RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Marquis Boots: I tried a few different boots before I found these and have to say without reservation they are my favourite. Firstly you can try before you buy. The UK distributor Equestrian Select (www.equestrianselect.co.uk) do a hire service and if you go on to buy the boots the hire fee is deducted from the total to pay. All parts of the boots are replaceable and the air bag at the back of the boot can be moved up or down and is pumped up allowing the perfect fit for your horse. Pads to fit inside are available if the horse needs some extra sole comfort. They seem a bit fiddly to put on at first (this put me off in the first place before I tried them) but once you are used to them it they really are no hassle at all.

Unlike some of the others these boots don't slip on tarmac, mud or grass. Out of the 4 different types I tried they were the best designed, most adaptable, defiantly less clumpy and the ones my horse preferred. He was comfortable in all paces and despite long rides they have never rubbed.

Balance Saddles: Balance saddles are designed with the moving horse in mind. When fitting a saddle to a static horse consideration must be given to the range of movement in the horses body for instance the scapula will go backwards as the horses leg goes forwards, the horses back lifts when working correctly - to be able to do this in comfort the horses saddle must allow movement and provide adequate room for the range of motion. A Balance saddle is fitted wider than a traditional saddle; pads are used underneath the saddle to refine the fit but to allow more room where it is needed. The pads are adjusted according to changes in the horses shape and so it is possible to keep the horse comfortable with very little effort or additional expense.

These saddles are not cheap and nor are the consultations and second hand saddles are rare. However they are very well made and the consultations are very informative with no pressure what so ever to buy. You will not need to make up your mind which saddle to chose, the horses tend to be very clear about their preferences and people are often shocked at how much more expressive their horse can be in these saddles. http://www.balanceinternational.com

Soaking Boot: I tried it with bin bags and it was very hard work - they kept splitting and I lost half my solution! These soaking boots are great if you are going to use cleantrax, and they are also useful if you have to ice a leg... I can't find a picture of them but they are waterproof and come well over the knee, with a drawstring type top - so if the horse does move the water doesn't come flying out! Available from www.equinepodiatry.net or contact the UK administrator Justine Jenkins

Simple systems feeds: Simple systems are a feed company that specialises in a natural diet, no molasses or cereals. It supplies good quality products some of which are organic. A range of products that are suitable for all breeds. The helpline is very knowledgeable and will devise a suitable diet for your horse. http://www.simplesystem.ukfarmers.com/Forage.php

Cleantrax: Cleantrax is a powder that is made up in a gallon of water for a foot soak. This product is extremely effective at dealing with infection in the hoof such as thrush and white line disease. It is a non-necrotising product and so whilst attacking infection it will not kill healthy tissue. I use this not only as a treatment but also as a preventative once a year. For shod horses it is advised that the shoes are removed before treatment and then the horse can be re-shod after.

This product is best used with the soaking boot detailed below. (I did try all sorts before I bought the boot but bags tend to pierce so easily and it can be very fiddly to get them on and off with out losing your cleantrax - one bottle does two feet). For purchase details see www.equinepodiatry.net or contact the UK administrator Justine Jenkins.

Equine elite thrush gel & Equine elite white line gel: A lot of the HPT students and Equine Podiatrists have recently been testing the equine elite products. The results have been excellent and products have proved to be very effective both as prevention and cure. The thrush treatment comes as either a spray or gel

http://www.equineelite.com/relief.html

Aloe Vera juice: This was first recommended to me by my vet when my horse was a bit run down, its full of nutrients and a great safe natural immune boast. I noticed a difference quite quickly and not put him straight on it if there is any reason he would benefit.

Aloe Vera jelly: I use lots of this: its great for wounds (the moist gel provides an excellent environment for healing and repair) It is also an effective base for applying aromatherapy oils topically. It soaks into the skin easily and doesn't leave any unpleasant residue.

Sole Mates: Sole mates are therapeutic pads that are cut to the size of your horse's foot. As you can see from the picture the horse's foot sink into the pads and create an imprint. They are extremely useful for sore barefoot horses such as those with laminitis or those with poor structure going through the transition.. By creating appropriate pressure without trauma these pads are useful in returning healthy structure to the hoof. For more information about the product and purchase see www.equinepodiatry.net or contact the UK administrator Justine Jenkins.

Right Step: Right Step is another product that many of us HPT students have been trying so far with good results. This product helps with moisture control and considering our very wet climate in the UK a product that prevents soggy hooves gets my vote. It is also useful for protecting the hooves of stables horses from the effects of ammonia. This product does not seal the hoof and it can still breathe meaning any infection is not sealed in. For more information see: http://www.lifedatalabs.com/rs.htm