Hooves on Track

Hooves on Track Tony McNamara DEP is a Suffolk based Equine Podiatrist, interested in a more holistic approach to hoof care.
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We offer advice on diet, rehabilitation and management, with a keen interest in track systems, promoting a more natural way of keeping horses.

31/05/2026

Welcome to a tour of our horse's home 🐴 We hope you enjoy it 🤎💛🖤🤍🧡

30/05/2026

A huge well done to our barefoot ambassadors, Thomas and Sarah Leggett, who were both out jumping at the Suffolk Show this week. 🐴 👏

Thomas jumped an awesome round in a huge Foxhunter class, finishing in 10th place which is an incredible result in such strong company. Sarah Leggett competed in the Inter Hunt Relay on behalf of the Hamilton Bloodhounds… and won which is fantastic! 🏆

There were some seriously impressive turns on grass, without a stud or shoe in sight. It just goes to show that horses do not need either to jump a decent height confidently on grass.

Barefoot, capable and performing beautifully.

Do you ever get that feeling you're being watched?! 🐴 🤎💛🖤🤍🧡
29/05/2026

Do you ever get that feeling you're being watched?! 🐴 🤎💛🖤🤍🧡

28/05/2026

She may be one of our littlest clients, but Pip makes a big difference. 🐴

Pip is one of seven horses, who, together with their human, offer equine assisted therapy to young people and adults in a gentle, grounded and meaningful way.

They’re an awesome bunch, and when they’re not busy helping humans, they live together on a track system with lots of natural movement, enjoying a relaxed herd life.

Tony has had the privilege of looking after their feet for years.

Small pony, very important job. 🤎

Our Barefoot Ambassadors, Sophie and Tex, competed at Hickstead yesterday for the National Schools Equestrian Associatio...
26/05/2026

Our Barefoot Ambassadors, Sophie and Tex, competed at Hickstead yesterday for the National Schools Equestrian Association Championships.

Things didn't go quite to plan, as Tex decided to try and head back towards his field buddy instead of jumping the fence, but mum said Sophie recovered things well and they did a super job, considering this was a big step up for both of them.

Well done to Sophie and Tex. Now you've got this experience under your belt, and we look forward to following your next adventure.

24/05/2026

After a nice cooling hose down, Tyson and Harry headed straight for a roll in the sand.

There’s something especially satisfying about watching them choose what feels good for their bodies whether that be a cool rinse, a roll or a stretch.

Simple enrichment, natural behaviour, and calm, healthy horses.

This spring has been exceptionally green, and we’re also seeing an exceptionally high number of laminitis cases. The two...
17/05/2026

This spring has been exceptionally green, and we’re also seeing an exceptionally high number of laminitis cases. The two are not unrelated.

For many owners, especially those on traditional livery yards, it can feel like an impossible balancing act. Grass needs to be restricted or, in many cases, removed completely, but horses still need movement, enrichment, and the company of other horses.

None of these are luxuries.

They are essential for the physical and emotional well-being of the horse. Successful laminitis management should not just be about taking something away, but finding a solution that keeps the horse safe while still allowing them to live like a horse as much as possible. Track systems, surfaced areas, soaked hay, careful grazing management, companionship, and encouraging natural movement can all make a huge difference. It isn’t always easy, especially when yard setups are not designed with this in mind, but the conversation needs to keep moving beyond “just take them off the grass”.

Horses need protection from laminitis, but they also need movement, choice, and company.

This is Lydia, one of our clients who lives on a track system with three other horses. Her human has done a great job of putting together a track system in a small area using mud mats and jelka mats. Their track does a good job of keeping the horses moving and socialising whilst removing them from grass. It's simple, temporary as it's rented land, and it works!

12/05/2026

Isn't it interesting how they choose exactly the same route down.

10/05/2026

When horses move forward in a long and low position, they lift through their back and engage their core which helps to develop healthy muscles along the topline and around the abdomen, improving their overall posture, strength and stability.

We had a lovely visitor yesterday who kindly brought the horses a bag of organic carrots, and instead of just handing them out, we chopped them up and scattered them around the track.

It encouraged the horses to keep moving and stretch down as they wandered and also got them switched on and thinking as they searched, providing some natural enrichment.

You don’t need a saddle, an arena, or a formal schooling session to encourage horses to move forwards long and low. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity, and some carrots 🥕

08/05/2026

Hooves only adapt to the conditions they’re regularly exposed to.

Feet that spend most of their time on soft grass, deep bedding, or are only ever ridden in boots are far more likely to struggle on stones, rough tracks, or harder ground. But hooves that are allowed to work over varied surfaces, gravel, clay, grass, mud, tracks and roadwork, develop strength, resilience, and function. They become tougher, healthier, and far more capable of moving comfortably over any terrain.

Soundness doesn’t come from protection alone, it comes from appropriate stimulation, movement, and adaptation.

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Bury Street Edmunds
Edmunds

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