Hooves on Track

Home
Hooves on Track

Tony McNamara DEP is a Suffolk based Equine Podiatrist, interested in a more holistic approach to hoof care.
(1)

We offer advice on diet, rehabilitation and management, with a keen interest in track systems, promoting a more natural way of keeping horses.

19/09/2025

Tyson showing his gratitude to Lj AllBodies Mctimoney Physical Therapy & Thermology for his treatment today. Thank you for your time. Both Roxy and Tyson appeared to feel much more comfortable afterwards 🙏

15/09/2025

💨Seeking shelter in the dip 🐴

When the weather turns wild, our herd always seeks the shelter of a spot we call 'The Dip'. It's their go to haven during storms and heavy rain and over the last 24 hours, it's clearly been the place to be as very little hay has been eaten at any of the other feed stations. Roxy and Harry had their breakfast delivered to them this morning as they weren't quite brave enough to leave their safe space and in true herd fashion, Blondie decided that Harry's bum makes the perfect windbreak.

Paddock Paradise Living means horses always having the freedom to choose where they feel safest and most comfortable, and we enjoy seeing them use the different spaces this way.

12/09/2025

Jamie and Roxy sharing a moment 💕 Meanwhile, Tyson keeps a watchful eye from behind, just in case there's a carrot going spare 🤍🖤 Thanks for looking after them for a couple of days!

09/09/2025

We see around 140 sets of hooves every six weeks, and far too many belong to horses who are sore, unwell, or simply "not quite right." Lameness, gut issues, behavioural changes and recurring injuries have become the norm on so many yards we visit.

Which is why we are asking what some may perceive as a difficult question: Can a horse truly thrive in a domestic environment?

Despite our best intentions as their humans, are we really meeting our horses' needs? Do we provide enough movement, social contact, and mental stimulation? Are we feeding them appropriately? Or are we just keeping them alive on our terms?

This question isn't about judgment. It's about starting an honest conversation. Because if horses in our care aren't thriving, it's time to rethink how we keep them.

What are your thoughts and experiences? We'd love to hear them.

07/09/2025

We usually place their salt licks in the woods, but this time, we chose a different spot and it's been really surprising to see just how much they all use it.

Even though we already add salt to their feed, free choice salt licks are a good way for horses to regulate their own intake and they’ll generally only consume what they actually need.

We like using Himalayan salt. It not only helps balance electrolytes but also contains essential trace minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium. Plus, it encourages them to drink more water, which is always a good thing.

And from what we've seen, it clearly adds some enrichment to their day and seems to be something they enjoy.

05/09/2025

After thoroughly inspecting the tool bag, this little piggie settled down for a snooze in the sunshine whilst Roxy had her pedicure 🐷🐴

04/09/2025

The first muddy legs of the season are powering up the steps 🐴 Autumn is here 🍂

29/08/2025

We sometimes hear the suggestion that companion horses don't need their hooves trimmed as often as those in work, which is something that we completely disagree with.

Keeping a companion horse sound, comfortable, and well maintained is just as important for their well being as it is for their active field mates. Hooves left too long between trims can become unbalanced, potentially leading to muscoskeletal issues higher up which could eventually work out much more expensive than a regular hoofcare appointment.

This little hoof belongs to a tiny companion horse affectionately referred to as "The Field Ornament." They receive the same level of care, attention and nutrition as the big guys which really should be the norm for all companion horses, as they deserve the best too!

28/08/2025

Sid stood like a gentleman whilst Tony trimmed his hooves yesterday, with Adam Heyhoe Equine Podiatrist - observing closely.

Adam is a final year student who has been shadowing Tony over the past couple of weeks as part of his training. He is due to take his final exam very soon, which is great news, as there is a real shortage of EP's in East Anglia.

Adam already has over a decade of trimming experience and a background of working with horses that have behavioural challenges. He is based in Norfolk, so if you're looking for an EP in the area, his page is linked above.

Tony has really enjoyed sharing knowledge and experiences with Adam and we wish him the very best of luck in his final exam. 🍀

26/08/2025

Encouraging your horse to meander through obstacles like logs, tyres, and poles is a good way to promote even hoof wear. Placing obstacles along tracks, near water stations, or in schooling areas with varied surfaces will mimic natural movement and help the entire hoof stay balanced and healthy.

So, if you're noticing excessive toe wear, maybe it’s not excessive… maybe the quarters just aren't doing their share!

Address

IP313LW

Website

https://hoovesontrack.co.uk/links

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hooves on Track posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Hooves on Track:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Country:

City: