Education is paramount and I have spent the last 4 years attending many courses in the USA and the UK. Each session takes around an hour as accuracy takes time, a pasture trim will usually only take 15-20 minutes.

There are a number of reasons why horses misbehave when having their feet done, poor education, busy environment, boredom, pain, discomfort, fear, hunger. We endeavour to work with these issues but we ask the owners to do their bit too, pick a part of the day that's not feed time or when there are lots of distractions/noises etc. Pick somewhere the horse feels safe, this can be a paddock, stall or a nice shady area. be in the right frame of mind, we don't rush and we don't expect our clients too either, make sure you put aside the time required.

If a horse is in pain we make sure they get lots of breaks an use of items such as a hoof stand can make all the difference.

A horse that lacks education or has become difficult to handle may require some groundwork and often both Claire and Cara work together to resolve these issues. This is in the interest of your safety and the Equine Podiatrists safety.

.............it depends, in most cases riding is fine from the start in a controlled manner i.e. walking only in a school and built up from there. There are times when health is lacking so much that the horse can only be hand walked. However, the more the owner is committed to following the programme the quicker they are back in the saddle. Example 18yr old TB shod most of his life, living on pea gravel scored 3.5 overall when shoes removed. Fine for school work at a low level, 8 weeks later scoring a 4, ok to do some light trail riding and increased school work to walk, trot.

Yes we do, however the use of boots need to be agreed as part of the rehab process. When shoes are removed people often put boots on and go back to what they were doing straight away. A foot coming out of shoes is often unhealthy and its still unhealthy in a boot. The key is to get the health back, boots can be used for a bit of extra support when required but are not a substitute for foot health. For example a foot that scores a 3 out of 10 just out of shoes should only be doing light school work in an arena. Application of a boot may up the score to a 4 to allow for some trail riding but jumping/cantering will cause the horse problems booted or not.

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Allow 1.5 hours for the first trim and then 1 hour for each trim after that. Power tools and nippers are not used, this is because they are not accurate. A rasp is sufficient to balance a hoof correctly. The horse will be given plenty of breaks and a hoof stand is used for comfort. it is expected that the owner/carer is present to handle.

It's Important that the owner/carer is involved from the first visit, hoof health relies on what happens between trims. The more involvement you have the quicker you and your horse will be back to full work.

An assessment and photos are done at the initial visit if required. This will score each foot and give you guidance on what you should be doing with your horse and what the foot is capable of at that time.

Horses have survival at the top of their priorities, when shoes are removed horses can feel the ground under them and will be more cautious. This should not be confused with being foot sore. Picking their way over rough ground is normal, they are protecting themselves. Never force them to move over rough ground, allow them to pick their way.

No, a horse should be the same or better after a trim. There is a golden rule 'Do No Harm', it is not acceptable to have a horse who is finding it difficult to move after a trim.

You should expect your horse to transition in the most comfort possible. Horses should NEVER suffer as a result of trimming/shoe removal. Most horses transition with very few problems. Others which have very poor hoof health and chronic problems will find it more difficult but there are products on the market that make the process easier. Most horses can still be ridden during transition but this has to be carefully controlled in the early days.

There are a number of differences in the trim itself and this is derived from the theories. It is not felt that the best model for the domestic horse that is used from anything from a trail ride through to top level competition should be modelled on a horse that has a very different environment.Wild/feral horses are usually small, travel mainly at walk, have a very different diet and do not carry riders. Therefore their feet are moulded into what is required from them.

Our horses are often in a paddock with restricted movement, do not cover vast distances, carry riders and are asked to do high level work. They require a different foot to that of a wild/feral horse.

Wild/feral horses are not without problems due to man's interference. Wild/feral feet can experience side bone, founder, under run heels, frog infections, flaring etc. A hoof that has problems is not a good model for a healthy foot.

Also 'wild' hooves will vary across the world as the environment changes a horse in Queensland living in a sub tropical environment will have a different foot to a horse living on Exmoor in the UK.

That depends on the problem, the horse and the owner. Some horses need one visit some need several.

Owner involvment is crucial, the practitioner is there to help you work with your horse so you can help you horse after a visit.

The touch is very light and seen more of a training tool that a treatment. Its referred to as the touch that teaches, its about improving body awareness, balance and confidence.

