ABOUT

gwenbrendalee

Gwen is a Horsemanship Coach,  Christian Life Coach, Homeopathic Practitioner, Equine Behavioral Specialist, Healer, Teacher,  and Consultant.

Ever changing; ever learning; ever nurturing the joyful and respectful partnership between horse and human, Gwenyth Santagate understands horses.

50+ years of life colored with horses has woven itself into the very fabric of her spirit and soul.

That’s some seriously colored cloth!

Gwen can help *you* understand *your* horse.

Through helping horse owners understand their horses and how to communicate effectively with them Gwen facilitates the establishment of that true Partnership based on deep mutual trust and respect. She helps the horses’ humans to become integral, empowered guardians of their best friends.

From head to hooves, including heart, mind and spirit, Gwen assesses and implements a unique program that is tailored to the individual horse and owner. Individual ‘treatments’ may include not just behavior modification but also assessment of DIET, HUSBANDRY and includes a full PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT. Physical and/or emotional conditions may require Homeopathic, Herbal and Essential Oil Therapy as well as other tailored health & well-being treatments. “WHOLE HEALTH for the WHOLE HORSE”.

Horses with PTSD and Phobias are welcomed.

Gwen offers full BODYWORK,  ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH & WELLNESS CARE, HOMEOPATHIC CONSULTATIONS, HOOF EVALUATIONS, NATURAL HOOFCARE and EQUINE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY which will include Personal Development Coaching for the owner of the horse as well as remedial training for the horse.  Ongoing support through email, phone and providing in-between ‘lessons’ to accomplish sets the precedence for each owner’s “Excellence in Horsemanship”.

Virtually or in real time, Gwen has coached hundreds of horse owners successfully from all over the world with amazing results.

Look for Gwen’s courses, articles, clinics and workshops that are offered year-round both in ‘real-time’ and on the internet for online studying. If you’re in the area, see what Gwen has to offer for private instruction and care for your horse. She still teaches horses and humans and spends many of her days helping to heal broken hearts, hooves and minds with her own heart that resonates in Equine cadence.

She can help YOU with your horse to build a solid, winning foundation relationship of trust, respect and care.

Gwen can be reached at gwen.santagate@gmail.com or by phone, 860-556-9199. Find out more about her accomplishments HERE

Image13       Image10

“Gwen, I was expecting you to fish for me but, instead, you taught me how to fish. Thank you.”

SOME TESTIMONIES ABOUT GWEN:

Today I had the opportunity to spend time with someone like Gwen who is a wealth of knowledge! It is hard to get the seasoned professionals to spend time to share their knowledge these days. Everyone seems to take the time to further their education then before they know it they are “too busy” to pass on their skills. Gwen is both extremely knowledgeable AND busy but still made time to teach so much of what she has learned through the years.
Gwen started the morning with theory and photo discussion and an overall approach that is ‘whole horse’ not just hooves. Then, we moved onto horsehandling and trimming.
I have compelte KC LaPierre’s Degree Program and feel like my education was very thorough but being out in the field really humbles you. Gwen embraced the fact that I had 101 questions and never made me feel hesitant about our discussion topics.
I have been trimming professionally now for about 2 years and still learned so much from Gwen about how to bond with the horse you are working with so the trim is a pleasant experience for the trimmer, the horse & the owner!
Her hands-on approach, her enthusiasm, focus and overall knowledge makes Gwen one of the better seasoned professionals out there. She is always furthering her own education which I think is a good sign when seeking out professional in the field.
I would highly recommend Gwen for anyone trying to further their education of the Equine hoof as well as the overall handling and teaching of the horse.
Thanks, Gwen, for an exceptional day. I look forward to more workshops and clinics in the future.
–June O’Brien
Somerville, MA

——————————————–
“I highly recommend Gwen for everything from teaching your horse to teaching you. It was a stroke of luck finding her in our darkest hour (we were ready to give up on ourselves and our horses and just sell out), she is one-of-a-kind and a true treasure.”
——————————————–
“First of all let me tell you that I never imagined how much I would learn when I signed up for the NH101 course.

The classes were so informative and the resources are great! The workshop is what put everything in place.

After all the reading and studying, it was so wonderful to able to get the hands on experience. I have been
trimming Rusty and Cowboy ever since and thier feet look great! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!”
——————————————
“PENZANCE horse courses are simply the best there are!”

