UAE: Down the stretch and straight to history

Thenational.ae - full Article

Amith Passela
Jun 19, 2011

Down the stretch and straight to history

Amith Passela
Jun 19, 2011
(Foreground) Fatma al Marri and Shathra al Hajjaj are set to become the first Emirati women jockeys to race on the flat.

Shathra al Hajjaj and Fatma al Marri, two ambitious young jockeys, are poised to become the first Emirati women to race on the flat today at the Duindigt Racecourse in Holland.

The two women, both experienced endurance and show-jumping riders, recently completed a month of intensive training in preparation for today's race.

They are among 10 women who will ride in the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Fegentri Cup, a 1,900-metre race for amateur jockeys.

"This is the biggest sporting moment in our lives," al Hajjaj said.

"We just can't wait to experience and soak in the excitement of being the first Emirati ladies to race on the flat and also abroad."

Al Hajjaj, 26, and al Marri, 17, travelled to France more than a week ahead of today's race to familiarise with the horses they will ride, and for a few workouts on the racetrack, as well.

They are both hoping their recent work at the Seeh Al Salam Stables in Dubai will pay off today.

"We started training more than a month ago," al Hajjaj said.

"It became not only a daily routine for both of us, but we also thoroughly enjoyed the track work, riding three different horses under race conditions, every day.

"They were all endurance horses and it was very hard work because we needed to push them really, really hard as they didn't have the speed of the flat-race horses.

"It was also completely different as we had to work muscles we never used in endurance riding..."

Read more here:

Photojournalism - The spirit of endurance

Behance.net

A photojournal on the sport of Endurance riding with horses in South Africa

Project by Anzel Potgieter

Endurance riding is the fastest growing Equine sport in South Africa, but it is also much misunderstood by those who do not carry enough knowledge about it. Many people do not understand the great work and effort that goes into completing a 201 km horseback race through the Freestate and Karoo. For others, the mere thought of riding an animal through such harsh terrain over three days may sound like nothing else but animal abuse. This book aims to eradicate these ideas, by informing and educating the reader about the hard work and determination involved in keeping and riding edurance horses, as well as the emotional bond that arises between man and horse. This book will be published at the end of 2011. Below are some pages from this 140 page book.



More...
http://www.behance.net/gallery/Photojournalism-The-spirit-of-endurance/1613111

Arabian horse breeders ready for challenges

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

Hisham Al Gizouli


16 June 2011,
Leading UAE Arabian horse breeders said they don’t see any good reasons to shift their operations outside the UAE despite unfovourable and tough weather conditions.

“It’s a challenge, and we are determined to take it,” said Khalid Al Naboodah told during the opening session of the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference at the Hilton Hotel here on Thursday morning.

The conference is held as part of the Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival. It was officially inaugurated by the UAE ambassador to Netherlands, Ali Thani Al Suwaidi.

“We have no plans to breed our horses away from home. There’s no doubt that the weather conditions and surroundings in some neighbouring countries like Syria and Lebanon are more promising, but the tight rules and regulations coupled with the non-availability of flat races there make our job very difficult.

“This in addition to the fact that the home-bred Arabians have made their mark and with the exception of the Dubai Kahayla Classic, the UAE-bred horses have won all the other major races beating French, American and British-bred horses,” Al Naboodah said.

Faisal Al Rahmani, a prominent UAE Arabian horse breeder and owner, echoed the same opinion adding that they understand that the hot and humid weather conditions as well as the water shortage represent a real obstacle, but they are working hard to conquer the impossible.

American Arabian horse breeders’ representative Deborah Mihaloff didn’t hide her intentions that she’s breeding the Arabian horses for their beauty, agility and stamina...

Read more here:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/inside_sport.asp?xfile=/data/horseracing/2011/June/horseracing_June34.xml§ion=cricket

Cal Rei announce sponsored British Rider

FHCCommarketing.com

Written By: FHCcom - Jun• 06•11

PRESS RELEASE

Cal Rei sponsors Alice Beet British No 1 Endurance Rider.

Cal Rei, are pleased to announce the first in their Cal Rei Team of British Sponsored Riders. The Endurance rider, Alice Beet, ranked British No 1 and World FEI No 11.

