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I cannot recommend Nick Hills one 2 one day enough, it has been outstanding and I have learnt SO much. Nick enabled me to read a hoof for the very first time and understand the implications that hoof posed to the horse and it's way of going. Nick patiently guided me through mapping out and documenting each hoof to enable me to reference changes over time and maintain trims between my current trimmers visits. I loved every minute and the day went in a flash. We started the day in a sun filled class room then applied the theory to the hoof, discussing track improvements, diet and fitness sessions. The opportunity to partake on one of Nick's one2one days has definitely been money well spent, and i would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more from a very patient and knowledgeable teacher.
- Claire Bower, 2021
- Claire Bower, 2021
Just had a great hoofcare day with Nick Hill. I learnt so much and it was easy to pick up and remember. I can now look at my horeses hooves and see if they are unbalanced. Highly recommended. Forgot to mention the change in the way the horses moved was instant after they were trimmed.
- Shazbot Dooper, 2021
- Shazbot Dooper, 2021
I would definitely recommend a hoof day with Nick. I was lucky enough to be included in his tour at the end of March. I am a 3 years barefoot owner and had never done anything like this before but wanted to know more about hoof wear and be able to maintain my 2 ponies feet in between professional trims. We started with a bit of theory on balance, at my instigation digressed into feed and its effect on feet and general health, talked lots about movement, returned to theory on flare and balance, and then trimmed both my ponies feet - at first me watching Nick then me gradually taking over with Nick's support, patience and encouragement. Some of it was easier than I had expected, some was a little harder but I ended the day feeling much more knowledgeable in many areas, felt I had been greatly supported and Nick left me with things to practise, sources of support and food for thought. The tools Nick recommended are few and inexpensive (I previously nearly booked on someone else's course but was going to have to spend a lot on tools before even doing the course and finding out how I got on), I am gaining confidence in using them - I think my ponies think I am too - and it's rewarding to be able to keep on top of their feet, especially knowing I have the support of a local trimmer well regarded by Nick. Many thanks, Nick, and happy travels
- Jo Spence, 2021
- Jo Spence, 2021
I had the benefit of Nick’s mentoring at the weekend, as part of his one-to-one teaching days...
Absolutely amazing. I learned so much and now feel I have the skills, knowledge & confidence to maintain their hooves between trims & to identify a correctly balanced hoof.
Nick was fab & the day was completely tailored to my horses & me, including lots of ideas to improve my track system. The day was a mixture of theory & hands on learning & I would highly recommend to anyone & everyone who wants to help the horses achieve optimum hoof health.
Thank you so much Nick for a fantastic day... track improvements have begun & tools are ordered
- Lisa Hutchins, 2021
Absolutely amazing. I learned so much and now feel I have the skills, knowledge & confidence to maintain their hooves between trims & to identify a correctly balanced hoof.
Nick was fab & the day was completely tailored to my horses & me, including lots of ideas to improve my track system. The day was a mixture of theory & hands on learning & I would highly recommend to anyone & everyone who wants to help the horses achieve optimum hoof health.
Thank you so much Nick for a fantastic day... track improvements have begun & tools are ordered
- Lisa Hutchins, 2021
Today I feel like I’ve won the lottery! It’s been 20 years since I last received exceptional tutoring. That was in equine dentistry and set me up for a career that is still going strong. As a vet, I am extremely fussy about who attends my horsey kids. I feel so privileged to have spent a day under Nick's guidance. I’ve admired his work & conduct from afar, asking him for remote for help over the past 2 years on my Barefoot journey. I have made many mistakes since removing the shoes, but I feel my biggest has been not having Nick attend my jumpers before now.
He was astonishingly patient, both with my skill set (or lack therof), and in communication. As i’m deaf as a dodo, this is usually a massive sticking point when trying to learn things. He was intuitive, not only at foot level, but with me. He treated me with respect and kindness and emotional savvy that made the day a joy from start to finish. He was able to communicate in the lateral fashion I find best (speaking into siri on my phone & writing stuff down) Nick conveyed his amazingly comprehensive information clearly and completely with a touch of humour that made me feel at ease and engaged. Whilst this is an ideal I seek out, it is sadly not the norm for many equine professionals.
All of the horses loved Nick too, standing patiently whilst I attempted to hone my eye and technique. Although I use a rasp as a tool of the trade, I still feel a bit out of my comfort zone wielding one on the hooves. Nick showed me how best to handle the rasp to achieve a smooth stroke and make it more comfy for the horses whilst doing so. The method he showed me for balancing the feet was a revelation and I can’t wait to keep my horses happier and sounder.
