Hoof to Horse Academy Podcast

Alicia Harlov, Lisa Agius-Gilibert, Rebecca Bawn, Kathryn Christieson
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The Hoof to Horse Podcast explores hoof health through the lens of the whole horse. In each episode, we discuss the connections between hooves, movement, nutrition, environment, and overall equine wellbeing. Hosted by the team behind Hoof to Horse Academy, the podcast brings together barefoot trimmers, nutrition professionals, and equine experts who share insights from their daily work with horses. Through real cases, practical observations, and thoughtful discussion, we aim to help horse owners and professionals better understand what healthy horses truly need. Our focus is always on welfare-first, horse-centered management, recognizing that hooves don't exist in isolation - they reflect the health of the entire horse. Whether you're a horse owner wanting to understand your horse better, or an equine professional looking to deepen your knowledge, this podcast offers practical insights to support healthier, sounder horses.

Episodes

  1. Oct 15 ·  Video

    Lessons from the Hoof: Experience, Mistakes & Evolving Trimming Practices

    What goes into making informed hoof trimming decisions, and how does experience shape the way we approach the hoof? Following our recent live trimming webinars, we're continuing the conversation with our Hoof to Horse Academy instructors, taking a deeper look at some of the questions raised by horse owners and aspiring owner-trimmers. In this episode, we explore the reasoning behind common trimming decisions, including: The frog: Understanding its function and considerations around trimming. Heels: Exploring the considerations involved in maintenance trimming and rehabilitation. The sole: Different approaches to sole management and understanding what should be preserved. Professional journeys: How our instructors developed their skills, the changes they've made to their trimming practices and what influenced those decisions. Lessons learned: Past mistakes, important cautions and the value of experience in developing sound trimming judgement. Beyond the technical aspects of trimming, this conversation highlights the importance of observation, critical thinking and recognising that every hoof requires an individual approach. At Hoof to Horse Academy, our focus is on developing informed, confident owner trimmers who understand not just how to trim, but why they're making each decision. Join us as we go beyond the trim and explore the knowledge, experience and reasoning that inform good hoof care.

  2. Sep 11

    Reading the Hoof

    Learning to read the hoof is an incredibly important skill for both hoof care professionals and horse owners. A horse's hooves reveal a lot about what is happening throughout their body and our trimming decisions should treat the horse as a system instead of addressing the hooves in isolation. In Episode 6 of the Hoof to Horse Podcast, we explore how hoof distortions and wear patterns, including high-low hooves, squared off toes, negative palmar/plantar angles, and flare, can provide clues about posture, movement, and compensation.

  3. Aug 14

    Healthy Hoof Biomechanics

    A horse's landing pattern can reveal a lot about the health and comfort of their feet. In this episode, we explore why a healthy horse should typically land heel first, what toe-first landings may be telling you, and the many factors that can contribute to this important gait change. We also discuss practical steps to identify the underlying cause and support healthier hoof function, because improving hoof landings starts with understanding why they're happening.

  4. Jul 17

    Laminitis Hot Takes (Part 2)

    In the previous episode of the Hoof to Horse Podcast, Laminitis Hot Takes Part 1, our hoof care professionals tackled controversial views on diet, trimming protocols, and rehab strategies. In this episode, we continue that discussion, diving deeper into our professionals' opinions on radiographic imaging, dietary management, prognosis after recovery, and why prevention is the true key to success.

  5. Jun 12

    Laminitis Hot Takes (Part 1)

    Laminitis is one of the most misunderstood (and emotionally charged) conditions in the horse world. In this episode of the Hoof to Horse Podcast, we're diving headfirst into some of the most controversial "hot takes" surrounding laminitis, separating fact from fiction and challenging common assumptions. From defining laminitis vs. founder to unpacking controversial views on diet, trimming, and rehab, we'll dig into what actually matters for recovery. Studies Referenced: Asplin, K. E., Sillence, M. N., Pollitt, C. C., & McGowan, C. M. (2007). Induction of laminitis by prolonged hyperinsulinaemia in clinically normal ponies. The Veterinary Journal, 174(3), 530–535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.07.003 Rahnama, S. et al. (2020). Effects of insulin on IGF-1 receptors in equine lamellar tissue in vitro. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 73, 106530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106530 Valle, E. et al. (2013). Association of the glycoxidative stress marker pentosidine with equine lamintis. The Veterinary Journal, 196(3), 445-450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.10.030 van Eps, A. W., & Pollitt, C. C. (2006). Equine laminitis induced with oligofructose. Equine Veterinary Journal, 38(3), 203–208. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516406776866327

  6. May 10

    Should Owners Trim Their Own Horses?

    Should horse owners trim their own horses? 👀 In this episode of the Hoof to Horse Podcast, we dive into one of the most debated topics in hoof care. From safety and skill to horse suitability and owner mindset, our instructors break down what actually matters. This isn't a yes or no conversation, it's about understanding the spectrum, the risks, and the responsibility. 🎧 Tune in to learn: • When owner trimming can work (and when you should seek professional help). • The green flags in both horses and owners. • The biggest mistakes beginners make. • Where to find reliable information to get started.  If you've ever thought, "Could I do this myself?", this episode is for you.

  7. Apr 12

    Horse First, Rider Second: Ethics in Hoof Rehab

    What does it really mean to put the horse first? In this episode, we're digging into one of the most uncomfortable, but necessary, conversations in hoof care: Are our performance goals ever coming at the expense of the horse's long-term soundness or well-being? Hoof protection can be a great tool to help horses regain hoof health and soundness in the rehab process, but it can also mask issues brewing under the surface and keep some horses performing at higher levels than they should be. Using hoof protection solely to promote performance can have far-reaching consequences for your horse's health. It's important to learn how to ask the right questions about your horse's management so that you can make better decisions to safeguard their soundness, not just in the short term, but for years to come.  True equine stewardship isn't just about what works now, it's about what's right for the horse long-term. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to learn more about hoof care ethics, the gray areas even hoof care professionals have to navigate, and how to advocate for your horse with confidence.

  • 7 Episodes

About

The Hoof to Horse Podcast explores hoof health through the lens of the whole horse. In each episode, we discuss the connections between hooves, movement, nutrition, environment, and overall equine wellbeing. Hosted by the team behind Hoof to Horse Academy, the podcast brings together barefoot trimmers, nutrition professionals, and equine experts who share insights from their daily work with horses. Through real cases, practical observations, and thoughtful discussion, we aim to help horse owners and professionals better understand what healthy horses truly need. Our focus is always on welfare-first, horse-centered management, recognizing that hooves don't exist in isolation - they reflect the health of the entire horse. Whether you're a horse owner wanting to understand your horse better, or an equine professional looking to deepen your knowledge, this podcast offers practical insights to support healthier, sounder horses.

Information

  • Creator
    Alicia Harlov, Lisa Agius-Gilibert, Rebecca Bawn, Kathryn Christieson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Hoof to Horse Academy Podcast

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