The Thoughtful Horseman is dedicated to introducing and promoting healthier horsekeeping practices. I offer custom diet evaluations and balancing based upon the latest research, and the guidelines set forth by the NRC's sixth edition of Nutrient Requirements of Horses, as interpreted by the leading equine nutrition experts. I provide professional barefoot hoof care services, as described by the American Hoof Association,  in San Diego, California, and neighboring areas. A member of the Pacific Hoof Care Practitioners, I also offer clinics and mentorships on barefoot hoof care and progressive horsekeeping practices.

In December of 2010, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia. After seven months of one of the most aggressive treatment protocols in oncology, and a stem cell transplant, I am doing well, and hope to have at least a couple of years before the disease ends my life.

I am no longer trimming hooves, as the myeloma has literally punched holes in my ribs, spine, skull, hips and thigh, making a fracture all too likely.

My wish is to spend as much time with my beautiful herd as possible. And my dream is to make it possible for them to live out their days on the spectacular 180 acre Oasis Ranch. In order to do that, I have set up their very own "Golden Hills Mob" (as they are affectionately known) fund.

All of the proceeds from my gemstone jewelry and equine art, as well as from my equine products Thrush Ninja and So Cal Complete Hoof and Mineral Blend, go directly to the Golden Hills Mob fund. Your purchases and support will help me realize my dream, and allow my beautiful herd to live the life all horses should be lucky enough to live.

You can read more about my experience and the Golden Hills Mob here:

http://www.mariasiebrand.blogspot.com

The first several chapters of the story of the Golden Hills Mob are available here:

http://goldenhillsmob.blogspot.com/

Please check out my fine gemstone jewelry and equine art here:

http://www.dunlightstudio.com

To learn about my So Cal Complete Hoof and Mineral Blend, go here:

http://thoughtfulhorseman.com/EquineNutrition/SoCalMineralBlend-Bermuda.htm

And to purchase Thrush Ninja (the best thrush product on the planet!), please visit the Thrush Ninja website here:

http://www.thrushninja.com

Finally, if you find the extensive information contained within The Thoughtful Horseman website helpful, please consider making a donation to The Golden Hills Mob. We all thank you...