No, its a very gentle, non invasive touch. However the horse may find it irritating, ticklish or intrusive. The touch is varied so that the best touch is found for that particular horse. Each touch stays within the zone that is acceptable to the horse at that time gradully building the horses confidence to an area that may not be acceptale i.e. injury. Most horses relax and enjoy the experience, there maybe the odd occasion where even a touch is too much. Then other methods are used.

This depends on the horse, each horse has different issues and require a different approach. A session can be 10 minutes or over an hour and this will change over time. However, you can expect to discuss the issues you are having with your horse in order to decide what approach is the best at that time. The practitoner will then work wth you and the horse, the practitioner will leave you with some exercises for you to do.

Only unless the horse asks or its a specific area such as greasy heel or an injury site. Horses pores are much larger than ours and they can be strongly affected by essential oils. Its not advisable to apply any oils to the skin without professional advice, oils such as citronella commonly used in fly sprays can be very irritating to some horses.

Quality of oils is very important, the horse will only select an oil that has been produced to good standards as they will contain the elements they require. The affect will also be better with a good quality oil. Please refer to further information on places to purchase oils from. There are oils that are horsey favourites and some that are worthwhile purchasing as part of a first aid kit. Please contact for further info.

Yes, however its always recommended that you consult your vet. This is a complementary therapy and will work well with any treatments you are using.

Oils are affected by heat and sunlight therefore its important to kep them in a cool dark place. A fridge is the best place.

No, part of self selection is knowing how much is needed. The horse will determine how much is needed and will not over dose. The oils used are very safe and gentle. There are oils that are for more acute condtions that are very fast acting but these are only offered in acute situations such as an accident, acute founder etc.

Although the oils smell nice they taste very bitter. Even the greediest horse will not take an oil if it not required. Some horses will prefer to taste each oil as well as smell to see if its needed but they will not come back for anymore if its not required. The oils are safe to ingest.

No, the horse should be loose but enclosed and away from other horses, a stable or small paddock, holding area is good. This is so the horse can turn away if required and the person offering the oils is safe as the reactions can induce reactions such as rolling, head tossing etc

During a session you will be asked what the problems are and some history on the horse. Oils will then be selected for the horse to try. The oils are offered still in the bottle and the horse will inhale each oil. The reaction is then monitored for signs of wanting the oil such as blinking, going soft in the eye, ear flicking, deep breathing, yawning, rolling, biting, head tossing, licking. Each horse will react differently. The oils that the horse selects are then diluted down with a carrier oil and left with the owner to offer each day.

The ‘Ride With Your Mind’ approach is a tremendous advance in teaching and learning. It shows any rider how to organize her mind and body in the same way as the riders we call ‘talented’. This enables each person to learn the same feels and to achieve the same results.

- Transform your riding - discover new skills, new insights, new horizons
- Solve your riding problems over a massive spectrum.......
- From standing still to be mounted to uneven steps in passage!
- From the confidence to walk, trot, canter to the confidence to compete at your own next level
- From getting started to 'getting the horse on the bit'...
- From 'getting the horse on the bit' to good transitions and collection...
- From basic steering issues to the intricacies of straightness and lateral work
- Develop awareness and skill through ridden and simulator courses with Mary Wanless
- Feel, see and understand the hidden 'how' of riding!
- Learn how to influence the horse in all paces
- Learn in 'bite-size chunks', in a supportive, safe environment
- Learn how to learn, using Kinaesthetic, Auditory, and Visual input
- Learn what 'talented' riders do, that they may not know they do

No! Founder Mary Wanless has been the long term biomechanics coach of 2 of the top 12 US dressage riders. She also coaches members of the Canadian eventing squad. Talented, experienced riders gain hugely from explicitly learning the biomechanical skills that address their training issues.  In the last year Lucinda Green has also been attending RWYM lessons.

Yes it is! And though it isn't Western riding or Polo, it is the skills that the top few riders in each of these disciplines share, even though they may not recognise that fact. The laws of physics and biomechanics do not change when you change your riding discipline, and they have not changed over time. But by using different language to describe those skills we make them far more accessible and reproducible. Few trainers in any discipline can 'clone' riders who replicate their skills; but we can.

When riders use their body to say it in the language 'horse' their riding becomes extremely ethical, and horses miraculously 'get it'. It takes a while for new skills to become natural, but soon enough the rider appears to have talent!

How much time and money have you spent on lessons that have not 'hit the spot'? We so frequently hear that riders have 'learnt more in the last 4 days than they have in the last 4 years.'... On that basis, can you afford to wait?

