Natalie Sargeant : DAEP

10/06/2025

For my clients who are wondering how I got on with the National Three Peaks Challenge, this weekend just passed …

Ben Nevis – completed in 5 hours 30 minutes.
Scafell Pike – completed in 3 hours 50 minutes.
Snowdon – not attempted.

I'm super proud to have conquered two of the highest peaks in the UK, and I did it all in my barefoot hiking boots! Unfortunately, by the time we set off to Wales, my hip flexors had checked out completely. It just wasn’t safe for me or my sister to carry on in the dark, so we made the tough but right call to stop.
Still, what an adventure! 🏔️💪

Here are some photos from the journey.

Next year: round two, stronger, fitter, and ready to complete all three!

14/05/2025

If I’m on the schedule to visit you in the coming weeks and we don't get the rain we’re hoping for, I’d really appreciate it if you could sponge your horse’s hooves with water before I arrive.
Dry hooves can be incredibly tough on your wrists. It’s felt like I’m trimming through rock, and my tools are taking a beating! A quick rinse can make a big difference and help me give your horse the best trim possible.

12/05/2025

My books are full

After much consideration, I’ve made the decision to officially close my books to new clients.
This comes with mixed emotions. I’m deeply grateful to be fully booked with dedicated, long-term clients whom I’ve had the privilege of supporting on their barefoot journey. At the same time, it’s bittersweet not being able to take on more.
As we enter the busy season with shorter trim cycles, holiday breaks, and scheduled time off to spend with my young family, taking on additional work would compromise the quality of service my current clients deserve. Everyone is booked well in advance to ensure consistent, reliable care while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

08/05/2025

Can you find your horses digital pulse?

The digital pulse is a valuable tool for assessing hoof health. On a healthy hoof, it may be faint or even difficult to detect. This is completely normal. However, once you’ve successfully located it, it becomes much easier to find with practice.

Try checking your horse’s digital pulse daily before exercise for at least a week. This helps you get a clear sense of their normal, resting pulse. By becoming familiar with your horse’s baseline, you’ll be better prepared to notice subtle changes that may indicate a developing issue.

A strong, bounding, or throbbing pulse can be an early sign of inflammation, bruising, an abscess, or laminitis.

The best place to find the digital pulse can vary slightly depending on your horse’s conformation and how much feathering is present. There are many helpful videos online that offer step-by-step guidance.

The photo shown highlights my preferred location for finding the digital pulse, particularly useful on heavy breeds or horses with thick feathering.
If you’re ever unsure, always consult your vet or hoof care professional. Early detection can make all the difference.

06/05/2025

One photo only tells part of the story. You can’t see how the horse moves, what it eats, where it lives, or the months of work that may have gone into that hoof. No other hoof angles, no history, and no clue if it’s a mare, a gelding, or a retired unicorn.
You don’t know if it’s the first setup trim or a year into the journey. You’re not seeing the starting point or the goal. Hoof care is a process of constant improvement and ongoing management.
To give trim advice from one photo is like diagnosing lameness from a silhouette. It might sound confident, but it misses the bigger picture.

Context matters.

Hoof care isn’t one size fits all.

28/04/2025

Do you think I will get another day out of these gloves 🤔 😅

15/04/2025

Two years ago, this horse had his shoes removed off and stayed off. This is now what they look like two years later. If only I could show you what your horses hoof might be like in the future, more will follow.

09/04/2025

This is just an update regarding my price change. I've either told you four times or none at all😅 However I do feel like I've spoken to all clients face to face that my price has now increased by £5. Fuel price is staying the same.

photo to grab attention.
Before and after, in the middle of winter, on a track system.

13/01/2025

I am currently making my way through messagers and getting everyone booked back in from last week's snow nightmare!

On a positive note, I've finally been able to get a mini stand for all my mini clients!

07/01/2025

Morning all.

With the snow, then rain and now freezing temperatures can everyone booked this week, update me on the roads to get to you. Thank you 😊

11/11/2024

18/09/2024

Each horse transitions out of shoes differently. Not all horses are the same.

There are no amount of photos that would show you how much this horses foot was pulled out in front of the limb. not so much a long toe but rather a very long foot.

The heels had migrated forward with not much sole depth. The hoof wall growth was flat, which in return made bringing the foot back under the limb even harder.

Addressing each weakened structure to improve function was going to take a long time for this horse.

As you can see, we are over a year in and have come so far.

Photos are of both fronts.