We specialise in Equine Podiotherapy, a holistic approach that uses physiologically correct trimming to treat and prevent hoof-related issues.
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EQUINE PODIOTHERAPY
Equine Podiotherapy is a specialised, science-backed approach to hoof care that focuses on restoring and maintaining the foot's natural structure and function for lifelong soundness. This holistic practice uses physiologically correct, barefoot trimming methods that support optimal biomechanics and respect the hoof’s anatomy.
By focusing on the whole horse, Equine Podiotherapy addresses how hoof issues can lead to secondary problems like gait abnormalities. It promotes a balanced, robust hoof capable of efficiently absorbing pressure, especially in the caudal hoof, or "landing gear," which is vital for shock absorption.
The barefoot philosophy behind podiotherapy encourages the natural expansion and contraction of the hoof capsule, improving circulation and long-term resilience. The trimming techniques are tailored to the modern domestic horse, delivering both soundness and performance longevity without the limitations of traditional metal shoes.
WHAT CONDITIONS/PATHOLOGIES CAN AN EQUINE PODIOTHERAPIST TREAT?
Equine Podiotherapy offers comprehensive care for a wide spectrum of hoof issues and lameness conditions, extending beyond routine maintenance to address complex problems. Owners typically seek these specialised services for horses experiencing lameness related to the foot, as well as for those who prefer to maintain their horses shoeless or with polyshoes.
The practice is equipped to treat and manage a diverse array of conditions, with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation and achieving lasting soundness.
Below are a list of the common issues and treatments we offer:
COMMON ISSUES & TREATMENTS
Lameness Issues (Foot-Related): Pain or abnormality in gait originating from the hoof.
Lameness Issues (Foot-Related): Pain or abnormality in gait originating from the hoof.
How Podiotherapy Helps Foot Related Lameness Issues:
Physiologically correct trimming, gait analysis, and holistic management to restore balance and alleviate discomfort.
Hoof Abscesses: Localised bacterial infections within the hoof capsule.
How Podiotherapy Helps Hoof Abscesses:
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White Line Disease: Fungal or bacterial infection causing separation of the hoof wall.
How Podiotherapy Helps White Line Disease:
Strategic trimming to expose and remove affected tissue, combined with anti-fungal/bacterial treatments and environmental recommendations.
Canker: Chronic, proliferative infection of the frog and sole.
How Podiotherapy Helps Canker:
Careful debridement of diseased tissue, application of topical treatments, and strict hygiene protocols.
Chronic Laminitis: Inflammatory condition affecting the laminae, leading to pain and structural changes.
How Podiotherapy Helps Chronic Laminitis:
Rehabilitative trimming to realign internal structures, support the pedal bone, and reduce inflammation, often with boot use.
Hoof Capsule Shift: Displacement or distortion of the hoof capsule relative to internal structures.
How Podiotherapy Helps Hoof Capsule Shift:
Precision trimming to correct imbalances and encourage proper growth and alignment.
Keratoma: Benign tumor within the hoof wall.
How Podiotherapy Helps Keratoma:
Management through trimming to alleviate pressure, and support during potential veterinary intervention if surgical removal is required.
Navicular Syndrome / Caudal Foot Pain: Pain in the back of the foot, often involving the navicular bone and associated structures.
How Podiotherapy Helps Navicular Syndrome / Caudal Foot Pain:
Trimming to optimise breakover, enhance caudal hoof function, and promote development of the digital cushion and frog.
Osteitis (Pedal Bone Infection): Inflammation or infection of the coffin bone.
How Podiotherapy Helps Osteitis (Pedal Bone Infection):
Supportive trimming and environmental management to aid recovery post-veterinary treatment.
"Seedy Toe": Separation of the hoof wall at the white line, often due to infection.
How Podiotherapy Helps "Seedy Toe":
Trimming to remove compromised wall, promote healthy growth, and prevent further separation.
Sheared Heels & Infected Frog: Uneven heel growth and bacterial/fungal infection of the frog.
How Podiotherapy Helps Sheared Heels & Infected Frog:
Corrective trimming to balance heels, improve frog health, and address underlying causes of infection.
Shunted Heel / Caudo Medial Overload: Imbalanced loading on one side of the hoof, leading to distortion.
