Emily Whelan - Equine Podiatrist

27/01/2025

The Digital Cushion's Vital Role

Did you know that the digital cushion in a horse's hoof plays a crucial role in shock absorption and blood circulation? This unique structure is made up of a mix of elastic, fibrous, and fatty tissues. The digital cushion acts like a natural gel pad, helping to protect the bones and joints from impact while also aiding in the horse's overall hoof health.

20/01/2025

A little before and after:
Focusing on restoring and promoting central sulcus health in this pony's hooves.

If left unchecked, a deep central sulcus creates the perfect environment for bacteria and microbes to thrive, leading to compromised frog tissue which can eventually result in pain, discomfort, and even lameness in the worse cases.

To complete the treatment, "Hoof Stuff" was applied as a topical solution to help prevent dirt and bacteria 🦠 from accumulating in the central sulcus, supporting a cleaner and healthier environment for healing.

19/01/2025

Feet's of all shapes, sizes & health this weekend.
Some rock crunching long time barefooters 💪, one laminitis rehab and a first ever trim for one beautiful little lady.

14/01/2025

Proprioception and Hoof Health

Did you know that a horse's hoof contains specialised structures that contribute to proprioception? These structures help the horse sense the position and movement of its limbs, aiding in balance and coordination. Barefoot hooves with their natural form and function enhance this sensory feedback, promoting overall hoof health and mobility.

15/12/2024

The meaning of charity at Christmas.. this is a long post but please do take the time to read and share.

Recently, one of our wonderful customers, Hannah, sent us a pair of Cavallo Cute Little Boots that didn't suit her smallest equine. She asked us to find a new home for them as she had no use for them and wanted to donate them to someone in need.

Being based in the South West, we have several equine charities that are local to Hoof Bootique. However, due to the boots being so tiny (M1 Regular - 70cm maximum!) there was one charity that immediately came to mind. Everyone, please go and follow Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue.

Munchkins are currently caring for 62 of our smallest equine companions, many of whom have serious health conditions that mean they cannot be rehomed. We are sending Hannah's tiny hoof boots to them, so even if they do not fit any of their residents, they can auction them to raise much needed funds AND the hoof boots will find a new home.

On top of this, Cavallo themselves reached out to us asking if we had any stories we wished to share. We just had to tell them about Hannah's generosity! Cavallo have also offered to give Munchkins gift vouchers to auction off alongside the hoof boots, to try and raise as much money as possible this winter.

In the South West, we have recently suffered our first few winter storms and Munchkins were hit hard by Storm Bert. Their brand new track system, a lifeline for so many of their ponies, was all but destroyed! They have set up a Go Fund Me page, which we would appreciate being shared far and wide. If you can spare a few pounds this Christmas, please give these guys a chance to rebuild.

https://gofund.me/c90c44a6

Photo Credit: Lucas Barribal (seriously talented equine photographer!)

If you have hoof boots that are in good condition and you wish to donate them, please send them through to us (with a note so we know your wishes) and we'll do the rest. You can find our postal address here: https://hoofbootique.co.uk/returns-policy/

01/12/2024

A little hoof appreciation from this weekend ❤️.

28/11/2024

When looking at horses' feet, we rarely see ones that are perfectly symmetrical. Even if it is subtle, there may be a slightly steeper wall, or a side that is a bit more worn. At the end of a cycle, we can often see the way that hoof has worn over the last however many weeks - maybe a toe worn a bit to one side, or a flare creeping up if the cycle has been a bit long.

As a hoofcare provider, I am always looking to see what these patterns might be telling me, and how I can improve each horse's feet to the best of my ability with what that horse has for conformation, previous injuries, environment in regards to turn out, etc.

Because of this, I have always been fascinated with Ula Krzanowska's posts on "The Hoof Architect," and how Ula sees various patterns in feet and is able to identify them and label them to a specific conformation or how the body is put together above those feet. I reached out to her to chat about her architecture background, how it has helped her with hoofcare, and some common patterns she sees.

You can hear the entire conversation on any podcast app under "The Humble Hoof," or directly at this link: https://thehumblehoof.com/2024/11/22/recognizing-patterns-in-hooves/

And if you want to meet Ula in person, we have a few limited spots left for our clinic next year in Amesbury, MA! You can learn more and register at thehumblehoof.com/product/clinic .

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:

Equithrive offers supplements for everything from metabolic health to joint support – get 20% off your first order at equithrive.com with code HUMBLEHOOF

Cavallo Hoof Boots is offering 15% off a pair of Trek hoof boots at cavallo-inc.com with code HRN

A special shout out to Grid as New, Mud Control Grids – they are a game changer for any mud issues, big or small! – mudcontrolgrids.com

Also be sure to check out HayBoss Feeders – haybossfeeders.com – for all your slow-feeding needs. I get my Hay Boss feeders from Mountain Lane Farm in NH!

20/11/2024

17/11/2024

23/10/2024

15/10/2024

06/10/2024

6 months into recovery.

I first met this little pony back in March this year.
She was 7/10th lame having suffered an injury to her fetlock joint, which left her unsound with limited joint flexion. Her ongoing lameness, along with possible environmental factors, likely contributed to the significant pedal bone rotation seen in the image above. As a result, she developed high/low hoof pathology: a tall, upright hoof capsule on the unsound limb due to lack of flexion and loading, and a long toe with underrun heels on the supporting limb.

Each visit her soundness and comfort improved, so I was delighted that on our most recent visit in Sept to see her zooming around her track system, fully sound.

Looking forward to seeing that new horn growth hit the floor.

04/10/2024

01/10/2024

Several of our members are currently undertaking Masters in Equine Science (how cool is that?). Catherine Bradley is asking for your help with this one:
"Hoof care can be a dangerous profession. This international survey is designed to ask how equines injure Hoof Care Professionals (HCPs) and how HCPs perceive equine behaviour.
Please take 10-15 minutes to complete the survey, either by clicking on the link below, or by scanning the QR code. Please feel free to share the link to other HCPs that you think may be
interested in participating.
Thank you for your contribution!
Catherine Bradley (final year Equine Science MSc student, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies)"
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/edinburgh/injuries-and-undesirable-equine-behaviourduring-shoeing-trimm

28/09/2024

1st and 4th trim.

Really excited about this lovely Shire's progress.

I have often shared examples of contracted heels, however, some horses, particularly the heavier breeds can actually suffer with the opposite problem of over expanded heels.

In these cases the frog is receiving too much of the weight bearing load and as a consequence grows too big. This can cause the heels to distort pushing them outwards and puts extra pressure in the quarters.

25/09/2024

April - September 2024

I'm delighted with the caudal development that is taking place in these tootsies. Slowly saying farewell to those low heels & long toes.

Her owner has done an amazing job of implementing an environment that encourages movement, offers diversity and exposure to different surfaces all of which help to condition her feet.

Regular bodywork has also played a really positive role in the changes we see above.