They all moved so much better after the work we did together. When I asked him to return for further questionning an hour after we’d finished he couldn’t have been more approachable and eager to help. He was able to pinpoint something that has been plaguing my Navicular horse for months. I am absolutely blown away by the kindness, warmth and care Nick has shown me. His desire to improve the horses’ quality of life and passion for his craft, along with a gift for teaching are all wonderful attributes rarely seen. Can’t wait to meet Ralitsa and see what she can do for my 4 legged family!
A huge thank you from me and the boys & girls!
- Sally Kingsley MRCVS BVSc BAEDT, 2021
He was astonishingly patient, both with my skill set (or lack therof), and in communication. As i’m deaf as a dodo, this is usually a massive sticking point when trying to learn things. He was intuitive, not only at foot level, but with me. He treated me with respect and kindness and emotional savvy that made the day a joy from start to finish. He was able to communicate in the lateral fashion I find best (speaking into siri on my phone & writing stuff down) Nick conveyed his amazingly comprehensive information clearly and completely with a touch of humour that made me feel at ease and engaged. Whilst this is an ideal I seek out, it is sadly not the norm for many equine professionals.
All of the horses loved Nick too, standing patiently whilst I attempted to hone my eye and technique. Although I use a rasp as a tool of the trade, I still feel a bit out of my comfort zone wielding one on the hooves. Nick showed me how best to handle the rasp to achieve a smooth stroke and make it more comfy for the horses whilst doing so. The method he showed me for balancing the feet was a revelation and I can’t wait to keep my horses happier and sounder.
They all moved so much better after the work we did together. When I asked him to return for further questionning an hour after we’d finished he couldn’t have been more approachable and eager to help. He was able to pinpoint something that has been plaguing my Navicular horse for months. I am absolutely blown away by the kindness, warmth and care Nick has shown me. His desire to improve the horses’ quality of life and passion for his craft, along with a gift for teaching are all wonderful attributes rarely seen. Can’t wait to meet Ralitsa and see what she can do for my 4 legged family!
A huge thank you from me and the boys & girls!
- Sally Kingsley MRCVS BVSc BAEDT, 2021
What can I say except absolutely delighted with how Nick handled my mare Koko in this photo. She threatened him trying to bite him, intimidate him and kick him but his kind gentle ways won her over and he made a fabulous job of trimming her feet. She was so good that Ralitsa was able to see if she was needle shy, but she tolerated everything done to her and this visit was for Ralitsa “meet and greet“.
So onto Ahanu with the acupuncture. I am so impressed with Nick and Ralitsa of V&T Equine Services . I was worried they would class the mare as too dangerous but thankfully she responded to the kindness. To my shame I had forgotten how good a barefoot trimmer Nick is. I’m absolutely delighted and can’t wait for their next visit.
I must also say it was amazing to watch Ralitsa work on Ahanu with the acupuncture and the information she was able to relate to me about him. Brilliant!
- Catie Buchanan, 2020
So onto Ahanu with the acupuncture. I am so impressed with Nick and Ralitsa of V&T Equine Services . I was worried they would class the mare as too dangerous but thankfully she responded to the kindness. To my shame I had forgotten how good a barefoot trimmer Nick is. I’m absolutely delighted and can’t wait for their next visit.
I must also say it was amazing to watch Ralitsa work on Ahanu with the acupuncture and the information she was able to relate to me about him. Brilliant!
- Catie Buchanan, 2020
Hi, my horse has sweet itch and i couldn't bare to see him suffering so i contacted V & T Equine Services . He had his first accupuncture session six weeks ago and his sweet itch is at least 75% better. Hes had a second accupuncture session today and im happy to say that he shouldnt need another session until February. The difference in my boy is amazing, he's so much more comfortable, hes not grumpy anymore, hes much happier and so am i, its also saved me a small mortgage in lotions and potions! I couldnt be happier x
- Diane Walsham, 2020
- Diane Walsham, 2020
Huge thank you to Nick and Ralitsa at V&T Equine Services for Weasley’s first trim today. It’s the first time he’s ever been handled by anybody else, as well as his first trim and was absolutely desperately needed.
The boys only made the transition from curious to friendly in January, and I only really considered them halter broken at the end of February.
Once the ground started to harden it became really apparent that Weasley wasn’t in a good place. His back legs are very badly conformed, one leg in particular is very wobbly. As the others’ hooves improved rapidly with the harder ground, Weasley became more and more uncomfortable and his back feet began to slipper.
