Thorsten Kaiser, who moved to New Zealand from Germany in 1997, is one of the first Strasser Hoofcare Professionals (SHP) in New Zealand.
Thorsten started riding Endurance Riding in 1998 and in 2002 he transitioned his horses to Barefoot Hoofcare and Natural Boarding. After several 40km and 80km rides barefoot, one of his horses did his first 100km ride barefoot in 2003. This was also the year Thorsten founded the Institute for Barefoot Equine Management Ltd (IBEM).
IBEM view the world through the eyes of the horse, the approach is holistic and is based on what the horse needs to thrive, not necessarily what is most convenient for the human. IBEM operates a hoofcare practise and rehab centre, hoofcare training centre, and hoof-boot shop. Now a full time SHP and instructor, Thorsten gives seminars and instructs a 2-year Professional’s Course in New Zealand, which is based on logic, science, and proven management approaches. Thorsten also oversees the national Strasser Hoofcare Office for New Zealand.