Emma Baker; Equine Podiatry DEP MEPA

15/08/2026

The only thing that’s certain in this game; there is no one way or the highway!

Some people may have you believe that everyone has it wrong….but they forget to tell these guys 🫣

I don’t have all the answers but I have an open mind and a willingness to learn.

More confidence than curiosity is a dangerous combination & horses will suffer as a result.

11/08/2026

Wonderful words written by a good friend and colleague.

Today's post has been kindly submitted by equine podiatrist Christian Egeler

Many people have discovered the increased sensation, better circulation and improved foot function when going barefoot.
So, what about horses?
Metal shoes or barefoot?
After a career applying principles of physiology, anatomy and function in the medical profession, it has been a fascinating journey to discover the wonders of the equine hoof. The adaptation over centuries of evolution towards a propulsion system that maximises energy efficiency, whilst ensuring blood supply to structures that have a high metabolic demand, doubling as an efficient temperature regulation setting, and ensuring an exceptional feel for the ground horses travel over, is still not fully understood.

Feral, or wild horses, travel vast distances over varied terrain, sculpting hooves that can carry them and keep them out of danger, and all barefoot.

The domestication of horses for human needs over the centuries, and more recently for breeding practices as well as general husbandry 'ideals' have impacted on general health and hoof health as a result. Too many horses being overweight, having prediabetic issues (EMS) or Cortisol dysfunction (PPID); fed on grass that is too rich. Most are not given the movement they need. As a result, laminitis is all too common, and significant hoof pathologies are frequent.

So, what is the key to improving foot health?
As an Equine Podiatrist, after a 2 year diploma course (Lantra level 5) I don't just focus on trimming the hoof into a pleasing shape.
As the saying goes:
'No hoof no horse' - but more importantly:
No gut, no hoof, no horse.

So, I start with nutrition, ensure a healthy gut biome, which in turn provides for good hoof health, which ensures a strong hoof ready to take on what comes their way. Trimming is part of this, mainly to encourage graded stimulation to bring hoof structures back to health.
Frequent trims in situations where the foot is unhealthy (flaring, cracks, seedy toes, white line disease, central sulcus infection, contracted heels, chronic laminitis) centres around balance, with good alignment of joints and optimising biomechanics. And, because domesticated horses don't get the movement they need to wear their feet naturally, the trim has to simulate that wear .
Using boots with pads to reduce wear when needed, to build up a strong sole and allow movement for recovering laminitics.
Working with equine bodyworkers to bring the whole body into balance is another aspect of my work.

So, can a horse always be barefoot?
Some ideologically minded barefoot trimmers will say absolutely, always, and never to use shoes. That however is not the reality. Some of my clients horses perform at high levels barefoot, but some horses, depending on the demand put on them and their genetic makeup, are better with glue on shoes or metal shoes.

As an Equine Podiatrist I am passionate about providing the best possible advise and trim, and have seen very satisfying outcomes in sometimes very difficult situations. I have also seen some of the horses under my care improve significantly with application of shoes.

As Hoof Care Professionals we must do what is best for the horse under our care, not what is best for our ego, so we have got to keep an open mind.

A last thought: Trimming horses means slipping in mud and breathing in dust, being covered in horse hair and dirt. It means rain, wind or heat exposure, shivering, thoroughly wet or sweating
It means cuts and bruises, being stomped on, kicked, bitten and headbutted.
A hard graft at the best of times, trimmers have a limited work life expectancy, and back pain, arthritic hands and injuries are common.

So, why do I do it; leaving a clean, dry workplace for the above?
Because I get a cuddle from the horses, a friendly lick on the head.
Because I see improvement of hoof shape and function coupled with a trim that gets ever easier. Because I meet wonderful owners, passionate for their horses and get to be a part of their journey.

It is, after 30 years treating NHS patients, a way more satisfying job.

10/08/2026

With all this talk on DDFT’s and dropping heels, I couldn’t help but laugh and snap this wonderful picture of a client performing a DDFT test on himself ♥️🤣

Of course, there are countless situations where a horse will really appreciate having some height taken off the back of the foot, but this needs to be done carefully with consideration to the whole horse.

A marvellous, safe & very simple way of giving you an idea on how well the horse will cope with reducing the height of the heels is to place something under the toe and see how they respond.

