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Identifying healthy hoof ideals
This really is the starting point in any assessment of the horse and posture and we will refer to these before providing any...
Beccy Smith
Apr 6, 20213 min read
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How can you tell if your horse is in pain?
... and before the classic "head bob" manifests... In this excellent short video, Leading lameness diagnostician vet Sue Dyson says...
Beccy Smith
Apr 1, 20211 min read
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No heels, no horse!
The common practice of trimming heels short in order to achieve an idea of "ideal" (healthy ground contact for the frog) contributes to...
Beccy Smith
Apr 1, 20213 min read
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Successful integrative barefoot hoof care needs teamwork!
...as demonstrated here in this challenging case. We apply healthy hoof guidelines to assess the current balance and decide on...
Beccy Smith
Apr 1, 20212 min read
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Normal versus Compensatory Posture
We assess posture as part of our consults... a change in posture can provide early indicator of a loss of healthy, way before changes...
Beccy Smith
Apr 1, 20211 min read
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A client testimonial from Sam in Dorset
"I met Beccy at a Bespoke Event in Somerset. I wanted to learn more about hoof care and management to support me in rehabbing my own...
Beccy Smith
Apr 1, 20212 min read
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A client testimonial from Pam in Cumbria
"I wholeheartedly recommend Beccy and Val from Holistic Reflections and Holistic Equine for their dedication, compassion and expertise in...
Beccy Smith
Apr 1, 20211 min read
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Why check digital pulses in the horse?
In every assessment, in every Integrative Equine Podiatry consult, in every hoof, we check the strength of the digital pulse. We document...
Beccy Smith
Mar 31, 20212 min read
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Why we trim the HORSE and not simply the HOOF!
A truly integrative approach considers all aspects influential in well-being and resilience. As non-farriers, our choices of interventions are somewhat limited, but it also means we have become experts in what we do - but we also fully appreciate the limitations of trimming alone.
Beccy Smith
Mar 30, 20213 min read
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What does "long toes" really mean?
‘LONG TOES’ are usually LOW PALMAR P3 ANGLES and places the horse at GREATER RISK of INJURY, TRAUMA, DISEASE AND INFECTION! When I am...
Beccy Smith
Mar 29, 20216 min read
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A client testimonial from Hayley in S. Lanarkshire, Scotland
"What do we love about Holistic Reflections and Beccy? The chats we have about topics, your ever searching ethos and your ongoing...
Beccy Smith
Mar 18, 20211 min read
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Is barefoot best for all horses?
What if the environment doesn't support keeping a horse barefoot? What if the owner isn't aware the horse doesn't have healthy barefoot...
Beccy Smith
Mar 8, 20214 min read
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What our clients love about us!
In a recent client survey, we asked our clients to list three things they most love about us... here are a few... · "Our experience ·...
Beccy Smith
Mar 2, 20212 min read
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A client testimonial from Carla in Carlisle, Cumbria
"Beccy was recommend to me. I love the ongoing support between visits, the constant assessment of hoof conformation and adaptation of...
Beccy Smith
Mar 1, 20211 min read
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What does the horse's posture tell us?
The answer is A LOT! Simply put, a comfortable horse with comfortable body and balanced hooves will stand relaxed, without tension and...
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Feb 24, 20211 min read
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Trimming is an art...
Knowing how the hoof capsule relates to the inner foot, limb and horse at any point of the horse’s stride, the influence of the rider, the environment (today and in the future) all weighed against the current capabilities of a horse are one thing....
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Feb 12, 20212 min read
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