PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & REGULATION
Regulation of Equine Podiatry and Barefoot Trimming in the UK
Understanding how members of the Equine Podiatry Association are trained, governed and held accountable.
THE CONTEXT
Background
Equine hoof care in the United Kingdom is provided by farriers, equine podiatrists and barefoot trimmers. Some owners also maintain their own horses' hooves.
These professions and practitioners operate under different regulatory arrangements.
This page explains how the Equine Podiatry Association (UK) fits within this system and the safeguards we have in place to protect horse owners and promote high standards of care.
THE CURRENT POSITION
Is Equine Podiatry a Regulated Profession?
It is not a statutorily regulated profession. There is no legislation in place that we can come into regulation under. This means anyone in the UK can describe themselves as an Equine Podiatrist or barefoot trimmer.
The Equine Podiatry Association (UK) agrees with many in the industry that this poses a risk to equine welfare. We currently operate a self-regulation model for our registered members. This is the best we can do under the current legislation.
As of 2026, the Government has put forward definite plans to solve this issue. The UK Government issued a White Paper, which is the first stage of the process to bring Equine Podiatry, as well as other animal healthcare professionals, into statutory regulation.
Read the Government's White Paper: Our Vision for a Thriving Veterinary Sector.
THE EPA APPROACH
How EPA UK Maintains Professional Standards
How we maintain high standards among our Equine Podiatrists and within the Association.
Professional Standards
Professional Body
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Properly constituted
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Rules based
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Democratic structure
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Elected council
ACCOUNTABILITY IN PRACTICE
How Is Equine Welfare Protected?
01
High Entry Requirements
Our entry qualification is world-leading.
Its high academic standard has been assessed by Ofqual as equivalent to a foundation degree.
The qualification is awarded by Lantra, so the standard of the qualification is maintained.
02
Maintaining Standards
Our members:
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Abide by our Code of Conduct
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Understand their Scope of Practice
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Draw on our colleagues' scope of practice
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Are insured
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Undertake annual CPD
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Operate to the National Occupational Standard for Equine Hoof Care
03
Professionalism
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Always put horse welfare first
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Respect other professionals
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Work collaboratively as part of a horse-centred team
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Evidence-informed decision-making
LOOKING AHEAD
The Future of Statutory Regulation
In 2026, the Government conducted a consultation and then issued a White Paper outlining its intentions to bring equine podiatry and barefoot trimming into regulation as part of its reforms to veterinary legislation.
01
Consultation
In January 2026, the Government launched a consultation on its proposed reforms.
Read the consultation and the Equine Podiatry Association's response.
02
Government White Paper
In July 2026, the Government published its White Paper.
A Zoom meeting was held in September 2026 with Defra and representatives from across the industry to gain a better understanding of the changes.
03
What Happens Next?
The Equine Podiatry Association is working with other Allied Veterinary Professions to prepare for this new era.
As part of this work, we are coordinating with trimming schools operating in the UK, including:
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Aerion Academy
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Liberated Horsemanship
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Institute of Natural Horse Care Practices