Cal Rei, produce innovative equestrian equipment, using the ground breaking and unique ‘3D Spacer Fabric’. We are very positive and excited to be able to offer this sponsorship opportunity to Alice. We wish to encourage and support riders who demonstrate ability and determination yet ride with sensitivity and skill. Alice and her supportive crew were put forward by the highly respected Nicky Freud. Cal Rei prides itself on high standards and superior performance. We could not think of a better ambassador in Endurance to match these standards with us than Alice Beet and we are looking forward to supporting Alice in the future. We are thrilled that Alice has just won first place in her 120km race ride at the Dukkeries in her Cal Rei equipment. It’s a superb result.

The fabric created by Cal Rei is revolutionary. We are starting in the equestrian sector although the fabric is extremely versatile for many industries. Maximum performance of horses is afforded and their comfort and well being ensured. This 100% recyclable fabric is very durable yet comfortable and light, affording total breathability with excellent pressure distribution whilst memory retaining. This is positive for the horse and aids performance naturally. After use it can be either cold hosed or machine washed being quick drying then reusable. There is no build up of sweat & moisture, no weight in liquid retention and easy to clean instantly.

Cal Rei products are the essential ‘must have’ items, to afford maximum equestrian performance whilst saving time and finances in care and maintenance.

Cal Rei products are available through www.Horserei.com in Spain and additionally www.FHCcommarketing.com

Great Britain: Bipeds Make a Horse Race Out of Contest of Man vs. Beast

Online.wsj.com - Full Article

By JOHN W. MILLER

LLANWRTYD WELLS, Wales—Just three miles from the finish line, Duke's Touch of Fun bumped into John Terry, a 34-year-old, pony-tailed marathoner from Bristol.

Mr. Terry stumbled. And Duke's, a 12-year-old gray mare, galloped past in hopes of taking her fourth career title in the Man Versus Horse Marathon.

The only two victories by human runners in the 32-year-old race have come in the past seven years, inspiring Mr. Terry and a record 286 fellow runners to pit themselves against 50 horses this year. Both wins came on hot days, where people have an evolutionary edge: People sweat more easily than horses because they lack the heavy horsehair.

Matching man and beast is as old as Roman gladiators fighting lions. Olympian Jesse Owens once beat a horse in a 100-yard dash...

Read more here:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303714704576381593288615606.html

Jose Luis Ruiz Hidalgo and Al-gharbe win Spanish Championship

El Raid Blog

June 11 2011

José Luis Ruiz Hidalgo and Al-gharbe re the Gold medal winners of the XXX Spanish Championship at El Paular. They covered the 160 km in 9:49.15, at 16.5 km/h with a total recovery time in the vet gates of 9.50. Al-gharbe also won the Best Condition award.

Second across the finish line was Pedro Godinho riding Olimpico da Ameira in 10:03.20, at 16.13 km/h.

Third place, and Silver medal in the Spanish Championship went to Anna Maria Yebra Altamira and Calzadilla, with a time of 10:03.33, at 16.10 km/h.

Fourth place, and Bronze medal went to Oriol Casals and Zazha of Vilaformiu in 10:07.34, at 16 km/h.

Complete results can be seen here:
http://www.endurancetiming.com/1008e2/

More photos can be seen here:
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/

XXI Brazilian Championship

Enduroonline.com.br

Step 3 of the Championship of Endurance 2011
Free Speed ​​and Regularity

Interstate Cup Teams (Regulation at the end)

Regional directors and team leaders from each state.

As has been widely reported, starting this year we will have with the Brazilian Championship, Copa Interstate Teams and the regulation will be awarded as the best teams entered in the trials of 160 km and 120 km (Adults and Young Rider)

Teams from each state can be formed with up to 06 sets of these,
05 and 01 will participate in joint assembly is discarded after the initial inspection of the trot.

Will be required a minimum of 03 teams entered in each category (160km and 120km) to happen for the dispute.

The CBH will make a cash prize for the Champion Team and Vice-Champion of 160 km and 120 km-adult.
The Young Riders category will not receive prize money.

