Sally and Moghim (Qim) live in southern Sweden. They are both co-riders and help take care of four horses in total. They have two Icelandic horses, Vera (black) and Faxe (silver dapple) and two trotters Catniss (dark bay) and Mack (brown bay). Sally introduced Qim to horses when they met and became a couple in 2013, and now they share a passion for horses and ride together regularly.
Qim works as a specialist nurse and Sally works as a physiotherapist and their goal in life is to make the world a better place for both people and animals. They say that the most important thing they’ve learned from being with horses is to enjoy life and living in the present, becoming in tune with the horse and with nature, letting go of all stress and worries.
The main activity Sally and Qim enjoy with their horses is trail riding and enjoying nature together, but they also occasionally practice dressage, jumping and horsemanship. They are both always eager to learn more and are still learning about horses, their needs and behaviours, but really enjoy trusting each other and having fun together.
Their trotters and Icelandic horses are a bit different from other horse breeds because they are gaited, which means they genetically have more than 3 gaits. They can pace and tölt, especially Vera and Faxe. The only horse that can’t do this, out of the four of them, is Mack. Trotters often have a harder time galloping, but are very good at trotting fast. Catniss and Mack were both raced, and Mack was very successful in his career. Now both horses are retired from racing and living their best lives - having fun racing for fun and playing, without any stress.
Making the change to Renengade hoof boots
Sally and Qim have been using Renegade hoof boots for Catniss since she became barefoot in 2025 so they are quite recent adopters, but have only heard good reviews about the hoof boots and so far they’re very pleased and happy with their performance. They found out about the boots from social media and knew about hoof boots before, but wanted to make sure they got the best of the best for Catniss.
Their goal is to get Mack barefoot too and maybe eventually also Vera and Faxe. They want to give the horses a natural and happy life. Sally says:
"We find the hoof boots especially useful when we’re on trail rides, riding on asphalt, roads and through tricky or rocky terrain. Catniss becomes more comfortable walking on rocks and hard surfaces when wearing Renegade hoof boots. She’s more confident and can focus better."
Taking Catniss barefoot in hoof boots
Catniss was barefoot and not ridden for a while before Sally and Qim got her, and the farrier recommended that she have steel shoes due to her imbalance in muscles and body. After Catniss had some training and fitness they did some more research about hooves and hoof health, and decided to take her barefoot again. They chose this because it’s more comfortable and natural for her, and because she’s got okay hoof health.
The farrier that trims Catniss is very interested in Renegade hoof boots and wants to learn more about them and about their impact on hoof health. She thinks they’re a good choice for a barefoot horse, especially if they’re sensitive or if the horse is ridden on hard or tough surfaces. Sally and Qim want to learn more too, and teach others about barefoot horses and all the possibilities of self trimming.
The couple want people to know how easy and efficient Renegade hoof boots are. Qim says:
"The hoof boots protect the horses hooves and absorb impact from hard surfaces, all while still allowing the horse to have a natural hoof. One of the important things is that the Renegade hoof boots don’t rub, like many other brands do. This is a game changer!"
Horses' different natures are such fun to get to know
Each of the horses have some quirky behaviour about them. Sally says "Mack can’t stand being overtaken when trotting or galloping, and he sticks his tongue out and plays with the bit quite a lot. Catniss tosses her head when she’s excited or has an opinion about anything. Vera enjoys being first until something scary comes along, and Faxe can stop and beg for treats if he thinks he deserves it. He’s taught this to Vera too, so now they both reach back with open mouths and wait for a treat right before the ride starts. It’s like a treat tax or fuel" she laughs.
Sally and Qim chose their favourite horse quotes: “Sometimes the most difficult horses have the most to give you” and “No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle" (Winston Churchill).
They say their goal is to keep having fun together all while giving the horses the good and enjoyable life that they deserve and always strive to learn do better by them.
How perfect is that?
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