Aus: Erstes Pferde-Journal , Süd Afrika, Mai 2008

Putting your best foot forward

Text: Martina Romer
Photography: Johann Theron, Harriet Barrett and Paula Lasersohn

Paula Lasersohn - a natural winner

No blankets, no stable, no shoes -- a scenario as far removed from the spit and polish world of showing as one could imagine, right? Not when it comes to Paula Lasersohn, one of a growing trend of people worldwide following the barefoot horse movement and who hasn't ever increasing list of showing victorious to her name.

'Natural' approach

Following the methods taught by Dr. Hiltrud Strasser, a German veterinarian specializing in the rehabilitation of unsound horses, Lasersohn believes in keeping her horses as close to their natural environment as possible.

"People often humanize horses and think that by buying them the most expensive duvet rugs, high-tech boots and saddlery, that they are doing the best thing for their horse, but we need to remember that horses aren't humans," says Lasersohn.

Drawing and popularity around the world, but particularly in the United States, the barefoot horse movement advocates the use of barefoot horse is in both non-competitive and competitive riding, coupled with the more natural approach to horse care. The movement is still relatively small within South Africa, but is gaining recognition particularly among endurance riders.

Dr. Strasser

Dr. Strasser's theory is based on naturalization of a horse's management i.e. no stall, no stagnation, on removing the shoes of shod horses and on a trim devoted to restoring normal shape and function of their hooves.

Dr. Strasser, who runs courses for horse owners, farriers and veterinarians in Europe and further afield, is one of several professionals steering the barefoot movement worldwide. Her theories and methods are considered controversial in some traditional circles, but particularly her support of self-trimming by horse owners themselves. Lasersohn herself complete and one of Dr. Strasser's trimming courses in 2002 and effectively trimmed of own [...]

Headline: "Many people don't feel that horses can compete barefoot, but horses feet adapt to the environment they are in."

Image title: Showing competitor Paula Lasersohn and her horse Winchester, winners of the 2007 SA Avis Working Horse Derby as well as the Compleat Horse Derby

Das Geheimnis: Offenstallhaltung, barhuf, Hufbad, Bewegung ..... eben die Strasser-Methode!!!

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