Kathryn Christieson (BAVBioSc, Dip EPT, RHDP) is a hoofcare practitioner who has worked in the industry full time for nearly ten years. Her day to day work involves trimming, composite shoeing, glue on shoe application, hot shoeing and boot fitting services. She works collaboratively with veterinarians, bodyworkers and trainers to achieve the best results for clients in performance and rehabilitation.
Kathryn has a commitment to education and continuous improvement. She co-hosts ‘Canter Therapy Podcast’ and co-founded the International School of Integrative Hoofcare Australia. She is passionate about building community and the sharing of knowledge with as many people as possible.
Outside her professional pursuits, Kathryn dedicates her time to the art of dressage, immersing herself in lessons and clinics to continually refine her skills. Her passion extends beyond riding, encompassing a profound interest in animal behavior and the intricacies of their minds. Kathryn explores the realms of self-awareness, recognising the relationship between personal growth and her horse’s well-being. This commitment reflects her holistic approach, where the pursuit of knowledge and personal development intertwines seamlessly with her love for horses.
Canter Therapy – Dr Shelley Appleton & Kathryn Christieson
In Episode 97 of the Canter Therapy Podcast, Shelley and Kat walk straight into controversy and unpack one of the horse world's most heated topics: what does freedom really mean for domestic horses?
Using a spicy young chestnut filly with dangerous kicking habits as a case study, they explore how early handling, feet care and smart use of pressure can free a horse from a lifetime of stress, conflict and labels like ”dangerous.”
From the ideology of giving horses ”freedom to” choose, consent and say no, to the more practical and welfare focused idea of giving horses ”freedom from” pain, insecurity and chronic stress, Shelley and Kat pull apart the assumptions behind popular narratives about agency, choice, barefoot feet, laminitis and turnout.
This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation about cognition, ethics and reality for horses living in a human world, and it will absolutely ruffle a few feathers.
To learn more about Shelley and Kat and the balanced, evidence based approaches they promote for horse training and care, visit their websites:
Dr Shelley Appleton: https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au
Kathryn Christieson: https://firenzapark.com.au
For more information about the Canter Therapy Podcast, to suggest episode ideas, or to enquire about sponsorship or advertising, head to:
Services include:
Trimming
Trimming for soundness and performance including the application of hoofarmor
Boot Fitting
Boot fitting consultations for Scoot Boot, Equine Fusion, Easycare, Cavallo, Renegade and more!
Shoeing
Correct shoeing with an emphasis on balance and alignment for sustainable performance
Rehabilitation
For acute and chronic pathology including the use of glue ons
Training and Qualifications
Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (2015)
Diploma of Equine Podiotherapy through the Australian College of Equine Podiotherapy (2017)
Attended the Mustad Conference in 2018
Level 1 Endorsement with Daisy Haven Farm (Recognising Hoof Distortion Practitioner)
In 2018 Kathryn attended Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in California, USA, finishing top of her class
Attended the ELPC Vet Farrier Laminitis Conference 2022
Attended VetPD Foot Lameness & Podiatry workshop 2022
Currently completing Cert 4 Farriery
