My name is Sabrina Liska and I have been riding since I was 2 years old. My grandparents were into showing and judging, always had horses and I was born with the “gene”! My grandfather died when I was very young and I drove my parents crazy riding my pony from dawn to dusk, as it is hard to argue with a 7 year old girl.
I have been married now for over 20 years with 2 sons, and I still make my family crazy on occasion with my equine addiction. When my friends and I ride, we like to have fun, but are always safe in the process. I like to make others feel comfortable when they ride with me, there is nothing like being in an uncomfortable situation on a horse! We like to be sarcastic and silly and I love to laugh. I hate riding by myself. I know I should get over it, but I am always afraid of that “something happening” and I visualize myself lying in the desert unable to call for help. (This is where you think of that old commercial, “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”) And you know my horse would not run home to tell anyone I needed help, it would just stand over me looking at me like I was an idiot.
I have 6 horses at this time. An old blind mare, a priceless pony, a mustang, two TWH mares and a MFT gelding. It seems that once they come live with me, it’s extremely hard for me to let them leave! Tell me, is this just a Me thing, or is this type of behavior commonplace? My husband would really like to know!
Success in my life, I think, is attributed to my ability to close my mouth and open my ears. At work, at play or the ever so important horse addiction of mine, I listen to what is being said. I take what makes sense to me and apply it and I mentally throw the junk away. There are so many theories on things, I don’t think that there is any one right way, so I pick and choose what works for me.
I have been using EasyCare products for a long time now. I started with the Easyboots and graduated to more advanced boots as my knowledge increased. All of my horses are barefoot and always have been. Oh, I have used steel shoes on occasion for short periods of time for different reasons, but as I learn more and more about trimming and the functions of the hoof, I am less inclined to call that farrier. I actually grew up with barefoot horses. I always thought as a kid, that steel shoes were a fancy thing for show horses. I never thought twice about my barefooted steeds. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I started to learn and really pay attention to naked hooves.
My favorite hoof boot is the Glove. I was in love with the Epics for years, but then I was introduced to the Glove and now it has me smitten. I still like the Epics, they have always come through on all my rides, but I really like the half sizes the Glove has to offer. I am looking forward to using them on my future rides.
A friend of mine had a thoroughbred with horrible hooves. He was on stall rest for a few months from a tendon injury. I asked her to remove his shoes and we would work on the “barefoot thing”. She agreed. It took some time, but once he healed I actually rode him (front boots only) in Easyboot Epics in a 25 mile LD ride a few months later. I felt it was a huge milestone in his health and my persistence (yes, we did complete)!
At this point, I think the barefoot industry is going to get much more popular. The information is becoming more available and readily accessible. The boots are becoming easier to apply/remove and there is a bigger selection. With all the different types of hoof shapes and the people with not so cooperative hands, the bigger selection and types of boots are making it so much easier for everyone to participate.
This industry has nowhere to go but up! I am constantly researching online and always find something new. Each year I look forward to the endurance season to start. I thoroughly enjoy the rides in Sonoita, AZ, as the ride manager and the easy going participants make it a non stressful event. This year, I am slowly starting to attempt 50’s. It’s sometimes hard to let go of that secure feeling of the LD’s, and I will still continue to ride the LD’s, but this year, it is a goal of mine to do some 50 mile rides…in my Gloves… wish me luck.
Sabrina is a member of AZ BackCountry Riders (http://www.azbackcountryriders.com/).
Name: Sabrina Liska
City: Desert Hills, Arizona
Favorite Boot: Easyboot Glove