——————————————-

Hi Gwen, Hope all is well!

I wanted to tell you about my first “customer”. This was a 1400lb
paint/QH… a big guy. He was supposedly diagnosed with navicular..and the vet doubted that he would be rideable for a long time. No Radiographs, as the vet stated “what’s the point?).. sigh.. how sad to have that attitude. The owners were very distraught, but cared for this horse. Living conditions were good. Vet and farrier said “keep him in his stall”! The owners were not happy about that and felt it was wrong.

I saw that he was sore on all fours as well. hmmm, this was not right.
So I suspected something else was wrong. (see I’m learning from you to “feel” the hoof) He had been deshod a few months ago. Major flaring, chipping.. and messy. Rear angle 45`… front angles- 37′ The farrier was afraid to do anything.. but she DID lower the heels perfectly, 3 weeks earlier. The best thing she could have done with this horse.

I noticed the bars were 3 inches long! and 1/8″ + above the hoof wall.. OUCH! His walls in that area did not even bother growing as they had nothing to do. No wonder he was sore. I dremeled them down to be wall passive and sloping down into the sole. I de-flared. Reshaped the hoof gently.. and brought the toe back to the white line. He looked much better. Angles will take time. Rears are now about 49` and fronts nudging 40`. I can be patient.

We turned him loose in a ring.. and whhhooooooo boy did he dance. NO limp at all.. Trotting, cantering, playing… and calling out to the other horses. In the months that the owners had him they had NEVER heard him utter a sound! She broke down and cried.. and couldn’t stop. Then she hugged me. I know they will not always be like that.. but at that moment I knew I was making the right choices in learning this.
Had to share that with you.. 🙂

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

mike

POSTSCRIPT FROM GWEN, summer 2005: Mike is now successfully and happily working full time as a natural trimmer with almost 200 clients! Please visit his website at: http://www.barehoofnaturaltrim.com
The other students are successfully maintaining their own horses’ hooves and able to help friends with their horses.

———————————————————————————-

Robbin Watson‎ to Gwenyth Santagate, 2-2016

Just wanted to share how happy I am to have met Gwen. I live in Oklahoma, and she lives in Florida. I have never met Gwen in person. Through her online coaching, I have overcome some serious issues that had haunted me for a long, long time. I am soaring in my life now! Like, literally feel UNSTOPPABLE! Gwen’s gentle, firm, God-based coaching has been life-changing for me and my herd. I stand up for “Robbin” more than I ever have. Thank you, Gwen!


“Gwen remember how you taught me so much in my early homeopathy years – well I often think of you when I am with Ringo cause what I learned from you has saved his life at least 5 or 6 times-colic- …so my dear friend Gwen thank you thank you-:-)”
— Patricia, CAN


” Wow!
What a learning experience! If you are wanting to learn, hunger for knowledge of the equine digit and health of the entire equine, submerge yourself into the NHC 101 Natural Hoofcare course offered by Penzance Equine Integrative Educational Center!

The course is most informative, a lot of great information from the best in the industry is taught and broken down into easy to understand modules.

Not only did I gain knowledge of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Digit and Pathologies but also learned about Natural Feed, Nutrition for Healthy Horses, Healthy hooves and the Natural Horse.

Gwenyth is there for you every step of the way on your new journey, tirelessly answering questions, providing information, examples, if’s, why’s, where’s, when’s and what’s of the horse! Gwenyth is a top notch instructor / confidence builder with a vast knowledge not limited to the equine digit to share!

I cannot stress how happy I am that I have become a student of the Penzance Equine Integrative Educational Center, the knowledge I have gained is priceless!

Thank you Penzance and Gwenyth!”
Jason Hooper-Stark, FL


“Gwen has worked with my horses and myself on more than one occasion and I find her refreshing and extremely in tune and knowledgeable on both, human and horse nature. She is so very easy to work with and it is truly all about the relationship of the horse and their human. I couldn’t of asked for more out of a trainer and a now dear friend and all that she does is well worth the effort and the cost. Just amazing results and an amazing heart. I highly recommend Gwen, no question about it.”   December 21, 2011

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative

1st Barbara Bliss
hired Gwenyth as a Horse/Human training in 2011, and hired Gwenyth more than once —

“We know how valuable a horsewoman you are and the “positive” influence you have on both, the horse and the human.
Keep up the wonderful work Gwen. The domestics and the wilds need you! Especially those that are “negatively” trained with PTSD resulting.”