Lockdown hit at the worst possible time for him, and in Wales we’re still under much stricter restrictions, but finally he had his trim. Nick and Ralitsa have been incredibly supportive, looking at videos via WhatsApp and offering advice and reassurance that made it possible for him to have a first experience that was everything you could want for a baby ponio as soon as we possibly could.
Weasley was a superstar after a bit of a whoopsie moment that saw poor Nick cross-country running on the end of a much-too-short rope (😬 sorry, Nick). Once he was on the 12ft line, Nick allowed him his twopenn'orth and handled him kindly, sensitively, firmly and fairly. Even knowing what a beautiful soul Weasley is, and how highly esteemed Nick is as a horseman, I didn’t quite expect such a swift, smooth and successful first trim.
I’ll upload a couple of videos if my rustic broadband allows. Thanks very much Nick and Ralitsa. One much happier ginger beastie, who has learnt that trimming is nothing to worry about.
- Sectionable D, 2020
The boys only made the transition from curious to friendly in January, and I only really considered them halter broken at the end of February.
Once the ground started to harden it became really apparent that Weasley wasn’t in a good place. His back legs are very badly conformed, one leg in particular is very wobbly. As the others’ hooves improved rapidly with the harder ground, Weasley became more and more uncomfortable and his back feet began to slipper.
Lockdown hit at the worst possible time for him, and in Wales we’re still under much stricter restrictions, but finally he had his trim. Nick and Ralitsa have been incredibly supportive, looking at videos via WhatsApp and offering advice and reassurance that made it possible for him to have a first experience that was everything you could want for a baby ponio as soon as we possibly could.
Weasley was a superstar after a bit of a whoopsie moment that saw poor Nick cross-country running on the end of a much-too-short rope (😬 sorry, Nick). Once he was on the 12ft line, Nick allowed him his twopenn'orth and handled him kindly, sensitively, firmly and fairly. Even knowing what a beautiful soul Weasley is, and how highly esteemed Nick is as a horseman, I didn’t quite expect such a swift, smooth and successful first trim.
I’ll upload a couple of videos if my rustic broadband allows. Thanks very much Nick and Ralitsa. One much happier ginger beastie, who has learnt that trimming is nothing to worry about.
- Sectionable D, 2020
Pie's having some extra excersise sessions to see how his hay cough/dust allergy are doing, after his first acupuncture session over a week ago. Today's sessionended with Andy doing some liberty play with him! Think it's fair to say he really enjoyed himself! 😁
V&T Equine are doing his acupuncture sessions, after just one session the improvements have been huge. He is hardly coughing at all, but there are changes in his whole wellbeing and health in general. He has fittened up because he is suddenly much more active, he is a lot brighter in himself, his coat is glossier and he is a lot more sociable and interactive with other herd members. He just seems a lot happier since his first treatment! 😊
- Liane Wilding, 2020
V&T Equine are doing his acupuncture sessions, after just one session the improvements have been huge. He is hardly coughing at all, but there are changes in his whole wellbeing and health in general. He has fittened up because he is suddenly much more active, he is a lot brighter in himself, his coat is glossier and he is a lot more sociable and interactive with other herd members. He just seems a lot happier since his first treatment! 😊
- Liane Wilding, 2020
Nick and Ralitsa had a busy afternoon at our yard last weekend and were fantastic. We are all really grateful for their help and advise. We have things to go away and work on and can’t wait to see the result of a few positive changes.
- Ann Sread, 2020
- Ann Sread, 2020
The whole horse approach has really helped Hattie who had complex issues involving discomfort with sacrial, lumber, shoulder, and fetlocks. She was also struggling with being barefoot and suffered sweet itch and weeping eyes. We knew she was a project horse when we got her (full CB) but other conventional tretaments couldnt break the negative cycles involved and secure longer term improvement. Hattie's had 4 acupuncture sessions and made significant progress after each one. The effects have been lasting and resulted in improved hoof function and so far no need to use fly rugs - this horse used to rub herself until she bled around face, ears, withers, and tail. Overall she is far happier and more confident and actually out there being a horse rather than hiding in her stable. Hattie has increasingly trusted Ralitsa which is hard earnt and it was a pleasure seeing Hattie respond during the last acupuncture treatment around her face and poll which was incredible. Nick is total legend with the hoof advice and giving me more confidence to take ownership. I also suspect acupuncture has helped Hattie's metabolism and general inflamation which has meant her medication for suspected Cushings (she's 12) has been reduced to almost nothing.