We ask interested parties to form their teams and forward to the director on behalf of CBH enduro, Olaf Maciel. The deadline for these entries is displayed up to 20 days prior to.

For more information see:
http://www.enduroonline.com.br/cbee2011.asp

KER Participates in Australian Endurance Festival

KER.com

Australia's endurance riding industry will be showcased at the inaugural Endurance Festival June 11-13 in Queensland. The event will include the Australian FEI*** 160km National Championship, as well as several shorter rides. It is being held in conjunction with the June 8-10 Australasian Endurance Forum.

Kentucky Equine Research (KER) equine nutritionist Clarissa Brown-Douglas, Ph.D., will be presenting two seminars on feeding the endurance horse at the event, which was organized by the Toft family's Oz Endurance.

Peter Toft has been a member of several Australian endurance squads, and is a long-time supporter of KER and its goals. Penny Toft was among the Australian endurance riders who trained at KER's research facility in Kentucky prior to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
See a video featuring Penny Toft at KER.

Australiasian Endurance Forum Attracts Multi-National Attendance

Horsesport.org

8 Jun 2011

Over 150 delegates representing nine different nationalities are attending the Australasian FEI Endurance Conference and Forum, which began in Brisbane (AUS) today.

Delegates from Australia, Canada, France, Great Britain, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, the UAE and the USA are taking part in three days of lectures and discussion sessions across a wide range of topics relating to international Endurance.

This is the first time the world forum has been held outside Europe and guest speakers have travelled from Canada, America, the UAE, Malaysia and Switzerland, and from across Australia.

The members of the FEI Endurance Technical Committee who are in attendance will also meet during the Forum and attend the Australian Endurance Festival taking place this weekend featuring FEI competitions at 1*, 2* and 3* level.

The conference organisers state that the primary goal of the three-day meeting is to achieve the aspirations of the FEI Code of Conduct, which states “The FEI urges all involved with the sport to attain the highest levels of education in their areas of expertise.”

As well as a debate on the future of international competitions in Africa, Asia and Australia, the conference will also discuss:

• implementation of the new rules and implications of the new star rating for treatment veterinarians
• improving the understanding of the roles of officials
• changes to the Veterinary Regulations with regard to medication control
• examination of horses during competition especially metabolics and lameness
• issues relating to the treatment of horses at endurance rides
• improved nutrition and training methods for endurance horses and issues related to rider safety

“This conference and forum has given representatives from the regional nations a unique opportunity to meet together and exchange views with other nations from both within the region but also from much further afield”, FEI Director of Non-Olympic Sports Ian Williams said.

Further information on the conference, including a full list of speakers, plus details of the Al Reef Endurance Festival can be found here.

All the action from the Al Reef Endurance Festival can be viewed on a live feed from http://iequine.com/events/al-reef-endurance-festival. Footage begins on Saturday 11 June at 12.30pm with vetting and a pre-ride talk later that afternoon. Sunday morning is when the action unfolds - coverage starts at 5.00am and runs all day. On Monday 13 June there will be a live feed for a series of work-outs and presentations.

Italy: Mohammad Bin Rashid wins European Endurance race

Gulfnews.com

The 120 km-race was held on the sidelines of the fourth session of the UAE-Italian Joint Economic Committee

* WAM
* Published: 21:51 June 11, 2011


His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, won the first round of the European Endurance Championship, which was held on Saturday in Verona, Italy.

The 120-km race was held on the sidelines of the fourth session of the UAE-Italian Joint Economic Committee, also held in Verona.

Shaikh Mohammad came first with a timing of 6.19.02 hours followed by Shaikh Rashid Bin Dalmook at 6.19.03 hours. Saif Al Katbi came third at 6.19.04.

Seventy horse riders from various European countries contested in the race. The win is another feather in the cap of Emirati riders in European championships. The Emirati riders began to make their mark in 1999 when they won the gold medal in Spain.

Netherlands: Yvonne van der Velde and Joy Escobar win Dutch National Championships

June 4 2011

Yvonne van der Velde rode her thirteen-year-old Arabian gelding Joy Escobar to the 2011 national title endurance on the Fasna Trail. She won both the NK and hence the open competition (CEI3 *) over this distance of 160 km. The silver was for Suzanne Pen (Epe) with Depozit, the bronze went to Angela Jonkman (Scharmer) with Bayan Bin Bora.