 “Gwen is an innovative horse professional with the capability of thinking outside the box. She has a broad perspective and knowledge of holistic equine health. We definitely need more people like her in this time and age.” December 21, 2011

1st Claudia Garner, President, Equine Soundness Inc.
worked with Gwenyth at PENZANCE Equine Online Educational Center


 “Gwenyth is a excellent horse practitioner for barefoot trimming and she is featured in my Published book Natural Equine Remedies Available now on Amazom.com” December 21, 2011

1st Lorrie Bracaloni, Owner, Equine Holistic Therapies
worked with Gwenyth at PENZANCE Equine Online Educational Center


 “Gwen,

What impresses me about you is, you look not only at the hoof but the whole horse and the whole horse environment. Who is the owner and where does the horse live and how are they treated and fed.

You stay on top of the the latest research and you follow up with pertinent information in a very timely fashion.

You have a softness and openness that relaxes the horses and the horse owner and allows you to see things as they are because you are not bound to preconceived ideas.

Brian” September 23, 2010

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

1st Brian Reid
hired Gwenyth as a Horse Care Facilitator and educator in 2010, and hired Gwenyth more than once


 “Gwen is a superb teacher who provides detailed and accurate educational information in a creative and user-friendly format that is a value for the price. I have recommended Gwen’s classes to several individuals and will continue to do so.” August 18, 2010

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity

1st Jen Kalb
hired Gwenyth as a Education in 2009, and hired Gwenyth more than once


 “Gwenyth’s classes are great and filled with very helpful information. Gwenyth is a wealth of knowledge and is very willing to help you out.” July 27, 2010

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value

1st Kim Wende
hired Gwenyth as a Online Classes in 2010


 Thank you Gwenyth Santagate for the many times you have come to my rescue with your knowledge and advice. I don’t know what I would do if you were not available when I needed you. Thankfully you are still online helping me and others all over the world to learn to live a more natural lives with our horses and our families. You have thoughtfully guided me along my journey to educate myself on multiple subjects with multiple courses. The homeopathic remedies, natural hoof care and especially communication with our four legged family (horses, dogs…) have all been right on the mark. I am proud to be a student of PENZANCE HORSEMANSHIP and consider you a mentor and trusted friend. I can’t wait to be your neighbor! Well, at least live in the same city as you. smile emoticon Then maybe you will have me as your apprentice too. wink emoticon Deneen Sica Lewandowski


“Gwen is a wonderful teacher. When I first got my horse Jigs, he was pushy and didn’t listen. After a few sessions with her, he became a barn favorite for his good manner and sunny personality.

Gwen trained me I think, not JIGS :). I highly reccomend her.” June 29, 2010

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

1st Annamaria Paul
hired Gwenyth as a Horse Trainer in 2008, and hired Gwenyth more than once


 “After having our first “trainer” traumatize one of my horses, we turned to Gwen for help. With Gwen’s steady work with him, and teaching and encouragement to us, this horse is shining on the ground and we are ready to start working with him in the saddle (where his major trauma occurred).

I also have issues as I was hurt falling while under full gallop, and so she is healing me too. She is kind, patient, knowledgeable and encouraging, taking me through baby steps (even a tiny step is a step forward). I know with her help, I will someday be able to be back in the saddle again without panic attacks, and be able to ride and enjoy my horses again.

She understands the psychology of the horse, and understands what it is to be a horse. They do have a different language from us, but with patience and opening your mind and heart, you can create great bonds and partners with them.

I highly recommend Gwen for everything from teaching your horse to teaching you. It was a stroke of luck finding her in our darkest hour (we were ready to give up on ourselves and our horses and just sell out), she is one-of-a-kind and a true treasure.” June 24, 2010

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value

1st Andrea Fease
hired Gwenyth as a Horsemanship teacher in 2007, and hired Gwenyth more than once


 “I have been working with Gwenyth for over 10 years. Her influence has been life changing for me. I am honored to continue to work with her. Gwen always does what she says she is going to do. That is very important in the business world.

I highly recommend anyone to work with Gwenyth.

