See me. Feel me. Touch me. Heal me.

      --The Who

“People have a need to touch animals in order to connect with them,” observes Dr. Temple Grandin, who was diagnosed with autism as a child but went on to earn a PhD in animal science from the University of Illinois and accept an associate professorship at Colorado State University. She has authored five books, including Animals in Translation, published in 2005, that explore and explain what life with autism can teach us about communicating with other species through resources other than language.

Read more: Horsepower from Within - How Horses Restore Strength and Spirit

For horses, grooming is a social event. Horses will regularly groom and scratch on each other, often quite vigorously, for pleasure and relaxation. You can turn your pre-ride grooming into a meaningful dialog with your horse. The information you gain will empower communication with your farrier, chiropractor, acupuncturist, massage therapist, dentist, veterinarian and trainer.

Read more: Grooming for Good Posture and Supple Joints

Proper fit and hoof boot style can make or break your barefoot ride. Hoof boots are useful tools when your horse is transitioning out of shoes or being ridden barefoot on tricky terrain. Boots are not a substitute for healthy bare hooves, but they can provide protection, enhance performance, and increase comfort when we are placing demands on the hoof that cannot be met by barefoot alone. If a horse suffers from pain or hoof deformity then it is important to address the causes of the horse’s discomfort. Promoting proper structure restores hoof function so we may achieve optimum performance.

Read more: Boot Camp!

Planting an herb garden is a great way to share the joy of gardening with your horse. Horses left in pastures where herbs grow wild will pick and choose the ones their bodies instinctively know they need. You can establish strips or herb patches in your paddocks or pasture that will allow your horse free access to beneficial herbs.

Read more: Plant a Medicinal Herb Garden for Your Horse