Some horses will lean into it, relax, yawn, lick & chew or shake their head (or be completely unaware as this horse was today!)

In which case, it should be safe to proceed.

Others may sn**ch their foot back up, resist the test and/or simply won’t weight the heels when something is placed under the toe.

🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

Reducing the height of those heels may not be what that horse needs right now.

Look for other options in your tool box to manage the situation….(boots & pads for example).

It’s so easy to do & may give you some really important feedback.

In the comments, I will post a video of a pony not wanting to weight his heels when something was placed under his toe. In this scenario on that day, we don’t proceed with dropping the heels.

09/08/2026

Let’s talk about bullnoses, P3 angles, rotational laminitis & if the pedal bone…..

💥💥💥💥REALLY WILL ONLY ROTATE WHEN IN A HYPER POSITIVE ANGLE?💥💥💥💥

Let’s look at a case in which I believe the horse rotated whilst in a NEGATIVE plantar angle….

⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️

Picture A shows a horse that I took on with bullnoses in both hind feet & then the bullnoses grown out a few trim cycles later.

Bullnoses are identified by the dome shape of the dorsal wall. They indicate a ‘high toe plane’. The toe is growing ‘proximal’. Toe height not length. That’s an important distinction. Picture B shows the difference between toe height and toe length.

A bullnose indicates a negative palmer/plantar angle. The high toe pushes the tip of P3 up & the back of P3 down. Picture C shows an x ray of this. I appreciate it’s not a fantastic x ray but I think you’ll get the idea. A quick google search will show you more.

This is the opposite of a positive palmer angle when the heels are too high (stating the obvious I know).

Some would have you believe that rotation will only happen when you have a hyper positive P3 angle - ie high heels. And the fix and prevention of rotation is to keep the heels low and the palmer angle ground parallel.

Whilst I agree that in most cases, where safe to do so, dropping the heels can be fantastic first aid after a rotational event but I have found no evidence to suggest it is prevention or cure.

Some would have you believe that low heels will STOP rotation and therefore it is safe to ignore environmental safety advise (such as careful grazing), as long and you apply the correct trim.

Hmmmm….picture D.

This was a little pony that I took on many years ago. I was introduced to her a few months after her initial laminitic event. The top picture shows my first visit with her. The bottom was a few trim cycles after.

In the top picture, you can clearly see where the initial laminitic event happened, a clear change in dorsal wall angle.

Look at the dorsal wall PRIOR to the laminitic event. That looks very much like a bullnose to me?! Did this horse have a negative palmer angle before it rotated? I think quite likely yes.

Look at the angle of the event line at the initial laminitic event. There is absolutely no suggestion that this pony had high heels prior to its rotational event.

I do not have x rays of this pony, prior to or after the laminitic event, but please, rather than looking for absolutes, just have a look at this with a bit of wonder and curiosity. It’s our curiosity and our ability to consider opposing views that will ultimately save lives.

08/08/2026

Hmmm, I made a mistake again.

Some of you may have seen the screen shot I shared in my previous post showing an ambiguous comment from a track livery owner. Someone found that screen shot rather unfair and upsetting. After a conversation, I decided to remove it.

Do I feel bullied or harassed into removing it?
No.

They had a fair point. Whilst I feel those who know, would have known the dangerous message implied, in that particular screen shot, no dangerous advice was given so it was unfair of me to imply that there was.

Will I be silenced? Absolutely not.

Whilst I will never intend on upsetting anyone, it is difficult to disagree with someone’s life work without anyone getting upset. The balance of how far we go and what side of the line you are willing to stand on is where it gets really tricky.

My feed is full of posts referring to ‘the dangerous misinformation out there’ and I will continue to point out my concerns. I feel compelled to be clear on my views regarding laminitis and its causes; my views are backed by decades of research, anecdotal evidence and lived experience.

My views and skills also get results. They save & enhance horses lives; that cannot be denied.

I also like to make my views clear to avoid being tarred with the same brush. I am always eager to work alongside other professionals where possible and the slander of them from some areas of industry is damaging to relationships I am trying to build. ‘The Barefoot Brigade is here again’ - can make it so difficult for me to help a horse that someone has asked me to look at.

I’m not only a HCP, I’m a horse mum and a horse welfare advocate. I care and I want to see these dangerous groups of people drowned out with better hoof care advice.

