Equine Podiatry

Background:

The development of barefoot hoof care as an alternative to the traditional horseshoes. Hooves are kept manageable by regular visits from Certified Specialist Trimmers or Equine Podiatrists. The horse's living enivronment is also adapted to a more natural state.

The Equine Podiatry Association was formed in April 2006 in the UK to provide a register of qualified hoof specialists

The Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry maintains a list of qualified members in the UK & worldwide

To contact an Equine Podiatrist in the UK go to:

The Equine Podiatry Association - www.aepauk.org

The Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry - www.equinepodiatry.net/locate.html#UK

Barefoot Hoof Specialists in the UK

Sympathetic horse care with Debbie Croeser. Debbie has a diploma in Applied Equine Podiatry. www.justhorsesense.co.uk

Jayne Hunt a qualified Equine Podiatrist travels to clients in the South West, covering an area that stretches from Taunton to Cheltenham. www.healthyhooves.co.uk

Richard Vialls, qualified Equine Podiatrist and tutor is based on the Isle of Anglesey and his practice covers North Wales. www.unshod.co.uk

Lesley Evans offers several complementary therapies including Equine Podiatry. Lesley is prepared to travel from her base in Uffington, Oxfordshire. www.equiwork.com

Barefoot trimming in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester is provided by Abigail Hogg author of The Horse Behaviour Handbookwww.abihogghoofcare.co.uk

International Sites

An interesting American site with in depth articles on hoof trimming and the hoof www.barefoothorse.com

The site of Jaimie Jackson, an advocate of barefoot hoof management for more than 30 years. www.primechoice.com/jaime-jackson/

The official site of Applied Equine Podiatry. www.equinepodiatry.net

Training as a Barefoot Trimmer:

To train as a Certified Hoof Care Specialist you need a minimum of 500 hours hands-on instruction. Mainly farriers and vets undergo the training.

Basic courses suitable for owners wishing to provide a 'maintenance' trim between Specialist Trimmer visits plus guidance on adapting your horse's living environment to barefoot hooves are available. These are short 5 day courses held The Equine Podiatry Association (AEPAUK).

All enquiries direct to Justine Jenkins Tel: 01269597635

Recommended reading:

Horse Owner's Guide to Natural Hoof Care ~ By Jaimie Jackson. Regarded as an educational text book on natural hoof management and praised by all who have followed his ideas.

Equine Podiatry: Medical and Surgical Management of The Hoof ~ By Andrea Floyd DVM (Author), Richard Mansmann VMD PhD (Author) For the equine podiatrist student or horse care professional

Visit our Books page to read the reviews on these books and browse books on equine health recommended by our therapists.