Downs Equine - Holisitc Hoofcare Ltd

01/04/2026

This is too funny not to share. But the serious message is, be very careful who you let touch your horses feet!!

BIG NEWS! A brand new Hoof School and trimming method is on the way, to save all your horses!
Welcome to Trickle Net's Hoofy Wonderful. The Dragon Method.

We've been very busy working behind the scenes on developing our new trim with cadaver limbs that don't actually function to prove we're wrong. Convenient!
Despite having no training whatsoever in this specialism, we have found that trimming the medial wall back to the hairy sole plexus and allowing the natural lateral flares to extend brings appropriate pressure application to the heart Chakra resulting in a healing aura which corrects any and all hoof pathology instantly.
We have the x rays to boggle you with, and we have been getting in some serious manipulation training to really hook in those owners who don't yet know any better.
We would like to point out, the success of this method also requires total management change. This involves natural free movement without confinement. Controlled and constant access to appropriate forage. Socialisation with other horses. Variety in ground surfaces and dry standing. Clean fresh air, and enrichment opportunities which promote natural behaviours and improve wellbeing.
However we need to assure you that NONE of this has anything to do with any healing. It is purely coincidence as the trim is obviously the magic answer.
Fortunately for us, there is still no legal control or regulation over who can work as a professional hoof trimmer. So we are good to go!
Line up guys. Our training course costs £2400 and lasts 2 days. It gives you all the skills you need to override any other experienced professional opinion and treat, oops sorry trim any equine.

Don't forget, it's Trickle Net Hoofy Wonderful. The Dragon Method.

01/03/2026

Sharing this gem from Equimotional Coaching:

A sign of emotional intelligence is the ability to laugh at yourself.

And honestly?

If you’re an equestrian… this isn’t optional. It’s survival.

Because being an equestrian is humbling on a daily basis.

You can spend thousands on lessons, clinics, saddles, supplements and self-development…

And still get dragged across a muddy gateway by something that weighs half a tonne and is frightened of a crisp packet.

You can carefully plan your week around rides, work, children, life admin…

And then your horse throws a shoe. Or pulls a muscle. Or decides today is not a “forward” kind of day.

You can be covered in mud, running on four hours sleep,
with hay in your hair and a bank balance that looks personally offended…

And still say, “Wouldn’t change it.”

You have to laugh.

At the 5am alarms. At the rug changes. At the fact you own more headcollars than handbags. At the way you can discuss manure consistency over lunch without blinking.

Because if you don’t laugh?

You’ll drown in perfectionism. Comparison. Imposter syndrome. The pressure to be better, braver, more consistent, more competitive.

Taking your responsibilities seriously ...your horse’s welfare, your own growth, your commitments ...

But holding your ego lightly?

That’s the real skill.

Because equestrian life will strip you back to who you actually are.

It teaches resilience. Adaptability. Humility. Perspective.

And the rider who can say, “Well. That was chaotic,”
brush themselves off,
and try again tomorrow…

That’s the rider who lasts.

So yes.

Take the horses seriously.

Take the learning seriously.

But yourself?

Laugh a little.

We’re all just grown adults spending our disposable income on animals that can’t use Google Maps.

And somehow…

We’re still the lucky ones.

23/02/2026

Be concious of the footing your horse spends a lot of time as it can have a dramatic affect on the quality of the horses hooves. We updated our footing in our yards to this pea metal. It’s only been down a couple of weeks but we are really happy with the difference it is making to our horses hoof health and the hardness of the sole. Our horses spend about 9-10 hours a day on this, and they are loving it.

19/02/2026

With the warm, wet weather we have been seeing a bit of this. Thrushy fogs….and maggots……..ewwwww! Make sure you are picking out the hooves as often as you can.

11/02/2026

All these composite shoes have to go onto horses next week. The Composite shoe popularity is growing……

30/01/2026

We were keeping these for Emma and her barbie pony, but decided they would look just as good on a dilute with a young rider who loves teal! I am definitely a teal fan too (Jason might need some this colour!)

01/01/2026

Happy New Year everyone. Let’s hope 2026 halter trains as easily as The Quartermaster.

27/10/2025

**Please note: This is a post warning owners about the lies being told about the causes of Laminitis. We are not interested in debating styles of trimming. We will take down any comments that discuss a particular style.**
**Laminitis can be caused by diet alone**
We are messaging this out in response to misinformation that has been purposely circulated on FB by a group in the UK. Usually we just do our own thing and not comment on other styles of trimming and beliefs. The claim was that “laminitis is not caused by diet.”However, this goes too far, it goes against research and veterinary practices and if picked up by the uneducated owner, it could cause serious problems for NZ horses that have already got a very green spring to deal with. Diet alone is enough to cause laminitis - there are of course other causes and factors to take into account, but specifically in New Zealand, please keep this at the forefront of your mind if you have a horse that could be prone to laminitis!

24/09/2025

One of the best parts of my job is getting the chance to make a difference in neglected ponies lives. This was what I dealt with today - one of two horses abandoned for over a year. Now rescued and getting a new start-over. Love my work….but not loving the mud!

12/09/2025

Does your horse struggle with seedy toe? Try Sole food! It contains active Manuka honey + Zinc, both great products that aid the healing and regrowth of the hoof whilst keeping bacteria out.
It’s simple to use just check out the video below ⬇️
$45 per 300g pot including postage just purchase from https://hoofcare.co.nz/shop/sole-food

Feel free to pm with questions!

10/09/2025

So this logic means I must always be on time ….. surely 😜

24/07/2025

And also today…..a 4x4. Composite shoes all-round!