How Podiotherapy Helps Shunted Heel / Caudo Medial Overload:
Precision trimming to redistribute weight evenly and encourage symmetrical hoof development.
Soreness Without Shoes: Discomfort experienced when a horse is barefoot.
How Podiotherapy Helps Soreness Without Shoes:
Identification and correction of underlying structural weaknesses or inflammation, often with temporary hoof boot use for comfort.
Incorrect Hoof Development: Abnormal growth patterns (e.g., toe-first landing).
How Podiotherapy Helps Incorrect Hoof Development:
Trimming to encourage physiological landing, proper breakover, and balanced hoof growth.
Long Toes: Excessive length of the toe, affecting breakover and limb mechanics.
How Podiotherapy Helps Long Toes:
Strategic trimming to shorten the toe, improve breakover, and alleviate strain on tendons and ligaments.
EQUINE PODIOTHERAPY
Many of the issues causing soreness or lameness are correctable through a targeted approach.
The Equine Podiotherapy methodology often incorporates the use of hoof boots, which provide immediate comfort to the horse while the underlying root cause of the soreness is addressed, facilitating long-term hoof health improvement.
While each case is unique, significant improvements in hoof health are typically observed within 6 to 12 months following shoe removal, with gradual, continued improvement year after year through consistent management, appropriate diet, and conditioning. Visual evidence of these successful outcomes can be reviewed through various case studies.
IS EQUINE PODIOTHERAPY RIGHT FOR YOUR HORSE AND YOU?
Equine Podiotherapy works best when it’s a team effort—a true partnership between you (the owner), your horse, and your podiotherapist. The most successful outcomes happen when everyone involved is committed to working together, often with the support of your horse’s wider care network—this might include a bodyworker, nutritionist, or veterinarian.
Because hoof health and lifelong soundness don’t happen overnight, this approach requires time, consistency, and dedication from the owner. It’s about making small, ongoing changes that add up to big, long-term results for your horse’s comfort, movement, and wellbeing.
To get the best possible results for both horse and owner, I work with clients who:
- Are committed to their horse’s long-term hoof health and overall wellbeing.
- Understand that rehabilitation is a process, not a quick fix.
- Are open to making changes in management, diet, and environment if needed.
- Provide a safe, workable area for trimming and consultation.
- Value a collaborative approach and welcome input from other equine professionals.
If this sounds like you, then Equine Podiotherapy may be exactly what you and your horse need to take the next step toward soundness and performance longevity.
What My Clients Say
Clare has been so kind and patient in helping with my nervous young horse who is extremely phobic of new people and had previous negative experiences. She has managed to earn his trust quickly and I am so grateful and pleased that we can now get on track and create new positive experiences for him.
I'm so glad we found Clare. My horses hoofs were all over the place, under run heels etc and a small crack was a concern. My horse was quite nervous of farriers. Clare was so considerate of my mares needs and developed a plan to improve her hoof health. Now around 5 months in, her hooves have improved so much and no tenderness or issues to speak of. They look fantastic too. Happy horse, happy owner. my mare seems to love Clare and smooches up to her after shes done, which is unusual for my super independent girl!
Clare has been absolutely amazing with my mare. Willow has had some past trauma leading to very challenging behaviour when trimming her feet. Clare has been incredible gaining Willows trust and in Clare's words, having quiet conversations, being patient and having gentle energy, Clare can get the trim done. Willows feet are now at the correct length, look fantastic and her behaviour improves with every trim. I could not be happier. Thank you, Clare, from Sue and Willow.
Clare has been trimming my boy since May 2025 and has been nothing short of amazing. Clare is kind, gentle and patient and any concerns, no matter how small, are always taken on board and addressed. I'm very happy with how reliable and consistent she is.
Cannot recommend Clare highly enough! She has been trimming my young gelding who had some confidence issues balancing with feet off the ground. Clare has always been so patient and gentle with him and his confidence continues to grow.
Clare is a fantastic, caring and very knowledgeable hoof professional. She has taken my horse from being very uncomfortable walking on hard surfaces, to navigating rocky terrain with confidence in just a few short months. She has also corrected the angles of our pony’s hind feet which has greatly improved her movement and comfort. Wouldn’t trust anyone else with our horses’ feet! Thanks Clare ❤️
