Rebecca Scott

Barefoot Trimmer based in Melbourne, Australia

I'm a journalist turned barefoot trimmer - initially from necessity because there WERE no barefoot trimmers in my area and in the past few years, by choice. The benefits of barefooting have become very clear to me and I delight in seeing horses moving better once we've pulled their shoes.

My motivation was my own endurance horses which I felt were sufferring from concussion. So I dabbled about with Natural Balance Shoes, and then bought a set of plastic shoes, before finally being inspired by Darolyn Butler Dial (who I have yet to meet) who was at that time competing successfully in endurance in the US barefoot.

I transitioned my horse barefoot because back then the boots didn't have gaiters and used to fly off. I WISHED I'd had decent boots then because it would have meant I could have kept competing instead of taking a year off to condition my horse's hooves.

However, I've since had to move to the city and have re-established my business trimming around Melbourne.

This year I'm enrolled in the new Diploma of Equine Podio-Therapy - being run by the Melbourne-based College of Traditional Medicine. Dr Robert Bowker is kicking it off with a four day anatomy session.

I'm also a founding member of the Australian Hoof Care Association and I'm currently the education and events coordinator as well as being a committee member of the Assn.

I'm passionate about learning about barefooting - particularly rehabilitating horses with problems. And I'm also enthusiastic about educating people about the benefits of barefoot hoof care.

In between times I mother a 13 yr old who has come to Melbourne to undergo ballet training.