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  Andrew and Nicky Bowe
  03 5773 4306
  info@barehoofcare.com

TRIMMING WORKSHOPS
Learn How to Maintain Healthy Hooves - Hoof Management Workshops
ONE DAY BAREFOOT TRIMMING WORKSHOPS - client feedback

I am a bit slow but I wanted to congratulate you on your workshop run recently at Murwillumbah. I am sooo glad I went. I think you have put together a really great package of information and delivered it very well. I think I have been on the right track with my home trimming but attending your workshop has given me more confidence and several giant leaps forward with things that might have taken me years to discover or find out on my own. I'm sure my horses would thank you too. I hope to improve my trimming and continue to learn as I go. - Desley Pike
After doing some searching on the net about hoof care and having an understanding of anatomy and physiology from my role as a paramedic it became obvious that traditional shoeing practices were not in the best interests of a horse. This led me to search for an alternative.

Anyway to cut a long story short, while at my local horse store I found a flyer for your Barefoot Maintenance Workshop. The rest is history. I have been to a number of clinics over the years and I have to say yours would have to be the most professional I have attended. This is not only with the actual presentation on the day but the prompt responses during the application stage.

The day itself was well run at an easy pace. There was a good balance of theory and practice and the presenters demonstrated expert knowledge of the course content. The teaching aids and workbook very much contributed to understanding what barefoot trimming is all about.

Enough time was allowed for questions and the practice of newly acquired hands-on skills. Andrew and Nicky were very approachable and keen to assist us understand and master new skills.

“Alf the Wonder Horse” and myself would like to thank you and we are looking forward to the advanced course in April 2010. - Geoff Abel
I recently attended the Hoof trimming course at Beaudesert Qld on Andrew and Nicky's last day.....just wanted everyone concerned to know that it was one of the best one day workshops ever. Extremely educational, very well presented!
Andrew and Nicky very warm, friendly, welcoming, genuine and down to earth people.
Being a part-time photographer (& specializing in equine photography), I took several photo's during the course of the day and I told both Andrew and Nicky that I would send them on a disc to Victoria for them to use freely and as they wished to promote their business.....so I will get onto that within the next two weeks.
Thank you so much for the day....it was a great workshop. - Violet Kimpton


Your newsletter has reminded me to let you know how much I enjoyed the workshop in Cobargo. So well put together, great information, well set out and easy to follow steps.  Really profressional. It was fun too! - Robyn Grice
I would like to thank you both for a wonderful workshop.  You are both very professional and yet also personal teachers with a wealth of informaton knowledge and experience. It is also beautiful to see a family enjoying life together. 
Light and laughter - Kylie, Murwillumbah  

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Your newsletter has reminded me to let you know how much I enjoyed the workshop in Cobargo. So well put together, great information, well set out and easy to follow steps.  Really professional. I was fun too! - Robyn Grice, Cobargo ______________________________________________________________________

I recently attended the Hoof trimming course at Beaudesert Qld on Andrew and Nicky's last day.....just wanted everyone concerned to know that it was one of the best one day workshops ever. Extremely educational, very well presented!   Andrew and Nicky are very warm, friendly, welcoming, genuine and down to earth people.

Being a part-time photographer (& specializing in equine photography), I took several photo's during the course of the day and I told both Andrew and Nicky that I would send them on a disc to Victoria for them to use freely and as they wished to promote their business.....so I will get onto that within the next two weeks. Thank you so much for the day....it was a great workshop. - Violet Kimpton, Brisbane
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After doing some searching on the net about hoof care and having an understanding of anatomy and physiology from my role as a paramedic it became obvious that traditional shoeing practices were not in the best interests of a horse. This led me to search for an alternative.

Anyway to cut a long story short, while at my local horse store I found a flyer for your Barefoot Maintenance Workshop. The rest is history. I have been to a number of clinics over the years and I have to say yours would have to be the most professional I have attended. This is not only with the actual presentation on the day but the prompt responses during the application stage.