[google translation]
Ten combinations stood on the start list of the Dutch championship. After 100 km, this number had halved after 125 km, there were three Dutch in the field. Angela Jonkman had Bayan Bin Bora drove head long, but delayed in the second half of the race the pace down in order to properly match the finish line. This paved the way for Yvonne van der Velde, who after a total driving time of 10 hours finished with 15.93 mph average. Suzanne Pen Depozit rode a fairly constant ride. She came to 14.86 km / h less than three minutes after Van der Velde crossed the finish line. Angela Jonkman was 12.81 mph by the end of the third Dutchman completed 160 km. In the championship match of the open ended their fifth and sixth of a total of eighteen participants. The places 2, 3 and 4 were two Danish combinations and a Belgian. The Best Condition horse went to the Portal of the Danish Inger Pitter Bertelsen.

'Coincidence'
Yvonne van der Velde won the National Championships once before in 2007 with Touch of Joy Cherain. Joy Escobar (v. Kais ox) in 2009, she was very close to the national title, but by then it was a coincidence wrong on the finish. But this year the race went smoothly and without the preparation was not ideal. "Esco a while back strain sustained a motion by problems with his herd hoof. Thus we include the race in Mont-le-Soie to let go. Our team farrier Onno Grund Esco has been running well again, "says Yvonne van der Velde. "I hesitated until the last day or I would take Esco to Ermelo and another horse, but there was conditional Esco seen the best for. The only goal we had, was spreading to 15 km / h to our FEI qualifications to secure. A very different approach than two years ago when we really fought for the title. That we now have and it also won the 160 km is therefore really a coincidence. I should also like to act on me. "

CEI Open
During the Fasna Trail were also some shorter distances traveled. On the 141 km (CEI3 *) were not Dutch participants at the start. The best Dutch on the 120 km (CEI2 *) were Yannick Rademaker (winches) with Fortuna in the seniors and Joyce van den Berg (Leiden) in the Bas Cardonne for juniors. They finished second and third respectively in their category. The 90 km (CEI1 *) was won by a combination of Netherlands, Caro de Boer (Winterswijk) with Raiyah.

Saddle man rides to pick up national accolade

Ross-shirejournal.co.uk

Published: 10/06/2011

A ROSS-SHIRE man has battled his way to a major endurance riding accolade.

Joe Newlands and his horse Bluefire Midnight Shadow, also known as Spirit, made the long trip to Nottinghamshire to successfully complete and win a 160km ride at The Dukeries, an international ride held at the stunning venue of Thorsby Hall.

Joe, a facilities manager with Isleburn, only started riding 10 years ago on a Highland pony. Some eight years ago, he purchased Spirit, a part-bred Arab, and has not looked back.

After been picked to ride for the Scottish team three years in a row, Joe and Spirit have travelled to Ireland, Wales and now England to compete in long distance riding.

The dynamic duo, crewed by Karen Graham, Lorna Templeton and George and Diane Michie, started at 6.15am, riding five loops of different lengths.

Spirit was vetted within five minutes of completing the course with low heart rates and won the race with a total riding time of 11 hours and 32 minutes.

In 2010, Joe and Spirit successfully obtained their Gold Thistle Award and later that year, riding for the Scottish team at Burgie, completed and won their two-day 120km ride class.

The pair have now obtained their Diamond award and are having a long rest before deciding what's next!

Australia: World riders contest endurance

Sunshinecoastdaily.com.au - Full Story

Cath Fouracre | 7th June 2011

ENDURANCE riders from all over the globe will descend on Christine and Lance Blatchford’s farm in Caboolture this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the inaugural Endurance Festival 2011 ride in the Beerburrum forest.

This is a first for Australia and international and Australian top riders will make their mark.

Oz Endurance organiser/secretary Penny Toft said those wishing to enter could go online for nominations to Oz Endurance website ozenduranceqinc.com or ring her on 0417 626 188.

"This inaugural event is quite a big thing for Australia,’’ she said.

It is held in conjunction with the Australasian Endurance forum which started today (June 8) and continues Thursday and Friday.

