My first introduction to the horse happened when I was 6 years old and my grandfather took me to work with him. He was a farrier and I’ll ever-remember the sight and smell of the first horse I’d ever seen and my grandpa’s gentle kindness and skill as he fired up the forge and applied the shoes.

As much as 80% of forelimb lameness is due to problems involving the feet. Therapeutic farriery, corrective shoeing, and podiatry describe the care of a horse’s hoof to ad­dress abnormal conditions. Therapeutic goals include protection of internal or external injuries and wounds, stabiliza­tion of the hoof capsule, orthotic support, modifi­cation of static and dynamic biomechanics of the foot-ground interface, and protection or support of structures above the hoof. Other injuries located further up the leg that benefit from therapeutic farriery include tendon and ligament conditions and diseases of bones and joints. Conformational abnormali­ties can often be improved with timely, proper attention.

Therapeutic shoe­ing (including various shoes, pads and application methods) is practiced by most farriers and many undertake additional training, apprenticeships, case studies, and testing. Some farriers go on to study veterinary science and some veterinarians also train as farriers to gain experi­ence and specialty beyond what is provided in vet school. Equine veterinarian Dr Jen Lugton is one such vet and member of the International Association of Professional Farriers (APF). Jen holds seminars and workshops for equine veterinarians and farriers and runs a specialty equine veterinary practice in the Sydney region. (1)

Veterinarians and farriers have a shared history. In the second century AD Roman military history refers to a place for injured and sick horses, complete with a forge, as a veterinarium. And in the Middle Ages, a horse care-giver was responsible for the overall health of the horse and its feet. In the 18th century the training of vets and farriers diverged and each profession developed its own specialties. With a shared dedication to doing what is best for the horse, each profession has evolved to include hoof care within its mission – and to attend horses on demand -  showing no signs of suffering when foul weather or fractious horses prevail.

Working together and sharing information leads to better patient care. Many opportunities have arisen to improve outcomes when veterinarians and farriers work together identifying the definitive cause of lameness and applying the most appropriate corrective farriery. Excellent continuing education opportunities for veterinarians and farriers are more numerous than ever before. Research will continue to produce knowledge, techniques and materials relevant to therapeutic farriery. Given their millennia of sacrifice and service to man, our horses deserve no less.

(1). Jennifer Lugton BVSc APF 
61 (0) 422 864 422
Balanced Veterinary Services
213 Springwood Rd, Yarramundi, NSW 2753

Dr Jennifer Stewart - Jenquine
Equine Clinical Nutrtion