For vets and professionals

Remedial and surgical farriery for horses where the foot is part of the diagnosis or the treatment plan. I work alongside the horse's own farrier and vet, not in place of them.

Who I work with

I'm Mark Humphrey AWCF, a Master Farrier based at Bunny Hill, Costock, near Loughborough. Owners often come to me after talking to their vet, and I'm equally glad to hear from vets, trainers, yard managers and physiotherapists who would like me to look at a horse, or from owners who want a second opinion on the foot.

Remedial & surgical shoeing

Collapsed or underrun heels, caudal heel pain, laminitis support, hoof wall defects, flexural and angular limb problems, foals and young stock.

Second opinion & consultancy

A fresh read on a horse that isn't progressing, with a written plan your vet can review. Can be done alongside the current farrier.

Evidence-led assessment

Hoofbeat, Sleip, Metron and Consteed measurements support the plan with data, not just observation. Details below.

How I assess and track a horse

Hands-on assessment comes first. Where it helps, I add objective measurement so a plan can be reviewed with the vet and changes tracked from one visit to the next. These tools support the vet's diagnosis; they don't replace it. With the owner's consent, results can be shared with the vet.

Hoofbeat: how the hoof moves

Small, high-precision sensors on the hooves record the movement of each hoof through the stride. It takes around 30 minutes and is the most in-depth assessment I offer, with graphics and measurements for each phase of the stride and detailed side-by-side comparisons of current and past measurements. I can see what a trim or shoe change actually does and adjust the plan from the data.

Sleip: gait asymmetry from video

Sleip uses AI to analyse video of the horse trotting and measures left-right asymmetry in its movement. It is quick and non-invasive. I use it on request, and before every shoeing job as a baseline, and it is part of my complete suite for more in-depth assessments. It flags asymmetry; the diagnosis stays with the vet.

Metron: calibrated photographs

Photographs taken with a calibration reference let the hoof be measured accurately: dimensions and angles recorded at every visit and compared over time. It gives a clear before-and-after record for the owner and the vet.

Consteed: pressure assessment

Consteed is a hoof boot with force plates built into the sole, used with an app. Built-in sensors accurately measure the pressure of each foot as it lands and show in graphical form how that force is being distributed, including any difference between limbs. It shows how the foot is being loaded, which helps with shoe choice and balance. I use it alongside my other gait analysis tools to build a fuller picture of how the horse moves.

What the measurements look like

Real examples from one horse's assessment, shown with the owner's consent. The assessment was carried out as part of a veterinary referral.

Hoofbeat: footfall timing

Hoofbeat footfall timing chart showing the four feet at walk and trot
Hoofbeat: footfall timing at walk and trot.

Hoofbeat: where each hoof lands

Hoofbeat landing location, front feet at walk
Front feet, walk: where each hoof lands, left against right.
Hoofbeat landing location, front feet at trot
Front feet, trot.
Hoofbeat landing location, hind feet at walk
Hind feet, walk.
Hoofbeat landing location, hind feet at trot
Hind feet, trot.

Sleip: gait asymmetry

Sleip overview showing left-right asymmetry by limb
Sleip: asymmetry overview from video of the horse trotting. It shows where asymmetry sits; the diagnosis stays with the vet.

Hoofbeat and Sleip are registered products of their respective companies. Examples are anonymised.

How it works

  1. Get in touchOwners can contact me directly, and vets are welcome to pass on my details or get in touch themselves. Phone or email with the horse's name, age, use and the problem as you see it. With the owner's consent I'll ask the vet for the diagnosis and any radiographs.
  2. AssessmentI assess the horse on site and plan with the vet. Where the horse has a regular farrier, I'm happy to work with them, and I'd rather agree the plan with them than overrule it.
  3. A clear planThe owner and the horse's vet get a clear plan covering what I'm doing, why, what to expect and when the horse should be reviewed.
  4. Shoeing and reviewWork is done to the plan, and I report back to the vet after each review so the next decision is joint.
  5. HandbackOnce the horse is stable, care can return to the regular farrier with notes on how to maintain the result.

What I'll send back to you

After the first visit and after each review I can share findings, what was changed, how the horse responded and what I'd suggest next. Photographs are included where the owner has consented.

Veterinary practices I work with

I work with horses under the care of a number of local equine veterinary practices, and I'm happy to be named as a reference by vets I work with.

Listing a practice doesn't mean it endorses me. Vets recommend farriers to owners at their own discretion, and I'll work with whichever vet is treating the horse.

Teaching and professional involvement

I'm a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Farriers and have trained eight apprentices. I regularly host vet student and vet physiotherapy placements and give lectures to farriers, veterinary societies and vets.

Want me to look at a horse?

Call 07971 063407 or email [email protected].

Mark Humphrey AWCF, Master Farrier. Bunny Hill, Costock, Loughborough, LE12 6XN.