The day itself was well run at an easy pace. There was a good balance of theory and practice and the presenters demonstrated expert knowledge of the course content. The teaching aids and workbook very much contributed to understanding what barefoot trimming is all about.

Enough time was allowed for questions and the practice of newly acquired hands-on skills. Andrew and Nicky were very approachable and keen to assist us tounderstand and master new skills.

“Alf the Wonder Horse” and myself would like to thank you and we are looking forward to the advanced course in April 2010. - Geoff, Townsville ______________________________________________________________________

I wanted to congratulate you on your workshop run recently at Murwillumbah. I am sooo glad I went. I think you have put together a really great package of information and delivered it very well.

I think I have been on the right track with my home trimming but attending your workshop has given me more confidence and several giant leaps forward with things that might have taken me years to discover or find out on my own. I'm sure my horses would thank you too. I hope to improve my trimming and continue to learn as I go.
- Desley, Murwillumbah ______________________________________________________________________

I absolutely loved the workshop!
When I first saw the flyer at the endurance ride I thought I would attend simply to be able to learn how to trim for myself. I'd always had other people around me who were perfectly capable and therefore I never had a need to learn so it was on this basis that I decided to come along.

I did not know anything about barefoot before I got to the workshop, I must admit I only came to learn how to trim and maintain a horses hoof, and WOW I got so much more!!

The pace was perfect for me. Not too fast and not dragged out like some "training sessions" I've endured through work etc. I learned a lot from the cadaver and maybe the only thing that would have really re-enforced what we were learning is if there was time for Andrew or Nicky to critique a few more of the students work in a group situation, perhaps explaining his view of what was wrong with the foot
and whether or not the student had trimmed enough or too much and really
hammered home the heal levels, whether the quarters were passive enough etc.

What I really came away with is WHY, why would I put shoes on my horse, the dynamics of the hoof are amazing and these dynamics should really be enhanced rather than hindered. I will trim according to my new found knowledge, brush up on it by re-watching the DVD a few times and look at buying boots when my horse is ready to do some serious work.

Please advise me if you are holding another workshop - you can consider
me a firm booking. - Sue McCarthy, Cairns

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I just wanted to write you a quick note to thank you all so much for organising to come  to S.A. for the clinic. Everyone was really happy and seemed to have all their questions and queries answered. Plus for a lot of us (including myself) it de-mystified a lot of propaganda and got back to the basics of what's best for the horse in it's particular situation! We had such a great day and all the students thanked me after for organising such a great comprehensive clinic as it was just what they were after.

Andrew is truly an amazing horse professional and trimmer and we felt lucky to have him teach us! The trim he did on my appaloosa was amazing and I noticed how differently he moved afterwards. Plus that particular horse has never stood that still for anyone. As a Parelli Natural Horsemanship student this speaks for itself in my opinion! I know a lot of people today were quite happy  to hear Andrew's incorparation of very "natural" horse handling skills into trimming. It was truly a breathe of fresh air. It was a great experience to draw from Andrew's wealth of knowledge and I (and many other students) hope to be able to do it again.
- Christine Bates - (Co odinator & Very Happy Student) ______________________________________________________________________
Barefoot? Several years of doubt based on many, many stories of horses made awfuly sore or quite lame by 'barefoot trimmers' (i.e long toes and low heels which just do not look right to my eyes). I have close friends who after years of commitment to barefoot finally gave their lamed horses shoes again. A commonly heard statement is that there have never been so many lame horses around since barefoot trimming began.

