Balance From Both Sides: Trainer and Farrier Insight
- Dennis Cappel
- Sep 8
- 1 min read
Clear Mental Horsemanship with Dennis Cappel
As both a horse trainer and a farrier, I have learned that true performance comes from more than just training a horse to complete a task. Training asks horses to perform movements far more demanding than what they would naturally choose, and while this builds skill, it can also test their comfort, soundness, and willingness.
From the farrier’s side, balance and comfort are everything. By trimming and shoeing with purpose of supporting the internal structures of the leg and promoting ease of movement we set the horse up to move freely and naturally. That balance of the hoof directly supports what we ask them for in training.
One factor often overlooked is rest. A horse that is not balanced or comfortable on his feet cannot truly rest or recover from challenging work. Without rest, performance suffers. When we unite training with balanced farrier work, the horse can move with ease, recover fully, and meet the lofty expectations placed on them.
In the end, horsemanship is not about performance, it is about creating a partnership where the horse is willing, comfortable, and capable, both under saddle and on their feet.
Mindful Riding,
Dennis Cappel - Master Horseman
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November 7-9th, 2025
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Dennis is in my opinion the one who really teaches us daily about horses and the solutions to fixing issues. He's also my mentor and guide when things go great. I would highly recommend him and how he reaches right out of that screen, takes you by the hand and shows you on a horse that has issues.