About Us - Louise

In April 2021 Louise became the new owner of the Horse and More.  It was only after a lovely phone chat with Liz, the founding owner, about purchasing some new Hoof Boots and accessories and sizing etc.. that Louise came away with more than she had expected that day. 

Customers:

Since then Horse and More has had a steady following of wonderful customers who brighten the day when they explain how they are caring for their horses. Some wanting to try a new and beautiful thing of becoming hoof booted rather than shod. Or one of the fantastic ever increasing list of lovely people coming back after several years of using the Boots for a new pair and better still I'm even more delighted as they come back for boots for another horse. It's also wonderful when they've been recommended to or by a friend who wants some Hoof Boots because they've seen what a difference they make.

Hoof Boot Benefits:

These are some of the benefits I've experienced using Hoof Boots for the last 15 years:  

Riding in Hoof Boots has given us more grip on slippy surfaces and less clatter and noise as the horse Spooks on the road. Enhanced comfort when the season changes and feet become extra sensitive over rough and stony ground. Boots stay on through the muddy bridleways and gateways.

Take them off and let the Horse live barefoot in the Field, there's less Injuries from lost shoes, kicks, being stod on and certainly less poached paddocks.

There maybe a better long term health benefit for Working and Leisure Horses because their feet can be more natural, expand and contract with freedom.

Quicker and Cheaper visits from the Farrier or Barefoot Trimmer, possible DIY Hoof Trimming. Win win.

The Story of My horses:

IN 2004 I took a risk and bought an unbroken but beautiful Chestnut  Thoroughbred mare Sally.

 Once I'd started training her and riding out, she needed something to help her sore footedness on rough ground. She had been barefoot all her life, as a broodmare. So I tried the traditional approach of shoeing her, but she just didn't seem right in shoes.

So Hoof Boots, they came to the rescue again. She still loves to leap about Barefoot in the field, even though she is quite an old lady now at 24, you could not tell - she leads, the rest follow at a slower pace!

In 2002 I bought a yearling from a local sale. Bobby a handsome 13.3 Welsh type. He was clever, loving and a bit greedy!

He was going to be a companion for my first horse (see below) who was going blind.

I trained Bobby for riding. With hindsight I should have learned how to drive instead. I was too big and so was my sister and unfortunately I never found him a proper regular rider. Until in 2013 my second son was born and thankfully he has an affinity with horses too and started riding a little when he was bigger! 

It is was much too late for Bobby by then as I'm afraid as he was terribly affected by Laminitis.  Always having very Thin Soles he couldn't be Barefoot for long and couldn't keep his shoes on, before they pulled off causing more Damaged Hoof Walls.  Thankfully, my brilliant Farrier recommended some Hoof Boots to try. There wasn't a lot of choice at that time 2005. These Hoof Boots saved Bobby's life for many years. The same Boots have lasted us forever! Indestructible! But unfortunately they rubbed badly in muddy field conditions. If only I had tried the newer styles, it could have helped him more in his last few years, with the additional Ems and Cushings. Our lovely late pony Bobby lost his battle with his lameness in 2021.

We had tried everything for him over the years, except keep him in a stable permanently or make a grass free area. Although he had had this but was very sad!

I was lucky to have my first Horse when I was 13. Jack was a wonderful athlete (in his youth) 1988 and companion/ best friend for me. He was a very determined, loving and intelligent Appaloosa cob. We had a go at everything from riding in carnivals, dressage and cross country. Not really eventing as that was much too much hard work! He was good a napping when he'd had enough. He went totally blind in his early retirement, he still gave my husband riding lesson! He became very sore and stiff from Arthritis in later life.

Thinking back now, did he really need to have had shoes on for his whole working life when he could have been Barefoot with his very solid and strong hooves? 

I hope to share our stories and also find and advertise the products that can help other horses and their carers/owners.

 My second hobby, (keeping this quiet from the classical music world) was playing classical music, in the woodwind section, as a professional Oboist and teacher.

 

This is where I have been: juggling musical work, caring for horses and having a family too. My third child is very young still and loves horses two. 

Rose as a yearling with warts in 2006 was then the newest addition.

 Unfortunately we lost Rose at aged 19 in march 2024 to twisted gut colic. A shocking and devastating day. 

Two Redwings ponies arrived 1/04/21 unboken and a little shy, not for long they are now beautiful and cheeky characters, part of the family. Teaching my children and friends children how to take care of them with some riding as well.