Your workshop has converted me. I thought the first day was great and I learned a lot. The scientific info using cadavers and hoof examples was wonderful. I liked the model of attention to natural balance of the hoof and the foot print. Likewise the second day was really good for someone like me. The info on different diseases was thorough and very informative. Also having so many horses with all types of feet gave excellent examples of applying the barefoot trim. Just great! I now have trimmed two of my three horses with confidence. - Jill Collins, Woodend, Vic.
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I just want to thank you again for the opportunity to attend the workshop on Saturday. I learned a significant amount and I am really thrilled at the change I have seen in Diff since Saturday. I know he has a long way to go, particularly with his hindquarters, but this morning, for the first time in two months, he trotted of his own accord (granted it was to get food, but he hasn't done this since shortly after he first arrived). I can only imagine the relief he must be feeling! I was already a "believer" in barefoot, but the change in him since Saturday has exceeded what I had hoped was possible for him. - Leanne Kearney, Central Coast
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I really enjoyed the workshop.  I thought it was extremely professional and at the same time friendly and approachable.  I am truly convinced that barefoot is the way to go and I would like to learn further in the future. Thankyou both for all your time, knowledge and dedication. - Tory Jones
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Just wanted to say thanks for a great, laid back, and very informative day at the clinic in Canberra. With all the effort it takes to organise an event and the time for you to travel, I think everyone really got a great deal out of it and the professionalism that was displayed from you both provided for a very relaxed learning environment.I will not stop spreading the barefoot word and will be recommending to all interested what a great, informative, and eye opening day it can be learning what this barefoot thing is all about.will see you at Equitana and hopefully on the diploma course next year.
Cheers - Daniel Simpson, Barefoot Excellence Natural Hoofcare,Coolamon NSW
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"For those interested, I recently attended an equine barefoot hoof trimming workshop with Andrew & Nicky Bowe aka "The Barefoot Blacksmith". If you keep horses, I'd encourage you to research and set down the path of keeping your horses 'barefoot'." - Benjamin Falloon Taranaki Farm
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"I would just like to thank you all once again for a thoroughly enjoyable and informative workshop last weekend. The significance of what you do cannot be overstated. Together you are making a difference for so many horses, and I only hope this will continue exponentially into the future. Amanda and I were both impressed and amazed at your thorough knowledge of the correct anatomy and physiology of the horses' foot, which to our minds, is unfortunately uncommon in many professionals involved in the horse industry. You all shared your knowledge so openly and generously, and were most encouraging of our efforts."
"Undoubtedly, the highlight of the weekend was to see my dear old 'Gideon' striding out with his boots on, looking more comfortable than I have seen him in ages. Your care and attention in ensuring the ideal fit for his boots and pads is most appreciated, as is Chris's advice regarding massage. Hopefully we will move forward with him now, and I will certainly update you in the future as to his progress."  - Kelly Crombie
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"I just want to thank you for Saturday. I found the experience fun and think that every horse owner should have knowledge of trimming hooves. The one day course also gave new confidence in  practical horse knowledge. It is a shame that more adult riding clubs are not into theory sessions, as I would find this to be a valuable club experience."  - Denise
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"Had a great day yesterday. I learnt a lot and have come home and started on the other two ponies."  - Deb Cardilini
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"I look forward to having a go with the skills I learned today.  Than you for the course, I found the pace and delivery suited my learning style.  Well done.  I would be interested in attending an advanced workshop when I have gained some experience at this level."  - Tony Green 
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"Thanks to you both for a very insightful and instructive workshop.  You have given me hope that Blue will successfully make the transition from shod to bare as an endurance horse." - Wendy Bootle
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"Andrew's ability to explain concepts clearly to "lay people" is fantastic and made the information accessible.  I was able to join the dots!  It was great to get the bigger picture, I found the early part of the powerpoint really helped to set the scene and put the whole day in context.  The pace and timing was just spot on." 
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"I really enjoyed the course and have enormous respect for what and how you teach it.  I couldn't commend you highly enough."  - Kelly Bick
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"More than met my expectations.  I will recommend it to others."  - Lisa Ronalds
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"Thanks Andrew and Nicky - you are both exceptionally talented people.  I hope I can learn more from you both very soon."  - Philippa Marchbank
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"Andrew and Nicky.  I got so much out of the weekend.  It has made me very confident in practicing b/f trimming - let me know when an advanced course is on next year."  - Chris Hepner
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"It far exceeded my expectations.  Thank you for a very inspirational and enjoyable day."  - Leeanne Burley
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"Thankyou for the opportunity and please keep me advised on your next revision course in my area.  I am looking forward to helping my darling horse have lovely natural feet.  Natural is best with all of life has to offer!"  - Rebecca Agg
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"Just a note to say thank you for Sat It was a great day you are a born teacher. The balance of theory and practice was I think perfect with the information highly informative and very interestingly presented and the notes are great ,very clear concise and straightforward.
I wish I could get a lot of horse people I know to go to one of your days just to open their eyes and get a lot of factual wisdom instead of inherited folklore !You will appreciate I've been on quite a few courses and yours rates among the best." 
- Kay
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"We both attended Andrew's clinic on Barefoot trimming and found it to be extremely informative and highly educational, the structure and presentation of the course was very professional and easy to understand.  Working on the dead horse hooves and seeing cross sections of their canon bones gave me a real insight to the unnatural performance of what shoeing does to a horse.  I would highly recommend any horse owner or enthusiast to attend Andrew's clinic and to seriously consider bare footing their equine friends."   - Jason McInnes
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"Just wanted to say thanks again for the Forbes Trimming Clinic. Had a great time and learned heaps. I was surprised how logical and easy to understand the technique was. I really didn't think it was something I would be able to do myself when I arrived.
 It was a great day and you two are a wealth of knowledge, thanks again." 
- Kim Alchin

