Jack O’Brien
Vet-Farrier Scholarship 2018

Thanks to the NZERF Vet - Farrier Scholarship I was able to attend the North Eastern American Equine Practitioners Conference held in Saratoga Springs, New York.

The podiatry portion of the conference focused on the relationship between veterinarians and farriers and how they can work together to improve the horse’s performance in all disciplines. Saratoga Springs is a city that loves the Sport of Kings. Racing started at Saratoga in 1666 and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame celebrates jockeys, trainers and equine athletes from the time of Man O’ War and Seabiscuit to more recent times, including American Pharaoh and Justify.

The conference looked at issues encountered by both vets and farriers and how these can be addressed to get the best result for the client. A main theme of the conference was putting the theory into practice. Many of the speakers are involved in podiatry from both an academic and a practical point of view. While understanding the theory and science of the equine digit is important, the practical expertise that the speakers brought was both inspiring and easily applicable.

Dr Ric Redden’s lectures on laminitis were very informative. His approach to laminitis has been perfected over many years and this knowledge is also applicable in New Zealand. Dr Redden has a great understanding of the pathophysiology of laminitis and when to modify the angles and shoeing techniques for both acute and chronic cases. His shoeing techniques were demonstrated during the practical workshop which was well attended by both vets and farriers.

Radiographs before and after shoeing provide a lot of strategic information and form an important part of the vet/farrier interaction. They allow evaluation of palmar/ plantar angle and shoeing balance, and are useful for developing an approach to laminitis and selecting the correct shoe for specific circumstances. In-depth evaluation of hoof balance and shoeing was done using video analysis, to allow better understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that affect how the hoof interacts with different surfaces and varying disciplines. For example, strain on the suspensory ligament branches can be alleviated by widening the shoe on the affected side to decrease the depth to the hoof sinks into the surface upon contact.

One of the most relevant lectures pertained to the low/crushed heel syndrome that the New Zealand thoroughbred is prone to. Many factors are thought to contribute to this syndrome, including genetics, excessive rasping and infrequent farriery attention, the environment (e.g. excessive moisture) and excessive loading of the heels without frog support.

The palmar aspect of the foot was compared to a suspensory apparatus, and methods of providing heel support using different shoeing techniques to enhance normal heel expansion and growth were discussed. The practical workshop facilitated by a range of experienced podiatry specialists, allowed the conference attendees to put what they had learned into practice.

Overall it was a fantastic experience and I would like to thank the NZERF for the opportunity to travel to Saratoga to attend the conference.