Keep one step ahead

...Keep one step ahead

XLEquine and World Horse Welfare believe that

vets and farriers must work as a team to manage

a horse's athletic soundness and performance.

Experience at the charity’s centres and at XLEquine

practices demonstrate that the collaborative

dynamic between a vet and farrier is important in

ensuring a horse remains sound and receives the

best possible hoof care. Communication and

cooperative planning when approaching a horse's

feet, as a vet-farrier team, we believe, is a winning

solution for all.

The equine vet and farrier who seek to establish a

strong and enduring professional relationship will

be rewarded with enhanced development of their

respective practices and many opportunities for

continued learning. We would urge farriers to

appreciate the vet’s expertise and scientific

knowledge in diagnostic imaging and both medical

and surgical therapeutics. Similarly, vets must

recognise that farriers have valuable knowledge

and practical experience.

XLEquine vets aim to discuss the proposed

diagnosis and treatment plans for horses with foot

problems clearly and agree on each professional's

role in implementation on a case-by-case basis.

We will take full responsibility for the prescribing,

dispensing, or administration of medicines, as well

as when radiography and other imaging techniques

such as MRI may be needed. We seriously consider

the farrier's input on any case and must often defer

to the farrier on matters concerning construction

and material selection of a hoof appliance, the

trim of the foot, and the interval length between

farriery visits. Effective farriery combines art and

experience and it is the farrier who brings this to

the table.

Clear communication is key, and problems with a

horse's care are best conveyed to all parties so

there are no surprises for the owner, trainer, vet,

or farrier. XLEquine are keen that our vets share

complete case information and comprehensive

instructions with our farriers in clear and concise

language and we are also keen to include the horse

owner in our discussions, actively encouraging

them to participate as an integral part of the

decision-making process.

This approach ensures all parties are working

together with the patient’s welfare as everyone’s

primary focus.

Farriery has been recognised centuries before veterinary medicine's

emergence as a distinct profession. As knowledge of the equine digit's

form and function has expanded and medical technology evolved,

especially over the past few decades, the opportunities have grown for

the veterinary and farriery professions to work cooperatively to better

the health of their patients.

XLEquine

keeping one step ahead