Cath's Testimonial

Horse and Pony Foot Care / Trimming / Behaviour Training

Nicky has trimmed my Welsh Sec D Dafydd since April 2012, taking over from another barefoot trimmer. Dafydd has challenging feet, not in shape but in strength of soles and hoof wall. When he was shod he struggled to keep shoes on, and the year of being barefoot before being under Nicky’s care had not been comfortable for him because of his weak soles.

Dafydd and Baby David

Under Nicky’s care every aspect of his diet was changed, with Nicky explaining every step of the changes thoroughly so I understood exactly why the changes were necessary and would be committed to maintaining those changes. His production of growth rings reduced and the strength of his hoof wall hugely improved. However by July 2013 his soles still weren’t strong enough for him to be comfortable barefoot, except on arena surfaces, so as I have struggled to successfully use barefoot hoof boots, I made the decision to go back to metal shoes. Nicky’s professionalism showed when she insisted on doing a “handover” to the farrier and stayed for his first shoeing to make sure Dafydd was in the best hands.

Me, trimming Baby David

Baby David's foot

My miniature Shetland pony, BabyDavid, presented different challenges. Nicky has been trimming him since his purchase in May 2013. At only 3yrs old and with minimal previous handling, just picking his feet was a struggle. Being only 30in tall also meant working with his feet was very different to a typical horse’s. So trimming him was physically difficult, and his behavioural problems only made this harder.

Small thing, strong character

Nicky has been very patient and we have worked together to improve his reaction to being handled. Nicky has also had to adapt her use of barefoot equipment to cope with such a tiny client, and to ensure that he remained comfortable and happy throughout each trim. His behaviour has improved with each trim which proves that her patient and kind handling works.

Cath

Photos by Thierry Vincent