Sarah Braithwaite

Endorsed Specialist Consultant for Nutrition & Horse Health

I have spent more than 25 years dedicated to whole horse health, always searching for answers that improve the wellbeing of horses in every aspect of their lives. My journey began with barefoot care, where I was among the first in the UK to train with Pete Ramey and Jaime Jackson, qualifying with the AANHCP and later co-authoring Feet First – Barefoot Performance and Hoof Rehabilitation in 2009.

My exploration into hoof care naturally led to nutrition. I studied extensively with Dr Eleanor Kellon (VMD) and became closely affiliated with the Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Organisation (ECIR), the world’s largest research-based equine laminitis group. This collaboration inspired the founding of Forageplus in 2010, a UK company pioneering science-based forage analysis to support optimal nutrition and health.

My work has always been driven by a determination to solve the problems modern domestication creates for horses. I have developed my own herd management systems, using surfaced tracks, shelters, grazing cells, and soil science insights from Dr William Albrecht, Neal Kinsey, Jerry Brunetti, and André Voisin. By applying Albrecht/Kinsey soil testing alongside forage analysis, I’ve helped horse owners cut through misinformation and create feeding and management systems rooted in real science.

Beyond nutrition and hoof care, I turned inward to my own riding and communication. Training with Mary Wanless helped me develop a functional, balanced seat, while my friendship and studies with the late Dr Kerry Ridgway (DVM) deepened my understanding of equine acupressure, fascia release, and biomechanics. Through him, I was introduced to Klaus Schöneich’s system of round pen rehabilitation, which I studied intensively, including visiting Germany twice, for five years to help horses rebuild posture and strength.

Over time, my philosophy expanded to include ethical training practices. I retrained myself in positive reinforcement, learned to ride bit-free, and embraced modern treeless and flexible saddles to support horse comfort. Influences from Karen Rohlf (Dressage Naturally), Mustang Maddy, and Shawna Karrasch have guided me toward a joyful, collaborative relationship with my horses, grounded in trust, choice, and welfare.

Today, I continue to run Forageplus as a whole horse health company, helping owners match nutrition to grass, hay and haylage, while also addressing wider aspects of management and care. My horses have been my greatest teachers, and my work remains a constant journey of evolution and learning.

As an Endorsed Specialist Consultant with the World Bitless Association, I am proud to support a vision of horsemanship that prioritises welfare, science, and ethical connection. My life’s work is to leave horses, and the people who love them, with better health, happier partnerships, and a future shaped by compassion and knowledge.

Website www.forageplus.com 

Email: enquiries@forageplus.com

Tel no: 01352 757777

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