Meet The Team
At The Little Hoof Company, our team is made up of much-loved animals and the people who care for them. Every visit is led with kindness, experience and a strong focus on animal welfare, ensuring calm, meaningful interactions for everyone we meet.
Tinka
Hi, I’m Tinka, founder of The Little Hoof Company.I created Little Hoof to share the joy, calm and connection that miniature ponies bring, always with welfare, safety and kindness at the heart of everything we do. I’m present at every visit, overseeing welfare, handling and planning, and working closely with venues to ensure each experience is safe, relaxed and tailored to those taking part.
Doug (Miniature Shetland)
Doug is calm, curious and loves gentle pats. He’s especially great at helping nervous visitors feel at ease.
Digby (Miniature Shetland)
Digby is very steady and reliable, always happy to stand for brushing, painting and photos.
Yoda (Pygmy Goat)
Yoda is playful and makes lots of friends, great for sensory visits.
Gilbert (Pygmy Goat)
Gilbert is a sweetheart who enjoys quiet cuddles and lovely with carers and children alike.
Caring for Our Animals
Our animals are truly at the heart of our business and are treasured members of our family. They are not simply animals we work with, but much-loved companions who are treated with endless care, patience and affection.
Their wellbeing always comes first. Every visit is carefully planned to ensure our animals are never overworked and always feel relaxed, safe and comfortable. They receive visits from a farrier, routine veterinary care, annual dental checks and professional physiotherapy, supporting their comfort, movement and overall wellbeing.
When they’re not out meeting people, our animals enjoy quiet days in the field, gentle grooming sessions, also the ponies compete at local and national level in Carraiage driving; both individually and in pairs and plenty of time to just be ponies. We believe that when animals feel calm, content and loved, it shines through in every interaction. Happy animals create magical, meaningful moments and we are proud to give ours the care, respect and attention they deserve every single day.
We are fully licensed by Adur District Council under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 for the keeping and training of animals for exhibition. Our licence also covers our donkeys and goats and is valid until January 2029.
We take great pride in operating to the highest welfare standards, with careful planning, gentle handling and regular rest periods built into every visit. Copies of our licence, insurance and risk assessments are always available on request.