Kira Leese Equine Podiatry

22/08/2024

I thought id introduce myself and what I do!

My name is Kira and I am an Integrated Equine Podiatry student with the wonderful Areion Academy🦄. I am due to qualify middle of 2025!
I am based near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 and will be covering north east Scotland (and potentially further).

what is an equine podiatrist?

An ‘EP’ provides a functional barefoot trim for all equines, from pet ponies or donkeys to top sport horses, no matter the discipline. But an ep’s role is more than just that! They take a whole horse approach to hoof care.

As the saying goes ‘no hoof no horse’

There’s more to it than just a good trim. Many factors can affect hoof quality, diet, environment, movement and whole horse health. An EP is educated on and can therefore advise and work with the horses guardian on diet and environment, they look for concerns with movement and other health issues and refer to and work with vets, farriers and other specialists.
They can help find and fit hoof boots where needed or desired, some ep’s even have fit kits to help find the perfect ones!

What qualifications do equine podiatrists have?

In the UK there isn’t currently a national governing body like there is for some other equine professionals. For equine podiatrists there’s accredited ‘schools’ providing education and qualifications in equine podiatry. So as with any equine professional it is important to research their qualifications, experience and reputation.

For me to qualify as an equine podiatrist I have to complete a 2 1/2 year in depth course including education on not just the feet but the whole horse, environment and nutrition! It means passing regular assignments, case studies and exams.

So if you don’t shoe your horse or want to transition to barefoot an equine podiatrist might be a very good fit!