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"After attending your barefoot beginner workshop, I feel like I never want to put shoes on my horse again! I learnt all about the workings of a foot and how both shoeing and bad maintenence can attribute to the breaking down and shortening the working life of our horses.
I was fascinated by the intricacies and engineering brilliance of a horses leg and now understand practically, why the frog needs to be in balance and in contact with the ground.
It also shed light on such degenerative diseases, like navicular and ringbone...   which I thought were just wear and tear!
I can now understand how such problems develop in the first place.
Thankyou for this knowledge. Don't know why I didn't do it sooner."
- Gillian Archer
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"I had a great time at the clinic at Wandin and really wanted to let you know what improvement I have seen in my horse's performance in such a short time. 
He used to jack and spin - not anymore. He moves forward freely and is happy to go about his business. I am sure some of this is due to his own maturing however it would not have happened without the help I got from you.
I am so excited that hoof care is moving in this direction.  I am excited that there are people like you out there promoting it in such a sensible marketable fashion.  What you taught really makes sense.
Again, thank you.  Your approach has re-inspired me to keep on with my horses. I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to meeting you again."
- Kate Hollis
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"Having spent the day with you I feel I have the last few pieces I needed to maintain my horses feet, I would like to learn more in time to be able to diagnose and correct foot problems in conjunction with body rehabilitation using my own horse and his posture issues."
- Mark Griggs
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"I
have never experienced before such energy in conducting a workshop.
The extreme effort involved in having the cadavers and sawn leg demo at the end must have been enormous though these two sections of the day made it all make sense for me. The entire clinic was astounding.
Thank you very, very much. Probably one of the top five days of my life."
- Mardi
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"I have much more confidence in trimming now and hope to further my education with your advanced workshop and hopefully the Diploma. I am hooked. No going back to shoes.
The more I learn, the more I realise I have yet to learn -- and I really want my young fella to be succeessful on 4 bare feet. And finally - Crikey did I need a a new rasp! The save edge is blissful!" - Fleur Stefani
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"I would just like to say everything that Andrew said is so true, we are addicted. I need to say put the foot down and walk away to myself all the time now."
- Kirsty Driscoll
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"I would just like to echo Kirsty's thank you. We are just so grateful to now have this knowledge and feel empowered to take charge and deal with our horses feet by ourselves. As Kirsty says, and as Andrew said at the clinic - it is so addictive, and we find ourselves looking at their hooves before anything else now!"
- Rosalyn Ferrari
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