There will be an introductory ride and endurance rides of various distances – 40km, 80km, 120km and the big one - the national FEI over 160km.

She said they already had about 220 entries and riders from 13 countries were coming including Abu Dhabi, England, New Zealand, Malaysia and throughout Australia.

"This is open to all riders and those wishing to rise to higher levels in equestrian events and it is also a world endurance championship qualifier,’’ she said.

"Endurance rides are a great opportunity to gain more experience for riders.

"It is an opportunity too to showcase the athleticism of the Arabian horse as well as the endurance riding.’’

She said some events would be held on Friday, but the main events were on Saturday morning.

This event has been sponsored by Al Reef Stables and Toft Endurance.

Abu Dhabi: Stirring up love for horses at a young age

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Equestrian sport's future nurtured with care at Abu Dhabi riding school

* By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter, Gulf News
* Published: 00:00 June 8, 2011

Abu Dhabi: Some of the UAE's biggest sporting achievements have come in equestrian sport like endurance and show-jumping while in flat racing, UAE owners have dominated the globe with their race horses.

Most Emiratis are naturals when it comes to horse riding and their love for Purebred Arabian horses, which is part of the UAE's culture and heritage is well documented.

The UAE has produced world champions in endurance and show jumping while the exploits of Ahmad Al Ajtebi as a flat race jockey are well known. This success with the fledgling sport of dressage and Arabian horse shows gaining a lot of attention, the exciting world of horses has always been an attraction.

In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club's Riding School is one venue where children from the age of six upwards can get acquainted with horses and riding.

Daniella Schlatterer, a German who has had a fair amount of success in various equestrian competitions, is the resident Head Instructor of the Riding School which is under the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/other-sports/stirring-up-love-for-horses-at-a-young-age-1.818786

Australia: Future of endurance under discussion

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

June 9, 2011

Senior endurance veterinarian Dr Brian Sheahan is the principal moderator of the FEI Australasian Endurance Forum which began yesterday in Brisbane.

The three-day conference is the first endurance forum to take place outside Europe, and is hosting more than 150 delegates from nine countries. The last such forum was held in Paris in 2007.

Delegates from Australia, Canada, France, Great Britain, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, the UAE and the USA are taking part in three days of lectures and discussion sessions across a wide range of topics relating to international endurance.

Guest speakers have travelled from Canada, America, the UAE, Malaysia and Switzerland, and from across Australia.

Dr Sheahan has also confirmed his availability to be the FEI Veterinarian Advisor in Mongolia for an intensive week of FEI-sponsored Endurance Education scheduled after the forum. He will be joined by Allan Renner, another senior FEI Endurance Official, who will be the Judge/TD Advisor.

The FEI is committed to supporting Endurance in Mongolia...

read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2011/06/072.shtml

Malaysia: The Ruler’s enduring passion for sports

Sporting spirit: The King (right) riding VV Coco during the Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge in Lembah Bidong last year. -ZABIDI TUSIN/The Star Thestar.com.my - Full Article

June 4 2011

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI
farik@thestar.com.my

ASIDE from being accustomed to royalty, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin is famous for living a very active lifestyle and having lots of hobbies and vocations.

As a teenager, he was active in various sports and activities like football, golf, taekwondo, scuba diving and horseback riding. But his true love is endurance riding.

The ruler's love for horses and endurance riding is unparalleled that he even established the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable and the International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.

In January, Tuanku Mizan took part in the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES) Endurance Ride Series 1 at the International Endurance Park Terengganu.

Tuanku Mizan, riding the horse VV Coco, led three other riders in the 80km ride.

Also taking part in the race were his son Tengku Muhammad Mua'az and two daughters Tengku Nadhirah Zaharah and Tengku Fatimatuz Zahra'.

He even participated at the Fifth International Equestrian Championship from March 3 to 5, organised by the Emirates Heritage Club.

The track, running through the desert with strong winds and tough weather was participated by more than 90 riders.

Tuanku Mizan and two other Malaysian riders successfully completed the three-day race covering 240km...

