I was recommended to Matt Staples when I moved back to Horsham in February 2010, after living in Manchester for 7 yrs.  My horse is a 16.1h Irish Sports Horse, who’s feet have caused me plenty of stress and cost me lots of money over the 9.5 yrs I have owned her.  When I first bought moon we lived in Lancashire and it took no less than four farriers until I found someone able to keep Moon sound and level.  Matthew was regrettably not the first farrier I found upon moving back to Sussex, her feet had deteriorated and I was unhappy that she felt unlevel again.  Matt quickly rectified this by finding corns adjusting hoof balance  and adding pads.  Since then matt has recommend special shoes to help with moons foot alignment. 

I would definitely recommend Matt to everyone.  If he can keep my horse sound with flat feet, soft soles and thin walls I reckon he’d wave his magic rasp on all horses!
Matt is also a fountain of knowledge that he happily shares and never makes you feel that you are cross examining him.  I just like to know why to lots of things and he will happily take time to explain.

Matt Staples was recommended to me by a friend when I first got my horse Billy in 2008. Billy is a 16.2hh, 19 year old thoroughbred who had part of his dorsal spine removed when he was four. He has an abnormal shaped back and this effects his feet. He is also extremely sensitive in the hoof and has very delicate feet which are a challenge to work with. Throughout the four years that Matt has been shoeing billy he has worked with him to get his feet to the best possible condition they can be. He is flexible and innovative in his approach and with his wealth of knowledge he is not afraid to try something different. He offers well informed advise which is based on up to date information he has gleaned from studying and learning abroad and never pressurises you to do anything. He is guided by the best interests of the horse and understands the financial impact us horse owners face. Billy has a terrible habit of losing shoes often in spectacular style causing maximum damage to the hoof. Matt will always come the rescue and ensure he comes out quickly to remedy the situation. Matt has my total trust in looking after my horses best interests, he is extremely knowledgable and trustworthy and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone.

Rachel Carr

I have been using Matt to shoe Bentley for around 15years. Bentley is a 20 year old Irish sports horse. He has a limb deformation that results in a toe in conformation with a broken back hoof pastern alignment. Bentley has had some lameness issues in the past. Bentley has had some x-rays taken however these were inconclusive & these lameness issues are unfortunately largely un-diagnosed as Bentley needed further investigation i.e. scans. If it wasn't for matt he would never be sound Matt has always put Bentley’s welfare first, always taken time and care over him, matt regularly hoof tests and lever tests Bentley to make sure Bentley has the right shoes and pads to keep him comfortable. Nothing has ever been to much trouble, thank u for your hard work and patience

Carly Gary

I have used Matt to shoe my horses since 2000 when I bought my beloved 17.2hh Belgian Warmblood show jumper as a 5 yr old. By 2006 he was successfully jumping foxhunter/1.30m. Unfortunately following injury he then went lame that summer and after having the usual lameness investigations he was referred for an MRI scan. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with Navicular Disease with a very poor prognosis. He did not respond at all to the maximum dosage of Bute. The only drug we felt helped was ‘Tildren’

My vet and Matt worked together on how best to manage this crippling disease . Matt worked extremely carefully taking enormous time to ensure he was shod using the best appropriate techniques to allow him to remain in work and comfortable. If Big Ears ever lost a shoe or dislodged it, Mat would always try his best to be there the same day, and if not that day, early the next because Big Ears could not manage without his front feet being exactly right. Matt helped Big Ears remain pain free for 5 years. If there was anything he discovered that might help his situation, he would try it. Without Matt’s help and hard work I would have lost him in 2006, however through his diligence, he went on to compete at Newcomers level for 18months whereupon I decided to retire him from competing. I am so grateful to Matt. If it wasn’t for him I would not have had such a comfortable and willing to work horse for so long.

Jane Fry

I have known Matt for a number of years and he has looked after my horse hooves since he set up on his own. Matt has worked well alongside my vets practice and comes highly recommended.
Matt is always reliable and trustworthy. my horses feet always look good and he gives helpful advice and will consult you on any issues

Sam Parren – Lotty

I have been using Matt to shoe my 6 horses for 15 years! I have not had any problems with my horses! Matt has said they are uncomplicated horses, however they remain sound! they have never lost a shoe and matt always turns up when he says he is going too! what more can i ask for?

Nicky Barton

‘For the last 11 year Matt Staples had been shoeing both of my horses, Biggles and Biff and he has given me a first class service over this time. Matt is very knowledgeable about up to date techniques due to his continued attendance at conferences as far off as the USA where he discusses current and novel foot care for the horse with experts and other delegates at the conferences. As a human anatomist I can see how Matt uses his considerable knowledge of equine anatomy to the benefit of his clients and their equines. Both my horses have required remedial shoeing from time to time and Matt has always ensured they have the best of care. After a visit to Liphook Equine Hospital the top veterinary surgeon at the hospital asked who my farrier was. After telling him, he said that I should pass on to Matt that his shoeing was first class, which of course I was more than happy to do. Apart from being a superb farrier, Matt is very approachable and will always fully discuss the requirements of the horse with the owner. I think it is testament to his skills as a farrier that at the livery yard I now run in my retirement, Matt is currently shoeing 12 of the 19 horses at livery.

Professor Di Lawrence- Watt – Biff & Biggales

Matt has been our farrier for many years. He has always been so reliable and professional, offering excellent advice with his boundless knowledge. He has such interest and enthusiasm for his work which is what makes Matt such an excellent farrier. He is very patient with both horse and owner! and genuinely cares for the horses he works with. I feel really honoured to be one of Matts clients and would never hesitate to recommend him.

Natalie King - Ruby

Just wanted to say how pleased we are with the results you have achieved with our pony. Because you have worked so closely with the vet we have been assured that Edward is getting the very best care and he is now on the mend.

Cathy Evans - Edward

I have known Matt Staples since he was a young boy. He handled the horses and ponies he owned and rode with sensitivity and kindness. When he qualified as a farrier we were delighted and I have used him ever since. Several of our horses have had difficult or damaged feet and he has always been able to come up with solutions to deal with the problems and keep the horses sound. Recently a thirty-one year old ex endurance horse kept with me was given an m.o.t. by our vet. Matt has shod him for many years and the vet was very impressed by how good his feet were, actually commenting on this when writing his report.

Lynn Heydon –Mac , Munchi & Penn Dragon