Jodi, Oneonta, New York

“My Lusitano Stallion suffered from laminitis in 2019. When Covid-19 hit New York State, farrier services halted. Since my farrier came from outside my County, he was no longer allowed into my area. I had broken my wrist which made it impossible for me to trim my horses feet. So I was stuck in a very bad situation. For a year and a half I tried to get a farrier who was able to help my Stallion.

My Stallion continued to get worse with every new farrier, I knew my horse was not going to survive if I did not find a World Class farrier.

One night while searching on the internet, I found British farrier Nigel Fennell. I knew the educational requirements of a British farrier are very extensive - from education to an apprenticeship and then required exam to receive a license.

I contacted Susie and Nigel and explained my situation. Nigel contacted me immediately and we made a plan. Nigel would travel a great distance to help any way he could. Nigel arrived on time and worked tirelessly on my Stallion.

Nigel’s extensive work experience provided my Stallion with the best shot of survival. Today my Stallion is stable.

The difference Nigel made in my Stallions feet is remarkable. I know my Stallion would have had to be put down if not for Nigel. Here at Woodland Wind Lusitano’s, our success depends on having a great team of highly trained professionals around us. We are thrilled to welcome Nigel and Susie to our Sponsorship Team.

We recommend Nigel and Susie at Foremans Forge without reservation.

Nigel is a hidden gem in America. His vast experience, knowledge and talent are unsurpassed.”

Ella, Church Crookham, U.K.

“Nigel is actually the best farrier on the planet as far as I’m concerned and I was gutted when he moved to America. He is so dedicated to his work and making sure it’s perfect for your horse. My boy absolutely loved him! I cannot recommend Nigel highly enough! America’s gain is England’s loss of a brilliant farrier!”

Clare, Eversley, U.K.

“I had Nigel as our family farrier for a great deal many years.

I have a large Irish Sports horse, whom suffers with low heels, and would twist his left hind as he walked, causing him physical issues. After speaking to many professional vets, I was assured that unfortunately this is the way he moves and nothing could be done.

I asked Nigel - my new farrier at the time - to have a look at him and see if he could help in any way. Nigel had him walk away in a straight line watching my horses left hind swing out and asses his gait.

Nigel set to work immediately and made him a pair of special ‘sneakers’ for his hind feet (both of them). My horse needed a large amount of frog support. Nigel saw this immediately as soon as he saw my Sports horse take his first steps.

My horse went on to move correctly and no longer suffers with sore muscles in his body and of course he is walking correctly!

My horses hearts (and mine!) were broken the day he told us he was moving away forever to Kentucky, USA. Kentucky has stolen a very special human from us across the pond.

We will miss Nigel’s hilarious humour and comments.

Best farrier in the World! And he actually holds that title many times over professionally.”

Lisa, Winchester, U.K.

“Nigel Fennell was my trusted farrier for over twenty years until he moved to the U.S.

I was initially introduced to Nigel as a remedial farrier by my vet when I had a horse with some specialised shoeing requirements. I never looked back - he has since over the years shod over 20 Sports/Dressage horses I have owned - including a National Champion.

I respect him immensely and have recommended his services to so many equestrian professionals over the years. He has never put a ‘foot wrong’, whatever the challenge or circumstance.

It was a real loss to us all when Nigel decided to cross the pond, anyone who selects his services will never look back - he’s a genius.”

Sally, Winchfield, U.K.

“I was extremely lucky that Nigel stepped in to take on my very loved pony where 4 other farriers had failed.

Having had a lot of horses and ponies for 50 years, all of which spent their entire lives with me, I had many with troublesome feet, but none that threw up the problems Joey had.

Nigel worked extremely closely with my excellent vet, who also highly valued Nigel expertise and knowledge.

He took the time to slowly reshape, introduce state of the art pads to remove pressure from the sole to the frog, until he had enough foot to redesign and make a stunning set of shoes.

I had one very satisfied pony who learned to walk properly again.

Nigel never rushed the process and his patience was wonderful. He never gave up on Joey and I will always be grateful for his expertise and support from him and Susie.

He is very much missed on this side of the pond by many many owners, top equine vets and even more of their four hooved friends.

VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND.”

Sarah, Aldershot, U.K.

Nigel had been shoeing for me for many years.

One of my horses suffered with laminitis and the pedal bone had started to rotate. Nigel knew exactly what to do to help my horse to prevent it getting any worse and to help my horse be sound and comfortable.

I also had a horse with low heels, so Nigel was able to work with him and get his heels back to where they should have been.

Nigel has always kept my horses sound and able to work.

I was sad when he said he was moving to Kentucky. He was a fantastic farrier and will be very missed.”

Lacey, Lower Farringdon, U.K.

“Nigel was recommended to me when my horse was walking on his tip toes, looking very uncomfortable.

Nigel was kind enough to come out to take a look at his hooves for me as I was sure that his feet were the cause of his discomfort. He came and noticed that the previous farrier had trimmed off far too much heel from his front hooves and that they were an uneven size. Nigel corrected these issues over the next couple of shoeing sessions and my horse has been happy in his hooves ever since!

Nigel was always extremely quiet and gentle with my young horse, who at the beginning was not very good to shoe (I’m assuming associated pain with being shod from the farriers work previously), but my horse soon realised that Nigel was a good guy and now he stands beautifully.

It’s so important to me to have a patient and kind farrier and anyone would be lucky to have their horses shod by him.

We were very sad to see him leave the U.K.”