I'm Mel Bhavsar, a qualified Equine Podiatrist and hoof boot fitter working within 40 miles of Nottingham.
I've not met a horse yet that I didn't like or enjoy working with, but as an owner of a non-ridden horse, I particularly love working with horses that are retired or who have needs that mean they don't have a "job" as so many horses are expected to.
These horses are just as deserving of healthy, functional hooves as any competition horse and it's my pleasure to help them (and their owners) achieve that.
That said, it's very rewarding to help people enjoy doing "normal" things with their unshod horses - long hacks and fun rides, competing and jumping. Barefoot is definitely not just for field ornaments!
Equine Podiatry is about the study of the equine hoof. It covers pretty much anything that can affect the hooves, including all kinds of lameness issues like laminitis and navicular. The hooves are very good indicators of overall health, and so you'll often see Equine Podiatry mentioned alongside terms like "a whole horse approach to hoof care".
This is because to have healthy hooves, you need a healthy horse.
Whilst I do include a balanced trim as part of consultations, I'll also assess and advise on your horse's posture, gait, feed, exercise and management routines. I will also discuss any possible health concerns that I see, and refer you to your vet or other equine professional e.g. bodyworker, saddle fitter etc., where necessary.
A quiet, respectful approach to horse handling
A patient and non-judgemental approach to clients (there are no stupid questions!)
Information is provided in a clear, easy to understand manner
Discussion of your horses needs with a realistic plan you can implement easily
Regular 6-weekly appointments (or more frequent for pathologies)
Ongoing support between appointments by phone or email (when necessary)
Consultations take about 45 minutes. First appointments can take 60 to 90 minutes as there's more to discuss.
Consultations include:
A balanced trim
Posture, gait, health and environment analysis
Nutrition and exercise advice
Hoof boot fitting and advice (if necessary)
Photos of horse and hooves to track progress
Full visit report including recommendations and details of what's been discussed
Ongoing support between appointments is provided by phone (call or message) or email.
40 mile radius of Nottingham
Consultation: £45
Hoof Boot Fitting: £60 (£15 for existing clients carried out alongside consultations)
Call out fee: £0.45 per mile if over 40 miles from Nottingham - contact to discuss
Hoof Boot fitting cuts out a lot of the guesswork and expense of trying to find the right style and fit of boots if your horse needs them. A fitting appointment takes around 60 mins - depending on the complexity of your horse's hooves and needs.
A fitting appointment includes:
Discussion of what the boots are needed for - rehab, transitioning from shoes, ridden work, turn out etc.
Static and dynamic assessment of posture and gait - seeing how your horse stands and loads their feet, and how they move is an important factor in deciding which boots will work best.
Boot fitting using the kits I carry:
Cavallo (regular, slim, CLB and BFB)
Scoot (classic and Adjust/Theraride)
Flex (regular and wide)
Explora Magic
Equine Fusions
Advice on fit and use of accessories e.g. pads, gaiters etc.
For boot fitting appointments a £10 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking, with the balance of £50 to be paid on the day of the appointment.
Cancellation (including rescheduling) of an appointment within 48 hours of the appointment date will incur a 50% charge. Appointments cancelled/rescheduled within 24 hours of the appointment date will need to be paid for in full before a new appointment is scheduled.
Payment is due at the time of the appointment or, for BACS payments within 24 hours of the appointment or invoice received date.