- David Preston, 2020
- David Preston, 2020
This morning I have been blown away with Nick's patience and his ability to win round my untrusting little chestnut mare. This little one has never allowed a farrier near and uses her flight instinct to its full. Today after some gentle ground work with Nick she stood and allowed all four hooves to be rasped. What impressed me most was Nick was gracious enough not to be greedy and do too much or try to win with her. He just gave her choices and allowed her to make up her mind. Thank you so much Lee 😁😁😁
- Lee Valentine, 2019
- Lee Valentine, 2019
From personal experience, I can highly recommend Nick and Ralitsa. They truly compliment each other, especially when it comes to holistic horse care. Professional, informative and fun.
- Carol Jackson, 2019
- Carol Jackson, 2019
Ralitsa and Nick have been amazing with over-emotional me and my big ginger invalid Chester, who was diagnosed with Navicular and Osteoarthritis in his coffin joints just one month after I bought him! I’ve spent a small fortune on vet bills trying to diagnose and treat him the conventional way, but having been recommended V&T from a few people, we stripped it all back, took off his shoes, starting feeding the right stuff and have made my own track system on the farm, we’re starting to get somewhere and seeing huge improvements in his rehab and recovery after every visit. His feet are looking great, he’s much happier on them, and we have been given the go ahead to hack again in walk, after 7 months out of work. I cannot thank you both enough - Chester and I are SO grateful to have your wonderful expertise and look forward to your next visit and getting back into full soundness and health 🤗🐴💕#notjustsurvivingTHRIVING
- Phoebe Bolton
- Phoebe Bolton
Nick and Ralitza are a wonderful combination.
Generous, knowledgeable and dedicated to making the world a better place for horses (and their people).
When your horse (or heart) is telling you something is wrong they are the people to go to for advice, treatment and education.
Thank you both on behalf of all my 5 horses
- Anat Shalev, 2018
Generous, knowledgeable and dedicated to making the world a better place for horses (and their people).
When your horse (or heart) is telling you something is wrong they are the people to go to for advice, treatment and education.
Thank you both on behalf of all my 5 horses
- Anat Shalev, 2018
5 star in every aspect of horse care. Highly recommend 👍🏻
- Claire Stewart, 2018
- Claire Stewart, 2018
Have had Nick do our 2 cobs and our 7 month old foals hoofs for the second time and he is so quite and gentle never has to man handle them even when the big girl gets bolshy he stays calm and still gets the job done.Was absolutely delighted with the way he treated the foal calm and gentle made it so stress free for her. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
- Frank Smith, 2019
- Frank Smith, 2019
My horse had been in equine hospital for 6 months and one month previous to be hospitalised on box rest. He got a horrific injury to his back leg going through an electric fence. Since having his leg poked, prodded and bandaged for 7 months you can imagine how sensitive he was to his leg being touched.
Thanks to Nick's very calm persona my horse just stood and got all four feet trimmed with no fuss. I have just been able to touch his leg the past week without him flinching, I thought it was going to be an impossible task getting him to lift his feet to be trimmed, especially as Nick had never even met my horse before.
all I can say is that Nick got the job done, quickly, efficiently and very calmly.
I can't thank you enough Nick as this has taken a huge weight of my shoulders. you know what they say, no hoof no horse. Thanks for everything you done to restore my horses faith again.
I would definitely recommend Nick to everyone.
5 Starr job ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Rodna Angus, 2019
Thanks to Nick's very calm persona my horse just stood and got all four feet trimmed with no fuss. I have just been able to touch his leg the past week without him flinching, I thought it was going to be an impossible task getting him to lift his feet to be trimmed, especially as Nick had never even met my horse before.
all I can say is that Nick got the job done, quickly, efficiently and very calmly.
I can't thank you enough Nick as this has taken a huge weight of my shoulders. you know what they say, no hoof no horse. Thanks for everything you done to restore my horses faith again.
I would definitely recommend Nick to everyone.
5 Starr job ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Rodna Angus, 2019
Nick has always been great with my horses I can honestly say after he started trimming my horses feet and gave me dietery and environment advice my horse has been a different horse he is happy and relaxed in himself and he is so much sounder and I am back hacking him out which he is loving after vets and previous farrier told me there was no hope for him he would be at most a field ornament and never sound enough again to be ridden if the remedial shoes didn't work which they didnt they made him lamer. If it wasn't for getting nick to trim him he would probably still be crippled in his remedial shoes and grumpy and unhappy x
- Laura Connelly, 2019
- Laura Connelly, 2019
Great, knowledgeable service. Highly recommended.
- Miriam Bibby, 2018
- Miriam Bibby, 2018
