only option in my mind was to take her home. She has been a welcome addition to my little herd. So I have a paddock of case studies and many more out in the field!

I am currently in the process of completing my qualification as an Australian Certified Equine Hoofcare Practitioner. I continue to expand my knowledge and broaden my experiences in any way I can. And I no longer teach in a classroom... just out in the paddock!

Anyone who knows me can attest to my absolute obsession with Hoof Boots - I think they open up so many alternatives to horses who would otherwise be shod. I pride myself on professional, reliable and quality customer service, both during and between appointments. Above all, however, I am an advocate for the horse. I use Natural Horsemanship methods when working with all horses and I live by the philosophy of "take the time it takes"... I don't trim watching the clock and I work with what the horse gives me on the day. Warwick Schiller and Carlos Tabernaberri have helped me to fill my toolbox with the most effective horsemanship tools.

Barefoot is a philosophy, a lifestyle... not just "not having shoes on your horse".
I strongly believe that trimming is only one element contributing to healthy, functional bare hooves. Diet/nutrition, exercise/movement, conditioning/exposure to varied terrain as well as a natural lifestyle all play a role in developing functional, healthy hooves. I am also a firm believer that you GROW healthy hooves, not craft them with tools... although correct barefoot trimming certainly helps with this.

My business name, Hooves with Heart, hopefully captures my passion for hooves, trimming and accommodating to the needs of the horse before anything else. If you are looking for a trimmer who wholeheartedly believes in keeping horses hooves bare and providing advice and support on hoofcare, diet, lifestyle and horsemanship, then please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss the needs of you and your horse. Or if you already have a wonderful trimmer, still follow this page for lots of info on natural hoof and horse care.