Equine podiatrist vs farriers

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Rescuingdawn

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I know there is a bit of controversy around this - so please be mindful with your comments.

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are (and if anyone has been in a similar position) on the following:

I have had farriers most of my (horse's) life - up until a year ago when I moved counties and decided to go the equine podiatrist (EP) route as I resonated with the ideology. We started working with a student EP (3+ years into her studies) who seemed knowledgeable and dedicated. I am no hoof expert myself so I will let the experts create a plan and do their work - but I do ask questions, raise concerns etc.

All was going well until now. In the last 2 months my mare has developed some pretty big cracks in all her feet. Our EP told me that there is nothing to worry about and to just keep them clean and moisturised etc. I even asked to shorten our trim cycle - she was hesitant but agreed to a 5 week cycle (I was pushing for 4).

3 weeks in, the cracks are getting worse and spreading out. I message my EP and raise my concerns - asking if we can bring out trim forward. She replies (3 days later) that she is unavailable and that I need to wait until our appointment. Every day, the cracks are getting worse, at this point - half of my horses hoof wall has chipped and fallen off on one hoof - and the others are also in a dire state. I have messaged my EP again with photos of my horse's current - no reply. I am clearly distressed and worried about the lasting damage that this can cause to my mare's feet. I'm honestly having sleepless nights. You won't believe the state of her feet... despite my best efforts!

Fortunately, I have lined up another well-recommended farrier to come tomorrow - so fingers crossed we have a solid plan to bring my mare's feet back to normality. Safe to say, I do not want anything to do with this EP ever again but is there an issue with duty of care here? I don't want to go and slander her name on social media but I am worried about her lack of professionalism and care for my horse's wellbeing - she could easily do this to someone else. Should I steer clear of EPs altogether?
 
Rescuingdawn said:
Should I steer clear of EPs altogether?
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Whoever is best in your area and comes with a recommendation from someone using them.

My experience is the opposite of TPs soI would avoid farriers altogether.

Had 2 terrible experiences that left my previous horse non weight bearing and recently my horse's feet went downhill really quickly when I used the yard farrier when my usual trimmer was off.

4 farriers, 3 did actual harm, 4th was okish but was too unreliable.
2 trimmers both were good and showed up.
 
Re the cracks, many horses are currently developing hoof cracks due to the prolonged dry spell. They do need dealing with in case they get worse.

Does your EP not have a professional FB page? Who recommended her to you in the first place? Try typing her name into Google, add equine podiatrist and see what results you get.

It is not illegal for people to trim horse’s feet without having any professional qualifications at all.
 
When I was a young lady with her first horse who had an injury from shoes, I enlisted the services of an EP, she was incredibly well thought of and had set up one of the registered bodies.

Horse was never fully sound. (And she is the only person who has ever hit one of my horses with a rasp)

Moved yards and tried another. Horse was never fully sound.

Tried a farrier, horse much improved, eventually put fronts back on. Horse fixed.
 
It would be helpful to have some idea of the problem if you could post a couple of pics of the top/side and of the sole so we have some idea as to how bad they are.
I would expect a trimmer to have given you a rasp and shown you how to keep the edge rolling round which along with soaking should have prevented too much, or even any, damage. (with the proviso that there is no other problem that has not been mentioned)
Rescuingdawn said:
but is there an issue with duty of care here?
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I don't think anyone can comment without seeing what we are talkin about or how bad they are.
 
Go off word of mouth, I’ve seen some brilliant trims from an excellent farrier and same from a barefoot trimmer and I’ve seen appalling trims from both too. It’s not as easy as either or.b I’m sorry you’re having this stress ☹️
 
Cracks and breaking off don't worry me too much in barefoot horses but it does sound like they've got too long, which given you're on quite a short trim cycle is odd. Photos would be helpful.

My farrier is local and has come out a few times to put an emergency shoe back on my shod one. He'd be out quickly to the barefoot one if I needed him. Is your trimmer local?
 
Personally I have had more success with EP's than farriers - the EP that I have now is fantastic, I can message her whenever about any concerns and she'll respond mega fast, even if it's at stupid o clock at night x I found her through word of mouth x
 
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