Helen Straker (nee Thompson)

I had always put shoes on my horse without question. If you ride your horse you put shoes on right? Then my farrier deserted me without warning. Now what? A friend of a friend was an EP. I had no idea what that meant, just that she could come and take the shoes off and trim. If I couldn't get a farrier I'd have to take the shoes off. The EP came out and told me about what she was doing and why... it was a light bulb moment. It made so much sense that I just had to find out more. I decided that I would like to help more horses so continued my studies to get my diploma in Applied Equine Podiatry.

I truly believe that every horse deserves the best feet that it can have regardless of what it is used for and that is what I want to try and make sure of for every horse I deal with. I worked as a full time as an EP from 2006 - 2011; I thoroughly enjoyed my work and I still hope never to stop learning!  I am currently taking a break from trimming but am still very much involved with the non physical side of Equine Podiatry.  I am always available for advice or a chat!  I am currently an EPA council member.