Ambassador Introduction: Gemma and Roly

Say hello to Gemma and Roly, our new ambassadors!

Hi, I’m Gemma and this is my pony Roly. We are based on Dartmoor in the UK. I have no previous experience of trimming my horses’ hooves but have been using an equine podiatrist for my herd since 2014.

I have four horses, two that I own and two that I have adopted via sanctuaries, but I have selected my New Forest pony, Roly, for this ambassadorship. He is rising 14 now, been out of shoes for 4 years, and he has previously been a showjumper and pony club pony. Now he is predominately a trail horse, but we do enjoy infrequent lessons and the odd cross-country clinic or event hosted by our local riding club.

I am passionate about keeping horses barefoot and I am keen to learn more about how best to enable them to perform at their best, as well as being most healthy and comfortable, in this way. My current trimmer is fantastic, but I am aware that she may not always be able to visit our area and there are very few professionals able to offer the same service. I also believe that my horses would benefit greatly from more maintenance between their 6 weekly trims with our trimmer.

I enjoy learning about my horses’ hooves and how to keep them healthy as naturally as possible and I am keen to share what I learn with any of my interested followers on social media.