Leslie Pavlich” February 2, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results, On Time, High Integrity

1st Leslie Pavlich
hired Gwenyth as a Writer/Editor in 1999, and hired Gwenyth more than once


 “I Was Lucky enough to find Gwenyth and her farm when I was seeking out education on hoof care and trimming.

I enjoyed the workshop , her farm, feel I learned a great deal about the equine hoof.
I would recommend taken any of the courses Gwen offers.
you can’t go wrong!
Erin Celia” February 1, 2009

1st Erin Celia, Student, Penzance’s Progressive Natural Hoofcare
reported to Gwenyth at PENZANCE Equine Online Educational Center


“I have interacted with Gwenyth for a number of years now and have always found her to be a passionate, educated, informed and knowledgeable person. Gwenyth will advise and help those that find her and her determination to provide a high level of compassion and assistance to equine friends is second to none. Carry on Gwenyth and may you be as successful as you want to be :)” March 8, 2011

1st Gary Diplock, Equine Psychologist and Behaviourist, Mind4sport.com
was with another company when working with Gwenyth at PENZANCE Equine Solutions & Online Equine Educational Center


“I have known Gwenyth for three years as an equine instructor to learn all aspects of the natural horse.

I can confirm that she is of great integrity, is extremely dedicated to her work and goes above and beyond with her clients in order to help them understand the topics she is going over. Through Natural Horse Trimming instruction, I more then learned about trimming my own horses, but all the aspects of a natural horse.

Gwenyth allowed me to look at things a bit differently and I was able to implement everything on a regular basis with my own animals with much success. I hope to continue with Natural Horse Trim class 2 in the future to continue the journey and development. I can attest with 4 horses, all strong, healthy hooves, well balanced diets that there is no doubt in my mind that the guidance she provided will be a lasting impression.” March 8, 2011

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative

1st Nicole Hopkins
hired Gwenyth as a Equine Services in 2009


“Gwenyth is a wonderful teacher and she has really opened up my eyes to a new world of working with horses. I have known and worked with her for over 9 years and still going. She is very trustworthy and is always there when I need her.

Leslie Pavlich
www.clickhorse.info” October 21, 2009

1st Leslie Pavlich, Owner, Click Horse
reported to Gwenyth at PENZANCE Equine Solutions & Online Equine Educational Center


“Gwen is a wonderful person to work with. She is caring, thoughtful, professional and has kneen insight with helping others achieve their goals, whether it be as a student or fellow teacher. Her love and devotion to both people and their animal friends is inspiring.

She offers valuable educational resources and tools and is always available to both student and instructor. Gwen has a lot of knowledge to share with others and creating her online classroom is just one of the unique ways that she has shared her vision for helping others.

I highly recommended anyone interested in learning more about themselves and their animal friends to attend the online classes and connect with Gwen one on one.” May 11, 2009

1st Kelly Holland Azzaro, Owner, Ashi Therapy Ashi Aromatics Inc.
worked directly with Gwenyth at PENZANCE Equine Solutions & Online Equine Educational Center


“Gwen is a wonderful teacher. She understands horses and has a special connection with them, and teaches you to understand and connect too. I have learned so much from her, not only about “training” (which is really “teaching”, there is a difference!), but about horse psychology and behavior, and also getting insights into my personality and psychology. After all, we don’t just ride our horses, we need to connect with them in order to become partners with them, and that means understanding yourself as well as them.

I would highly recommend Gwen to help you connect, bond and partner with your horse(s)!”February 2, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Good Value


Gwen remember how you taught me so much in my early homeopathy years – well I often think of you when I am with Ringo cause what I learned from you has saved his life at least 5 or 6 times-colic- …so my dear friend Gwen thank you thank you-:-) — Patricia, CAN.


“Gwen is a superb teacher who provides detailed and accurate educational information in a creative and user-friendly format that is a value for the price. I have recommended Gwen’s classes to several individuals and will continue to do so.”


“Hi, I just want to let you know Wiggle pony is gone!!!

Elle has been carrying herself differently since Sunday’s BODYWORKS. Very low key and cuddly. She’s not in a hurry, very relaxed, waddling like Willow. She is riding with a very low head set. No high head pulling the reins and bulldozing down the trail. All so unlike Wiggle pony.