But maybe my power isn’t in SM.

What I do for the industry….

I give the very best care I can for the horses on my books & I believe my work makes a difference
I easily and consistently exceed my 40 hours of compulsory CPD every year
I educate owners and sometimes inspire them to become EP’s themselves.
I teach & mentor students at the EPT
I support members within the EPA; developing skills and supporting their welfare.
I am keeping on top of the politics of the industry; (actual politics - not FB ones!!) spending time interpreting & communicating my understanding of recent communications from DEFRA which will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the industry. This includes positively trying to collaborate with others.

I am doing more than my share to grow a safe & sustainable barefoot industry & I will continue.

06/08/2026

I made a mistake 😞

In a world which seems to be full of dangerous miss information, I thought I would share my unfortunate experience.

Over the last few months, Rio & Millie have been enjoying daily strips of grass/standing hay.

On Tuesday, whilst doing my daily chores with the girls, I was caught in a huge (welcomed) downpour, quickly followed by bright sun again.

As I moved the fence for their daily strip of grass, I took a moment of hesitation, concerned that this down pour might be enough to spike the sugars to an unmanageable level for them. As the girls are doing so well, it was a passing thought and I moved the fence as normal.

The following morning, my wonderful co-parent called me, worried about Rio. Firstly we thought she was a bit colicky but I soon noticed some weight shifting from foot to foot and then discovered she had visibly pounding pulses.

S**T!

I can not remember the last time Rio had sore feet and strong pulses - possibly 5 to 6 years ago, if not more!

She is now off the grass, booted and much more comfortable already.

I will keep you all posted but I suspect (and hope) this will settle down in a few days.

We have been aware of the correlation between grass and ground sensitivity/laminitis for decades; we have not imagined it.

Please be careful.

Video in comments of Rio’s digital pulses.

06/07/2026

A message to worried horse owners demanding more from the hoof care industry.

You are right. The bar needs to be raised.

Many have felt no option but to take matters into their own hands. A risky move and one that concerns me, but I understand the pressure.

But yesterday was an exciting day.

9 students with the EPT smashed their 1st year exams.

We also have fresh faced and bushy tailed Equine Podiatrist with Areion Academy released into the wild.

Training these guys takes time. Its a tough and complex job. We are growing, we are learning and horses will benefit.

Congratulations to you All!! 👏🙌
It’s a full house! 9/9 students passed the stage 2 exam and are cleared to start non-pathological case studies 👌
The exam is tough - preparing them for working professionally as an EP.
Communication, assessment, and trimming skills are all assessed. The students at this stage should be able to recognise common hoof defects, and be able to make basic appropriate recommendations for improvement to the hooves. Record keeping and working within health and safety parameters complete the skill set.
They will be looking for case studies in various areas so look out for requests!

23/06/2026

Here is something a little different….

Poor Daydream got chased by a loose dog who broke into her field & she came in lame. We suspected a damaged extensor tendon due to the hoof knuckling over. After a few weeks of rest and pain relief, there was little improvement so we decided to intervene.

We created a toe extension, preventing the hoof from knuckling & therefore stabilising the joint; in the hope we could get some recovery of the extensor tendon.

It’s taken a while (7 weeks) & a lot of commitment from her team, but we are all so thrilled with the results ☺️❤️‍🩹

Well done Daydream!

23/06/2026

If your HCP is booked in over the next few days, please look after them!

You will very rarely catch me complaining about rain & mud - this is why!!

This job in the summer is so tough - please help your HCP by….

- Providing shade/shelter (this will be mandatory in this heat!)
- Apply fly spray & be on hand to swat any flies you see (on your horse & HCP - gain permission first when on the bum 🫣)
- Additional distraction for the horse if needed so they will stand as quietly as possible (likit/bucket of feed)
- Patience. The job will take longer
- Extra point for an icy drink and offering to top up their sun cream!!

22/05/2026

If there is anything we promote within the EPA UK, it’s collaboration with other Equine professionals.

As HCP’s we really must work with others.

Awesome colleague here based in Somerset doing exactly that for the good of the horse.

A great CPD day with colleagues learning how saddle fit impacts hoof wear, movement and muscle health.

Facinating to see how a horse’s profile can improve with the use of shims as the interface between saddle and horse……allowing free movement and muscle development.