Like many EP’s my journey began with my own horse. That horse was my fabulous Welsh x TB who had been my partner in crime for many years at that point. He’s an excellent communicator and it became obvious that he was unhappy with his front feet. Great shoeing from a good farrier helped, but I couldn’t help but feel we were just covering up the issue. So I bit the bullet and pulled his shoes. I will never forget the look of relief on his face as he first sank into his pads in his new boots. Looking back, I know now that his feet were appallingly weak. But 5 years on he’s still sound on them, and they haven’t caused him any issues since. Once his shoes were off, the rest of my herd had their shoes pulled and I watched, fascinated as they all changed and improved. I figured I’d better learn how to do it all properly. And the rest as they say is history. I still love watching those big, early changes Nowadays, me and my gang practice Ecole de Légèretè (a form of French Classical Dressage) – for which I am Trainee Foundation Instructor. We also enjoy hacking – love to go exploring in the Peak District and some of the brilliant forests that Nottinghamshire has to offer. And we enjoy playing at side saddle and eventing too.