My son Jonathan remarked tonight that she is broken. HAHAHA!!
He claims, she too easy. Easy to be near, perfect on the cross ties. The trail ride tonight,he claims, he could have rode on his head. He’s in shock, She gave him no crap, Nothing!! Absolutely amazing!!

I am amazed at the change. I should have had you come out months ago. Here, I thought the body work would primarily benefit Willow. Never in a million years would I have guess that it would life changing for Elle. The consensus was Elle was Elle and she a pony and acts likes a snotty pony. I feel bad that the real reason seems to she was in pain and uncomfortable.

I’m sure wiggle pony may appear again, but at least we will know what to do about it now.
So thank you again” — ALYSSA, MA


Gwen-

When I went to the barn today I was frustrated by thoughts of problems I can not solve, and as I cleaned Bruno’s stall, tried to decompress.

Then i went to the gate and called him. up he trots – it just makes my day.

So he has a snack of hay, then he stood while i brushed dirt off him, put fly spray on. clicks for letting me brush his legs, for staying still. cleaned his feet. better cooperation.

A new boarder brought her tall Morgan gelding in and put him in the ties in front of us. Both boys started stamping their feet as though the flies just got so much worse, but otherwise behaved. Then they left, and a minute later Linda brought Millie, a paint mare, in. Put her in the same spot. Bruno starts lifting his nose up and sniffing, and of course no more stamping. Ears forward, friendly face.

then off to the indoor. set up the cones and the rope toy, hula hoop I put some poles in a L shape. found a tarp, and put that out, folded in half.

first we played with the cones, he picks them up and waves them around. he clearly enjoys practicing this new skill. then i asked him to follow me using the invisible lead. we walked around, then past the tarp. i walked on it – he stopped , sniffed, pawed.

we went through the l-shape poles. forward, around again, tried backward, no turn. Bruno walked away, went back over to the tarp. played with it a bit, then stood on it.
then we walked back and forth over it. tarp conquered.

Then we went back to the L-shape poles, and went through forward, then backwards, easily. He also let me push him from behind, instead of going sideways to avoid me, he went forward when I asked.

Once done, he decides he wanted to play with the small cones again – went over and now is picking up the rope toy as well as the cones, shaking them around.

all so funny – parts of his brain and personality have been unlocked, that I never would have known had it not been for the liberty work, and the clicker.

– Anita, MA


“I called Gwen because my horses were hurting and none of the chiros or massage people I was calling in were connecting with my horses or seeing what the problem was. …Gwen zeroed in on my horses issues right away. Her manner with them was gentle, firm and communicative. …Interestingly, I was releasing my own body issues as my horses released theirs and relaxed. … [When Gwen was done] my mare was no longer wobbling her neck/head and lifted her hind legs when walking (she dragged her left hind before Gwen worked on her.) My gelding lifted his back and straightened out his pelvis. I have never seen him allow himself to be handled by someone as he allowed Gwen to do. Both had relaxed eyes. What transformations! I’ll be calling Gwen to come out again to work with my horses.” — Gillian, CT


“Libby is going to get a special treat tomorrow!!! I was able to put her rain sheet on her multiple times. Yay!! Libby. On and off…she just stood and every time I said good girl..she would kiss me. hahahha I just love it. She did fidget a bit at first, but I guess I won her over and she allowed me to put it on her back…then take it off in a clump and I just continued until I put the whole thing on and we went for a walk and I took it off and put it back on. No throwing it on though..nice small unrolls and she is good with it. 😉
And I do believe her new safe spot is the kiss. lol. My sweet Liberty. Ok..just wanted to share that with you. She doesn’t have it on now…I just wanted to make sure I could get it on if I need to tomorrow in the rain. The air is getting colder and I don’t want her to start shivering. 😉 I wish I could express how excited I am right now. I really can’t stop smiling.
Thank you Gwen. This is just so rewarding and exciting.” –Barbara, Rehoboth, MA


“Gotta say Gwen I have learned a lot from your course, though I might not recall everything, stuff is starting to sink in and I really feel every horse owner should take something like this, even if not to trim their own horses hooves, but to know more about their horses.” –Nicole, RI


“You are very gifted and talented and I do feel blessed to have found you! … Your gifts and talents go much deeper than just trimming hooves. I was able to pick Mitch’s hooves by myself the other day with just a leadrope around his neck. I was never able to do that before. I thank God for bringing you to Mitch and helping him. I have been trying for so long to end his pain and to see him now is incredible.” — Kendal, MA


