From X-rays to hot shoeing, workshop offers hands-on horse hoof training
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The following is a news release from the University of Idaho.
GRACE – University of Idaho Extension’s Caribou County office will host a workshop designed to help veterinarians and farriers work together to properly trim, balance and shoe equine hooves so they bear weight evenly.
The workshop will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the UI Extension Caribou County Office, 117 West First North, Grace. It will be led by Utah State University (USU) faculty members Danny Smith and Karl Hoopes, who regularly present similar training programs throughout Utah.
The workshop is open to veterinarians, farriers and horse owners, with space available for up to 30 participants. For more information, contact Extension educator Justin Hatch at (208) 547-3205 or JLHatch@uidaho.edu.
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While the region has many veterinarians who work with large animals and livestock, relatively few specialize in equine care. The workshop aims to provide veterinarians with more detailed training on taking hoof x-rays that meet the needs of farriers, who specialize in hoof care and maintenance.
The workshop will begin with presentations on covering hoof balance, conformation, evaluation, diagnostic x-rays and collaboration between veterinarians and farriers. A demonstration showing veterinarians and farriers working together to address hoof issues will follow.
Smith and Hoopes will also present a hot-shoeing demonstration. Participants will also take part in hands-on activities focused on evaluating, diagnosing and treating equine hoof imbalance.
Improperly balanced hooves can lead to uneven wear, increased strain on tendons, ligaments and joints, altered gait, reduced performance and, hoof cracks and lameness.
“We hope the equine community will find it useful,” Hatch said. “If there’s enough interest, there may be opportunities to offer additional equine events in the future.”