Bare Hooves and Open Hearts: Tales From Nelipot Cottage is a book for every horse lover – from casual weekend rider to top-level equestrian – and, indeed, all animal lovers. Author Fran McNicol fearlessly chronicles both her triumphs and her struggles as she probes, then puts in place, alternative approaches to horse care and training.

With warmth and humour, McNicol weaves personal anecdotes into broader musings, resulting in a book that celebrates a more ethical approach to horse riding and management. Central to the book are themes of barefoot hoof care and classical dressage. McNicol delves into the philosophy and science of barefoot trimming – alongside the wins she candidly shares the setbacks as she transitions her horses to this more natural hoof-care system. It’s both relatable and inspiring.

For McNicol, classical dressage has nothing to do with those – often unhappy – horses competing in the Olympic Games. Instead, she draws on the long history of classical exercises used to develop a more gymnastic horse that is better able to carry its rider with grace and ease. Rather than imposing rigid expectations from on top, McNicol emphasises working with the horse, finding exercises and patterns that can make any horse – every horse – more magnificent.

In her professional life McNicol is a surgeon, her mantra is ‘first do no harm’. But, as she says, “the intention to harm need not be present for harm to occur”. She doesn’t shy away from pointing out mental and physical issues caused by conventional horsekeeping, but does so with warmth and humility. McNicol’s thoughtful insights make for a book that will inspire readers to face their own horse challenges with renewed insight and vigour.

In 2024, Fran McNicol moved from the United Kingdom to Bodalla, on the NSW South Coast. Print copies of Bare Hooves and Open Hearts are available from Moruya Books and Bishops Moruya, or online as either print-on-demand or eBook through Amazon.