Wishing Welz Equine LLC

09/01/2026

James Welz Barefoot Hoofcare. Dependable. On time. Kind and gentle with equines. Based in Marlin and will travel. Moderate, common sense, expert barefoot trimming. In business for 26 years and just moved to Central Texas! Google reviews: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2r1ydxHREiGt9cRm9

We'll be happy to answer all your questions! Voicemail: 623-935-1823 • Text: 623-256-4762 • Email: [email protected] • Facebook: James Welz Barefoot Hoofcare in Texas
More info: https://www.thehorseshoof.com/james/

08/24/2026

The Horse's Hoof Barefoot News August 2026 is released!
Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/thehorseshoof/50-giveaway
What's in this issue? 🏖️ Desert Horse Hooves Move to Tennessee by Joe Camp 🏖️ Learn about Regenerative Grazing 🏖️ A Natural, Barefoot Cutting Horse 🏖️ Consteed Smart Hoof Boot in Action at Equine Affaire 🏖️ And more!

08/19/2026

Just a Guy Running Free with his Horse!

Carl Layer, on Instagram , is a German obstetrician (assistant doctor) based in Munich, known on Instagram for his posts about horsemanship, ultrarunning, and his work in obstetrics.

Carl frequently shares content about training and bonding with his horse Pegasus (including long runs together, even through urban spots like a McDonald's drive-thru), trail running, and lifestyle posts. His approach to horsemanship emphasizes minimal use of reins/bit (working with no bit, bridle or even halter) and building a strong connection. Pegasus, a 21-year-old warmblood who lives in an open stable, wears Cavallo Hoof Boots!

Enjoy Carl's amazing viral video:
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DavkL6tMmXB/

08/15/2026

08/07/2026

From July Barefoot News:
UK Trainer Endorses Barefoot Race Training

"It's very different, but it's worked for us!" United Kingdom racehorse trainer Chelsea Banham recently discussed how she trains her horses barefoot, and has even raced some successfully barefoot!

In a recent interview, Sky Sports Racing journalist asked: "This is the horse that doesn't run with any shoes on, is that right?"

Chelsea Banham: "We have quite a few with no shoes on, but actually funny enough, he's actually been giving himself speedy cuts on the turnoff. We run them and the shoes come straight off as soon as we come back home. So they actually all train barefoot, just to help their soles, their heels re-engage, and stuff like that. We've taken them off, and I've already looked today, and he's not cut himself at all. And as soon as we put the shoes back on, I don't know if he tries to get too quick for his own good, but he can knick himself on the inside of his hind legs."

The journalist continues: "I love it, it is just so unusual in horse racing!"
Chelsea Banham: "Yeah, I know, it's very different, but it's worked for us and it has worked for a few horses as well, who didn't actually move as well with them on, and then we took the shoes off and they actually move better. It does work, not for all, but for a good majority."

Racehorses are generally not allowed to race fully barefoot (unshod) in the UK under British Horseracing Authority (BHA) rules, though limited exceptions or partial shoeing (e.g., no hind shoes) are possible with prior dispensation, and practices have varied by surface and case. Chelsea Banham probably received permission to run with no hind shoes, as fully unshod (barefoot) racing is effectively not permitted as standard and requires exceptional approval. But, who knows? We'd love to find out more details!

Enjoy the full video clip from Sky Sports Racing:
https://x.com/AtTheRaces/status/2074153578852175992

Sign up directly for The Horse's Hoof Barefoot News right here:
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08/05/2026

Timing and Feel.
I’ve been thinking about these particular concepts lately, especially after 2 of the great equestrian change makers passed away. One developed clicker training specifically for horses - Alexandra Kurland. The other brought natural horsemanship and nonviolent training methods to ordinary horseowners - Monty Roberts. Both rippled out their influence upon the entire horse world in a mind-blowing way.

Both influenced me. I bought Alexandra’s clicker training book when it was a binder of photo copies. Initially, I simply taught tricks to my horses, but eventually I did study R+. I attended Monty’s Join Up clinic in the 90’s, and what I saw changed me. Later on, I explored many different “natural horsemanship” methods, but what I saw that first night permeated me.

Timing and feel are the common threads that bind together all great horsemanship - in its myriad of forms. The great classical masters described these concepts, but for an ambitious young rider, they seem like magical qualities that could never be fully defined or contained, and remained somehow elusive.

What I’ve come to realize, on this long and winding road of horsemanship that began in the late 80’s for me, and continues to this day, is that I can now define the elusive concept of “Timing and Feel”. You will demonstrate good timing and feel when you have an inner sense of justice for your treatment of the horse, who will inherently respond to that justice, and you appropriately apply BOTH positive reinforcement AND negative reinforcement, as needed, for your communication and training of the horse. Reinforcement is just a tool. The KEY is your own sense of justice which uses each appropriately, with clarity, and with calmness. And… remember, horses are very forgiving of our mistakes.

07/23/2026

The Horse's Hoof Barefoot News July 2026 is released!
Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/thehorseshoof/50-giveaway
What's in this issue? 🌞 Barefoot Trends in Show and Sport 🌞 UK Trainer Endorses Barefoot Race Training 🌞 Barefoot Transition Advice from Farrier turned Barefoot Specialist 🌞 Just a Guy Running Free with his Horse! 🌞 Lightning Strike, Choke and Fun Ranch Trips! 🌞 And more!