The horse
1 The welfare of the horse is of paramount importance, and must be the overriding concern of every practitioner.
2 All trimming must be non-invasive, and will normally leave the horse as, or more, comfortable than it was before the trim. The exception is a horse coming out of shoes, which may require hoof boots in order to be comfortable over hard or rough surfaces.
3 Practitioners must advise owners to consult their veterinary surgeon in any case where the horse appears sick or injured.
4 Practitioners should advise clients on how to optimise the horses diet and environment to improve overall hoof health, where necessary, and may also advise on the use of hoof boots.
Client care
1 Practitioners must respect client confidentiality, and where case studies are used for research purposes or for training, client's prior consent must be obtained.
2 Practitioners should work co-operatively, alongside other professionals involved with the horse’s care. Practitioners should behave with professionalism and courtesy, and should prepared to explain their methods, and the principles of natural hoof care both to clients and to other professionals.
3 Practitioners should keep adequate records in relation to the horses in their care, and retain these for a reasonable period. Records should normally include full contact details for clients, relevant information on their horses and evidence of the health or otherwise of the horse’s hooves. Photos or video clips should be taken for new horses or where necessary to monitor pathological cases.
4 Practitioners should make every effort to respond to clients (whether by email, phone or otherwise) as soon as reasonably practicable. If a practitioner is likely to be unavailable for a prolonged period, they should inform clients and arrange cover with another practitioner if practical.
5 Practitioners' fees and charges should be transparent, and should normally be agreed with clients in advance.
6 Practitioners should make clients aware that they are members of UKNHCP and of the UKNCHP complaints procedure.
UKNHCP membership
1 “Certified practitioners” are members of UKNHCP who have completed the appropriate UKNHCP training, including ongoing CPD requirements set out below. “Students” are members of UKNHCP who have not yet completed the appropriate UKNHCP training. Both Certified Practitioners and Students must comply with the terms of the code of conduct.
2 Non-practitioners who are involved with, or support UKNHCP in other capacities (for example vets, chiropractors, physiotherapists, equine dental technicians, saddle fitters, competitors with barefoot horses etc) are invited to become “Friends” of the UKNHCP for a reduced subscription of £10 per year. Friends are entitled to attend UKNHCP organized public clinics at a discounted rate.