“Gwen’s PPT101 class was the best money I ever spent learning about how to train my horse. And, the class was remote, over the internet. I’ve been to clinics with my horse and have audited some others, but the information that I came away from PPT101 with has served as the most solid foundation, on which every other training method rests. She is creative and thinks outside of the box in her approach to horse training and is able to communicate those
practical ideas.” –Sharon, VT


“My life and the health and vitality of all my animals has been forever transformed for the better. Thanks Gwen for all you give to all of us. You are a gifted healer and teacher.”
Joan, Student of Homeopathy 101


“The support I was given by you made the real difference and allowed me to look at the horse differently so I could find a New World that I never knew before. So I Thank You.”
–Leslie Pavlich, Author of “Clicker Training: Colt Starting the Natural Horse”


“Gwenyth has such warmth towards the horse whilst maintaining safety of horse and handler. Having her input from years of experience with a variety of horses is invaluable as her understanding and communication skills, (with both horses and people) are such a priviledge to be able to share. I love Gwenyths perspective and explanations.” –Paula, UK


“After having you resolve Little Johns trimming problem when NO ONE ELSE could help me, I have confidence in you. So, although I could get free advice somewhere else, it might not be good advice. Most trainers are fairly violent compared to you. You’re smart enough to train without resorting to whips, spurs or trying to bully the horse which doesn’t work very well anyway. I tried the first thing on your anti-biting list and already it seems to be working!” –Donald, ME


“Gwen is a wonderful teacher. She understands horses and has a special connection with them, and teaches you to understand and connect too. I have learned so much from her, not only about “training” (which is really “teaching”, there is a difference!), but about horse psychology and behavior, and also getting insights into my personality and psychology. After all, we don’t just ride our horses, we need to connect with them in order to become partners with them, and that means understanding yourself as well as them. I would highly recommend Gwen to help you connect, bond and partner with your horse(s)!” –Andrea, MA


“I Was Lucky enough to find Gwenyth and her farm when I was seeking out education on hoof care and trimming. I enjoyed the workshop , her farm, feel I learned a great deal about the equine hoof. I would recommend taken any of the courses Gwen offers. you can’t go wrong!” –Erin , MA


“Thank you Gwen, for your inspiring articles and ideas. Together with Mark Rashid, you are one of the greatest horsepersons of recent times.”


“I was willing to think outside the box only after traditional methods had failed him. Now I wish I had of tried it sooner, I could have shortened the time he was in pain but I didn’t know any better. Hindsight truly is 20/20.”


” … I actually find myself getting quite emotional over this pony since she has turned into the most amazing treasure. She also meets my daughter at the gate (all 60 lbs of her), leads loose line at any speed Rachel chooses, stands wonderfully for grooming and tacking, even dropping her head into the bridle and is very willing under saddle with no balking, bolting, bucking, or even a crop needed. Once we figured out where her issues were, she has responded with every part of her being. (And she was auction bound when we bought her.) Thanks for helping with her!”


“I would entrust the care and well-being of any horse, sound or lame, healthy or sick, troubled or at peace, to Gwen Santagate. I give her my highest recommendation because she is one of the most honest, wisest, and most circumspect people I have ever met. She goes the extra mile (or ten) for the horse’s sake and makes every animal’s total well-being her top priority. My horse recommends her, too -four hooves up! – because, thanks to her, and her alone, he is alive and well.” — Vanessa, NH


“Gwen, I was expecting you to fish for me but, instead, you taught me how to fish. Thank you.”


“I highly recommend Gwen for everything from teaching your horse to teaching you. It was a stroke of luck finding her in our darkest hour (we were ready to give up on ourselves and our horses and just sell out), she is one-of-a-kind and a true treasure.”


“…offers valuable educational resources and tools and is always available to both student and instructor. A lot of knowledge to share with others and creating her online classroom is just one of the unique ways that [PENZANCE] has shared her vision for helping others.


I highly recommended anyone interested in learning more about themselves and their animal friends to attend the
online classes.”


“I would highly recommend [PENZANCE] to help you connect, bond and partner with your horse(s)!”


“First of all let me tell you that I never imagined how much I would learn when I signed up for the NH101 course.

The classes were so informative and the resources are great! The workshop is what put everything in place.