Read more here:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/6/4/nation/8817256&sec=nation

Jean Louis Leclerc to work as consultant for the Brazilian Squad

Endurance-belgium.com

It seems that Leclerc is accumulating the duties. After being fired (well, the official reason was that he was set in early retirement, but Leclerc now openly claims he has been sacked, and we can understand he is not very happy with that) by the French federation just before [the 2010WEG in] Lexington, the national trainer accepted a job as trainer from the German federation. When he was giving a lecture at the Belgian forum in February, Jan-Louis told us that his mandate with Germany wouldn't occupy him full time and that he was looking for other occupations. Brazil has since several years developed privileged contact with France, thanks to exchange programs between riders developed by Guilherme Ferrera. That's why many Brazilian riders could be seen in action on French events.

Leclerc will work for Brazil as technical advisor, helping the team to select and train a squad for the PanAm (in Chile) and the World Yound Riders Championship in Abu Dhabi.

Great Britain: Katy's Exmoor experience turns to gold

Farminguk.com

June 1 2011

Competing in the Exmoor Experience class of the internationally renowned Golden Horseshoe last month, Katy completed the two-day 50-mile course across the rugged landscape of Exmoor in Devon on her 13th birthday.

Katy, who lives on the Longmynd and is a pupil at Bishops Castle Community College, rode her 12.2hh Arab-cross pony Angelina Ginny at an average of 12km/hour over the two days, finishing each day within the optimum time and passing all veterinary inspections. She went one better than her record-breaking achievement in 2010, when she became the youngest rider to complete the course, attaining Silver Medal standard.

The Golden Horseshoe endurance ride takes place on Exmoor in Devon annually, attracting the UK’s top endurance riders and horses. This year’s event was boosted by the participation of Olympic three day event rider Mary King, who made her entry into the sport riding in the same Exmoor Experience class as Katy Mellor.

Qatar: Al Shaqab Endurance Team wins

Thepeninsulaqatar.com

May 31 2011

DOHA: Faleh Nasser Bughenaim secured victory for Al Shaqab’s Endurance Team, member of Qatar Foundation, in the Nations Cup Young Riders race in Compiegne, France, recently.

This win qualifies Bughenaim for the World Cup Young Riders competition later this year. Riding the horse In Situ, Bughenaim finished the 120km race in 5:48:46 hours, only two seconds in front of the second place rider. His average speed for the first four loops ranged between 18-21 km/h, but on the final lap he captured the victory with his increased average speed to 28.54 km/hr.

Sarah Baudrit, a French native, also competed for Al Shaqab, securing a 9th place finish with a total time of 5:54:18 hours.

The team will remain in France for the coming summer months, competing in multiple races across the country.

The Al Shaqab team representing of Qatar is led by Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Director of Al Shaqab, manager and trainer Hadi Nasser Al Naimi, assistant trainer Jabr Nasser Al Naimi, and assistant trainer Abdul Aziz Saleh Al Jabir.

THE PENINSULA

Australia: Andrew Bowe goes barefoot

Weeklytimesnow.com.au - Full Article

June 1 2011

ANDREW Bowe's revolt against the farrier trade has ruffled some feathers, writes SARAH HUDSON

They call him the barefoot blacksmith and it's a phrase even Andrew Bowe admits is contradictory and, more pointedly, controversial.

"It's got me into all sorts of trouble," Andrew says.

When a respected farrier turns, in effect, against his trade and becomes a proponent of horses being unshod or barefoot, well, in the horse trade it's heresy, akin to changing football allegiances, or backing the wrong horse.

"Imagine something like the farrier industry, which is protective of its old ways. They see that I've gone over to the dark side and it has ruffled a few feathers," he says.

"I never thought it was not worth it. I'm a master farrier after all, and I should be as protective as them."

It is a testimony, then, that Andrew has persisted, and made such a success of his Alexandra businesses, The Barefoot Blacksmith.

The businesses are based on his 130ha property, which includes lecturing, workshops, consultancy, a newsletter and DVD arm, Australia's first barefoot rehabilitation centre, trimming service, and product sales which he runs with his wife, Nicky.

Andrew's success is also a testimony to his belief in the benefits of the barefoot concept.

His change of heart came about in a curious way...

Read more here:
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2011/06/01/337801_country-living.html