18/05/2026
I’ve been doing this job a little while now and over the years I have taken on some absolute corkers. Horses that have found themselves in situations that no horse should.
These horses have not come from neglect, lack of love or lack of professional involvement.
They have found themselves stuck in a loop of approaches that have not worked for them.
So I changed the approach by following the basics of what I have been taught and that usually puts me in good stead.
The ironic thing is, none of these horses pictured have particularly stretched me technically, but what I often find funny is that the owners of some of these horses may think I am the best thing since sliced bread because of the dramatic turn around.
But do you know what actually challenges me?
Those horses that sit slightly uncomfortably within my approach. The ones that still show signs of ground sensitivity on a stoney path. The hoof walls that I wish were just a bit stronger. Those heels that just won’t develop that beautifully strong heel to bar connection that I love so much.
….and most importantly, remaining vigilant to those subtle signs of disfunction so we can respond BEFORE we hit big problems & making sure I have knowledge & alternatives to be able to respond appropriately.
And even then, sometimes, things just go a bit wrong.
Thats what challenges me & that’s what keeps me fresh, open minded and always learning.
There is not one way to do this job. If you come across anyone within the hoofcare industry who has more confidence than curiosity, please be careful, even if they have lots of these dramatic turnarounds behind them.