After all the reading and studying, it was so wonderful to able to get the hands on experience. I have been

trimming Rusty and Cowboy ever since and thier feet look great! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!”


“Gwen’s class was the best money I ever spent learning about how to train my horse. And, the class was remote, over the internet. I’ve been to clinics with my horse and have audited some others, but the information that I came away from PPT101 with has served as the most solid foundation, on which every other training method rests. She is creative and thinks outside of the box in her approach to horse training and is able to communicate those
practical ideas.”


“Thank you Gwen, for your inspiring articles and ideas. Together with Mark Rashid, you are one of the greatest horse persons of recent times.”


“I was willing to think outside the box only after traditional methods had failed him. Now I wish I had of tried it sooner, I could have shortened the time he was in pain but I didn’t know any better. Hindsight truly is 20/20.”


“PENZANCE horse courses are simply the best there are!”


From 2004 …

Unrideable Founder for Life?
valnot9.jpg (6048 bytes)

In September of 2003 I purchased a 10 year old quarter horse broodmare from a private seller in southern New England. I knew at the time that she had foundered severely as a 3 year old, and her right front coffin bone had rotated 6 or more degrees. She had been badly abused during her 2 and 3 year old years and had chronic laminitis as well. She had then been turned out to pasture without undergoing any treatments for her condition, and had never (since the age of 2) been without front shoes.

After being put out to pasture for 2 years she was sold and then bred 3 years in a row, still without receiving any care for her condition. She was listed as unridable but breeding sound. She managed to carry all her foals to term and deliver healthy babies. During the period of time whe was in foal the 3rd time her feet started to decline to the point where in her 8th month of pregnancy she suffered a severe case of laminitis, and had to be put on stall rest and be put under observation until the baby was delivered. At this time the farrier suggested placing plates over her regular shoes to evenly distribute the weight over her soles.  Even after the baby was delivered nothing else was done to relieve the stress on her front coffin bones (i.e. egg bars, pads, changing her angles, etc.) or to stop the inflammation of her lamina when she had bouts with laminitis.

She was then sold again as a companion horse and possible breeding sound. Her next owner kept the plates on her feet for a year, and had her on 2 grams of bute per day as well.  She had her feet done regularly every 6 weeks. After the year was up she decided she would breed her to her stud, deciding she would never be sound again, and dropped the levels of bute to 1 gram per day. She managed to make it through to the end of the 6th month of pregnancy with the plates on her feet showing limited discomfort. She was kept in a large paddock 2 hours per day and lived her life in her stall the rest of the time. Her old owner tells me that by her 7th month in foal she began to show major signs of distress, would look angered and scared and “stood like a morgan” she was referring to her standing parked out. She began standing on 3 legs and elevating her right front much of the time when she was just standing around. By the 8th month they realized her feet were bothering her in amajor way, so
they confined her to her stall and added extra bedding. The farrier also added silicone under the steel plates that were bolted to her shoes for a cushion on her sole.

In April of 2003 she delivered a healthy filly, no complications during birth. 2 days after the baby was born they were turned out into a large paddock with grass. That night the mare came in non-weight baring on her right front, hobbling on 3 legs. Immediately the farrier and vet were called and it was determined she was foundering again. For the next 3 months she went through several episodes of laminitis and by the time I went to look at her in August she could barely walk out of her stall. I had been at the barn at the time looking at a baby that was for sale when I fell in love with the looks this mare had. I asked about her they told me her story and I bought her for a VERY minimal amount of money to try and rescue her. She told me she didnt want to put the money into her for corrective shoes and that the mare wasnt worth it to try and save since her vet said she would always be lame.
She was weaned from her baby on September 10th and I brought her home on the 12th.

That day she could barely walk off the trailer, she literally reared up and came off walking on her hind feet. I immediately made an appointment with my farrier. When my farrier saw her shoes he was appalled. She was wearing regular shoes with a steel plate cut to fit the shape of her hoof bolted to the bottom. She was literally walking on 3 bolts on each front foot, one at the toe and one on each side of her heel. We pulled the shoes only to find that most of her hoof was glue, her toe was barely 2 inches long. Each shoe weighed in at almost 3.5 pounds with the plates attached. And what was left of her front hooves were literally crumbling and falling apart. We decided it would be best to put her on Farriers Formula and limited turnout, and move her into a 12×16 foaling stall with 12 inches of shavings until her feet grew out enough to do anything with them. He wanted to put eggbars on her but she unfortunately had no hoof wall to nail the shoes to, so we left her barefoot and I
began wrapping her feet with foam and vetwrap every day so she could walk.