No you don’t.  However, if between us we feel that you and your horse would benefit then I will suggest it.

I regularly travel throughout Perth and its extended suburbs, however, I also do clinics and group work for those people further a field, travelling inter-state to help those further a field.

Intelligent Horsemanship was founded in 1997 by Kelly Marks with the blessing of her mentor Monty Roberts.  The organisation is dedicated to bringing the best horsemanship ideas together from around the world to promote understanding and fair treatment of horses through courses , demonstrations and educational materials. 

Using the horses language Helpmyhorse specialises in understanding horse psychology and behaviour and finding workable solutions for the benefit of both horses and their owners.

Yes, I have been privileged over the years to start a variety of horses.  All sorts of breeds from Exmoors and Welsh ponies as small as 11hh, Arabs and Thoroughbreds through to Warmbloods and Shire horses.  I believe that this way of training gives all breeds, no matter what discipline they are destined for, a solid grounding and much better chance of fulfilling their potential if they are handled with these methods consistently.

Yes.  I am very keen on all of my clients being confident loaders and travellers, whether they compete or not.  I specialise in this area as I feel passionate that in a country where bush fires are a fact of life that we need to be able to keep our four legged friends safe and calm.

It is essential that an initial consultation is done with the owner to see if weaknesses lie in the horse human relationship.  This is the main cause of many different behaviour changes and patterns from being pushy on the ground through to bucking under saddle.  However, we also ensure that all possible physical pain related causes are considered and therapeutic or veterinary advise sort if required.

Start as you mean to go, establish good team work rules with your horse and stick with them, be consistent.  Initial sessions cover this area thoroughly as it is your most important and basic parameter to a future of fun and cooperation with your horse.

Intelligent Horsemanship behaviour work is for everyone, no matter what the discipline.  It is about maximising communication.  Therefore it doesn’t matter whether you want your pony to accept you more and enjoy your time with them or if you want your horse to go further in competition, this work can help you to achieve a stronger bond and better levels of communications with your horse, which always gives good results whatever your aim.

I regularly travel throughout Perth and its extended suburbs, however, I also do clinics and group work for those people further a field, travelling inter-state to help those further afield.

Without the clothes peg effect of the tree points restricting the shoulder and surrounding musculature, the horses forehand suddenly frees up and horses can more readily find their natural balance, moving more uphill and straighter.  Young horses improve confidence and older horses become happier.  The physical changes are a result of this - improved musculature and more power, elasticity and expression.

The Solution saddle is designed to be used with balance pads to ensure optimum fit and even contact without spinal pressure. It is this unique feature that means one Solution saddle can be fitted to any type of horse.

Firstly, trees do not evenly distribute weight - this is physically impossible if you put a rigid structure between two live moving beings.  The Solution saddle does not set out to provide even distribution of weight but to protect the horses back from pressure and trauma by using a unique patented shock absorbing system.

The Solution saddle has absolutely no rigid parts to cause injury and is completely flexible. It flexes with the movement of the horses back thus reducing peak pressure.

The Solution saddle size is for the rider rather than the horse, which means you can use your saddle on any horse that you ride. Size is normally calculated from rider height and weight and also personal preference when riding in the saddle.

All Agents own and ride in their own Solution saddles, which ensures that you deal with people who really understand the radically different concept of The Solution.
A Solution saddles agent will be able to demonstrate and explain the concept of The Solution saddle and advise on how to fit and balance the saddle for you as well as the horse. They will be able to guide you on the best model and accessories to use to to achieve optimum comfort for both horse and rider. The Agent can check the fit at the test ride and advise you in the future if needed.

Having been established since 1999, The Solution saddle is now thoroughly tested and proven. As with all leather products, with correct care and cleaning the saddle should last a lifetime. The Solution saddle does not require refitting or reflocking as with traditional treed saddles.

The Solution saddle is the first treeless saddle to be designed specifically as a professional riders tool.  It is allowed for use in all disciplines.

Case study research projects run with vets, physios, colleges and equine welfare organisations such as World Horse Welfare (formerly ILPH), Animal Health Trust and the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre are providing a wealth of valuable information on the benefits of long-term use of The Solution.  Important feedback, not just from professional trainers and top competition riders, but also from a huge range of owner riders, amateurs, and hobby riders ensures that we are able to constantly upgrade, improve and develop our range of designs to further enhance the performance benefits for both horse and rider.