Vet-Farrier Scholarship

This annual scholarship is offered in collaboration with the NZ Farriers Association and the Equine Branch of the NZ Veterinary Association.

It aims to provide a veterinarian and a farrier with the opportunity to attend a suitable course or symposium and/or spend time with colleagues in the USA to improve their knowledge and skills in the care and treatment of horses' feet.

The scholarship is open to applications from both a veterinarian and a farrier from the same geographical area, and successful applicants will receive funding to cover the costs of attending a suitable course or symposium, or to spend time with colleagues in the USA.

The NZERF Vet-Farrier Scholarship has two primary objectives:

1. To improve the knowledge and skill of New Zealand veterinarians and farriers in the care and treatment of horses' feet. This scholarship is intended to help successful applicants to learn new techniques, technologies, and methods to help them provide better care for horses in New Zealand.

2. To encourage veterinarians and farriers to work together as a team to overcome foot problems. By supporting joint education opportunities, the scholarship aims to promote collaboration and communication between these two important professions. It is hoped that this will lead to improved outcomes for horses and to strengthen relationships between veterinarians and farriers.

If you are a veterinarian or farrier interested in applying for the NZERF Vet-Farrier Scholarship, please download and complete the application form available on this page. Applications are assessed by a panel of experts from the NZ Equine Research Foundation, the NZ Farriers Association, and the Equine Branch of the NZ Veterinary Association. Successful applicants will be notified in due course, and funding will be provided to assist cover the costs of attending a suitable course or symposium or spending time with colleagues in the USA. Scholarships are valued at $3,000 per veterinarian and farrier.

We encourage all veterinarians and farriers with an interest in equine foot care to apply for the NZERF Vet-Farrier Scholarship. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge, build relationships with colleagues, and make a valuable contribution to the New Zealand equine industry.

The concept of having teams from the same geographical area attending the course together is to maximise leverage when cases are being dealt with locally. The NZ Equine Research Foundation is delighted to hear that the scholarship is making a positive impact on the knowledge and skills of veterinarians and farriers in the care and treatment of the horses’ foot. Feedback from previous recipients has been very positive.

Applications close annually on 30 November.