This is when I began researching barefoot trimming. I had heard of it and was curious if it would work for Val. In the meantime my farrier came out 4 weeks later to “tweak” her feet a little and start to create a shape to them.
I researched for weeks on barefoot trimming and finally decided to give it a try.

I got in touch with Gwen Santagate via a bulletin board and then by email and spoke with her a few times regarding what the mare had been through. She desperately needed to be trimmed again at this point and my farrier refused to work on her again due to the severity in the rotation of the coffin bone which he was sure was about to break through her sole.
Gwen began coming out to my house in January of 2004. At this point the mare could barely move, she was agitated and noticably in pain. She was dead lame on her right front and was still undergoing small rounds of acute laminitis here and there, not as bad as before since I took her off the 4 quarts of sweet feed she had been recieving at her old owners. Since the day I brought her home I had had her on bute about 5 or 6 times in a 3.5 month period, and I knew her stomach must have been a mess from the medications. I had managed to wean her off her daily bute dose which made me happy.

When Gwen came out she immediately went to work on making the mare more balanced by trimming her so she would have less pressure on the tip of her coffin bone.  She didnt do much this trim so that she wouldnt be to sore, and when she walked away after Gwen finished you could see the relief in her way of moving. She was much more free in her front legs, not as stiff, still lame but it was a little easier for her to walk back to the barn. She also told me to start turning her out 24 hours a day to keep her circulation going in her feet, and let her decide when she wanted to come in and out of her stall (she has a run-in). Within a week she was walking around more often and would even walk to the far end of the paddock to watch our neighbors cows, which she had never really done before she was always too sore.

Gwen came back three times after that at 4 week intervals and kept in touch with me almost every day to see how the mare was doing. She also helped me to wean her off the bute and get her on White Willow Bark so I could stop worrying about the long term effects of the bute.
By Spring my mare was walking around on her own nearly 90% sound and willingly following me around the paddock and on trails behind the barn, she would even get frisky here and there and throw some small bucks. She began to jog to her hay in the morning, and up and down the length of the fence without me making her. She was still slightly lame but not nearly as bad. And the best part is that in April I took her off all of her meds, no more white willow or corta flex, which she had been on since the day I brought her home.

Once June hit she was walking and jogging sound and had gained most of the concavity back to the sole of her hoof. She no longer had a dip in the outer wall of her hoof and to look at her you never would have known that she was a severe founder case, or had foundered at all.
Her slipper toe was almost gone on her front feet and her feet were looking healthy.

After Gwen came out in July I began working her more often, we started jogging on a lunge line in large circles and going for walks on the trails in the woods to toughen up her feet some more, and up and down my stonedust driveway once a day (which she was slightly still tender on). At the end of July I sat on her for the first time, she had not been ridden since 1996, and was listed as unridable. I walked her around under saddle and she remained sound. I then began to work her from the ground at a jog and lope to build up her stamina again, and would cool her out at a walk with me on her. She still remained sound. The last time Gwen came out was at the end of August, she trimmed her then I showed her what the mare could do. I put her on a lunge line and let Gwen see how well she moved out at a jog, trot and lope. She was amazed.

All this from a horse that was termed unridable by past owners and vets. Her feet are incredible, they are more healthy now then they were with the shoes, they are hard and beautiful, she stands square on her own and loves kicking up her heels in the paddock. She’s a new horse. Even her demeanor has changed, she was a crabby mare until late winter when she began to trust a little more and to enjoy being loved. She whinnies to me every morning now and always has her ears forward waiting for someone to come see her. She loves to be scratched and played with now, and before she would pin her ears and try to nip.

I honestly never thought this horse would have a second chance at being sound and happy, I was willing to just make her as comfortable as I could by keeping her on bute and masking the pain until I found Gwen. Without her help my mare would probably still be lame and in heavy uncomfortable egg bar shoes.

I cant wait to see what the new xrays will show when we get them done!

Katie A. Lagasse
Groton, MA
September 3, 2004

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

PENZANCE – "God's Holy Headland. The place for spiritual growth."