Insufficient knowledge and education of hoof biomechanics causes confusion to equine professionals as to what constitutes functional hoof care.
Education
The majority of care for the equine foot is done by farriers. IFEPR will conduct educational programs for farriers starting May, 2021. The curriculum will include applicable embryology, histology, physics, radiography and other basic sciences pertaining to the form and function of the equine foot. Trimming feet using radiographic data to assist in evaluating trim methods, shoe type discussion and application for different disease processes will be part of the course.
It is anticipated that in 2022 horse owners can attend these courses.
Funding will be requested to put these courses into electronic forms for wider distribution.
“Natural form of the fore feet of horses before any art has been employed approaches a circle.”
Equine Podiatry Education
Professionals
Identifying a functional or diseased foot
Understanding why there is disease
Trimming the foot to encourage and promote normal tissue function
Select and apply materials best suited for the purpose and environment of each case
Evaluation post-treatment to assess if objective has been attained
Institutional Curriculum
Accredidation
Specialty degree track roadmap
Textbooks and Educational Materials
World class research program
Research publications
Hands-On Veterinary and Farrier Training
Educational Materials
Lectures, Books, Videos, Hands-On Training
Textbooks about the equine foot for veterinary, farrier, and laymen
Anatomy and functional anatomy covered in all educational literature
Specified tissue function literature
How to trim and shoe in order to support tissue function