Emily Whelan - Equine Podiatrist

16/09/2025

20/08/2025

Whoopiieeee, this is great news!

We’ve been working behind the scenes the last few months on even more services we can offer…. 👷🏼‍♀️🥷🏼

Finally, it is here….

🌟‼️ hoof boot trial service ‼️🌟

Take our range of Hoof Boots out for a test ride. With our 14-day trial, you can get to grips with your fitter’s advised Hoof Boots, try out Hoof Boots before committing to ownership, or simply use a pair for your next pleasure ride or endurance event 🥳🥹

For more information👇🏼👇🏼
🔗 https://thehoofbootshop.co.uk/trial

14/08/2025

It’s been a minute, and I apologize for the lack of posts!
I’ve been quiet because it’s summer… and most in hoofcare know that summers can be a bit hectic. It’s when hoofcare pros are most at risk for burn out, and when the heat, humidity, bugs, and hoof issues can get to us.

I’ve made an observation lately that there are two kinds of hooves I see emerging in summer… ones that seem to get healthier and stronger in dryer weather, with rock hard walls and frogs, and feet that seem to absolutely fall apart and become less and less comfortable.

I think many of you would be able to pick out what causes the difference between the two…
Grass and metabolic issues.

The vast majority of the time, horses I see on grass in the summer, especially overgrazed paddocks, will have issues - whether as “benign” as thrush, hoof sensitivity, or some “seedy toe,” or as serious as laminitis and founder. The sugar levels in the grass push so many horses over the edge into uncontrolled metabolic issues, and we see the feet suffer.

But some horses seem to have feet that fall apart in July/August without explanation - no access to grass, no change in diet, even those with the best living environments… and in those cases, I typically end up seeing vets diagnosing PPID (Cushing’s) or seeing that their bloodwork is above range due to the seasonal rise and that their pergolide dosage needs to be adjusted. These horses can become sore “out of nowhere” or suddenly have hoof issues they didn’t have earlier in the year.

If your horse suddenly can’t handle walking over gravel, or has thrush you just can’t kick even with treatment and a good environment, or maybe they’re losing some topline or drinking and peeing just a bit more than normal…. Consider their metabolic health. Test them for non-fasted insulin and an endogenous (baseline) ACTH test and rule out metabolic concerns.

Your hoofcare provider will thank you!

13/08/2025

Before & After ➡️

As most of my clients’ horses are on a regular trim cycle, I rarely need to use my hoof knife to remove unexfoliated sole these days.

However, after our recent prolonged spell of dry weather, many horses have developed a build-up of retained sole — that’s the layer of old, dead sole that hasn’t naturally flaked away. In dry conditions, this sole can become hard and compacted, staying in place longer than usual.

Here in Cornwall we had a little rain not so long ago, this bit of moisture was enough to soften the hoof, and you may have noticed your horse’s soles starting to shed in large chunks. This is the hoof’s natural exfoliation process catching up.

As you can see this lovely lady had quite a bit of retained, dead sole that needed a little helping hand. She’s now good to go with her freshly trimmed feet. 🐴✨

08/08/2025

A brilliant opportunity for someone ☺️.

🐴 Want a Career with Horses That Actually Makes a Difference?
💭 Ever dreamt of working for yourself, spending your days with horses, and doing genuinely meaningful work in one of the most beautiful corners of the UK?
👀 We’re looking for a student to join us on the West Coast of Scotland, someone ready to train as an Equine Podiatrist, learn from experienced practitioners, and start building a career that’s as rewarding as it is respected.
🖱 Drop me a message to find out more.

06/08/2025

Top Image: 1st Trim – Bottom Image: 3rd Trim

We still have a little way to go, but the caudal development that’s started to take place in these feet after just three trims is really encouraging.

06/08/2025

28/07/2025

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a David Landreville- On the Vertical hoof building clinic here in the UK.

It was a fantastic couple of days filled with thoughtful discussions and plenty of food for thought. Watching and listening to David as he walked us through his thought process was incredibly insightful, particularly his focus on what the horse and hoof need to support long-term, healthy, functional improvements. I’ll definitely be keeping these ideas in mind when working to help the horses in my care.

One thing I really loved about David’s approach was the way he interacted with each individual horse, allowing them the freedom and opportunity to communicate with him, actively seeking their feedback throughout the trim to ensure they were comfortable and feeling good about the changes being made to their feet.

It was a lovely atmosphere this weekend and a really positive learning experience, I've certainly come away with lots to think about going forward in my hoof care journey.

A big thank you to David, Strong Foundations Hoof Care and everyone involved in organising such a fantastic event!